Breakfast links: WMATA will reassess fare increase proposal
Metro faregates at Wheaton Plaza by Adam Fagen licensed under Creative Commons.
WMATA to review effects of prospective fare increases
Metro’s proposed five percent fare increase, which would take effect during peak hours, has raised concern amongst leadership and board members because of its potential consequences for suburban commuters. Consequently, leadership wants more data to understand how to alleviate the worst of the economic consequences for these riders. (Note: GGWash board chair Tracy Hadden Loh is also on WMATA’s board. She does not have editorial input). (Justin George / Post)
Purple Line work causes disruptions in Silver Spring
The Silver Spring Transit Center has started to undergo closures for commuters thanks to work on the upcoming Purple Line. The most disruptive work will not begin until later in the year. (Steve Bohnel / Bethesda Beat)
Advocates criticize changes in DDOT’s traffic safety improvement process
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT)’s changes to its traffic safety improvement request process have drawn concern from local advocates and officials. While the changes were meant to streamline traffic safety efforts, critics say these feel dismissive and lack transparency regarding the decision process. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
Annual average home price in Washington region falls for first time in six years
According to the latest Bright MLS report, in addition to this being the first annual drop since 2016, average home prices have been decreasing from their peak in May 2022. While mortgage interest rates remain high, the report notes that could also change. (UrbanTurf)
Fairfax County, Reston to discuss redevelopment proposals
Fairfax County has decided to review 75 applications for its Site Specific Plan Amendment, 13 of which are in Reston’s Hunter Mill District. The area has seen an increase in empty office space, leading to a demand for more housing and recreational space. Reston will hold multiple virtual open houses this month to go over some of the proposals. (Fatimah Waseem / FFXNow)
Despite Vision Zero pledge, traffic injury and fatality rates remain steady in Alexandria
Alexandria took the Vision Zero pledge in 2017, and the statistics since then have been mixed. While the total number of crashes has fallen, traffic injuries and fatalities have not. The city hopes to address this by redesigning areas with a history of crashes and eliminating right turns on red lights at certain intersections. (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)
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