Breakfast links: WMATA considering zone-based fares for Metro
New Metro faregates at Wheaton station in December 2021 by Adam Fagan licensed under Creative Commons.
WMATA explores new fare systems as part of budget optimizations
WMATA’s board met Thursday to discuss fare and service optimizations in order to address budgetary concerns. Most notably, the board explored raising rail fares to address current budgetary issues, as well as the possibility of introducing a new fare structure, such as a zone-based system. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
MoCo Council appoints interim Planning Board
The Montgomery County Council has appointed an interim Planning Board less than three weeks after the resignation of all previous members. The new Planning Board will remain until a permanent board can be appointed by the Council. (Bethesda Beat)
Free fares lead to rise in VRE ridership
VRE’s ridership levels increased in September after the agency eliminated fares for the month in response to the Blue and Yellow Lines’ shutdowns. While temporary, the renewed interest may lead to future fare-free September, pending continued ridership. (Jared Foretek / InsideNoVA)
Apartment building to replace closed motel site in Arlington
Developer JBG Smith has filed plans to build an apartment building at the site of the now-defunct Inn at Rosslyn. The motel will be demolished despite its status as an “important” site on the Arlington Resources Inventory list, keeping in line with recommendations from 2008’s Fort Myer Heights North Plan. (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)
District to address rising traffic fatalities
A Vision Zero report has found that traffic-based deaths in the District have risen since 2015, despite Mayor Muriel Bowser’s commitment to reduce them. To address rising fatality rates, the District plans to implement stricter traffic regulations, with a focus on Wards 7 and 8. (Luz Lazo / Post)
Prince George’s County positioned for future development
Prince George’s County is poised to become many developers’ new focus thanks to its available existing land and public infrastructure funding. The recently updated Blue Line corridor is of special interest, with plans for a mixed-use development near the Downtown Largo station. (Jacob Wallace / Bisnow)
Ashburn community raises concern about new Silver Line connected bus stop
In anticipation of the Silver Line opening, Loudoun County Transit is pulling together a new bus service. One community, however, thinks its bus stop on the new route will destroy their quality of life. (Amena H. Sayid / Loudoun County Times)
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