Breakfast links: Amtrak expands service from DC to Roanoke, Norfolk

LinksBy Matt Gontarchick (Contributor) July 11, 2022

Amtrak train coming through Richmond Va. at Main Street Station. by Tom Saunders, VDOT licensed under Creative Commons.

Amtrak passengers have more round trip options from DC to Norfolk, Roanoke

Starting today, Amtrak is running two new round trips from DC to Roanoke and Norfolk as a part of a multi-billion dollar effort to expand rail service. Additionally, Virginia is expanding its track on the I-95 corridor to handle more passenger service.  (Luz Lazo / Post)

Electric bus terminal to open in Silver Spring this September

An electric bus terminal set to open this September in Silver Spring will use solar panels on its roof to help power Montgomery County’s growing Ride On electric bus fleet. The effort is part of a county goal to convert its publicly owned vehicles to zero emissions by 2035.  (Gaya Gupta / Post)

One of Fairfax County’s largest affordable housing complexes to open soon

A new apartment complex in Huntington will be one of the largest affordable housing developments in Fairfax County once it opens this fall. Known as the Arden, the complex will feature 126 apartments available for those making between 40% and 80% of the area median income.  (Matt Blitz / FFXnow)

Pedestrian dies after hit-and-run in Fairfax County

Last Thursday, a motorist struck a 56-year-old woman who was walking just outside a crosswalk on Richmond Highway. The woman later died in the hospital from her injuries. The driver is still at-large. Correction: A previous version of this link said the crash happened in Alexandria. The hit-and-run crash was in Fairfax County.   (WUSA 9)

Program to help new MoCo homeowners with down payments

Montgomery County launched a pair of programs to help provide assistance with down payments or closing costs for new home buyers in the county. Either program will provide down payment assistance loans up to $25,000 or 40% of household income, depending on whichever is less.  (Mike Diegel / Source of the Spring)

MoCo to restore fees for Ride On buses

Starting August 1, passengers on Montgomery County’s Ride On buses will once again have to pay fares, with a one-way trip at $1 and monthly passes for $22.50.  The initially suspended fares early in the COVID-19 pandemic.  (Gina Cook / NBCWashington. Tip: Chester B.)

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