Breakfast links: WMATA releases first major bus redesign proposal in 50 years
WMATA’s new vision for Metrobus: they come more often and more of them run all night
WMATA has released its proposed Better Bus maps for a redesigned bus network, the first system-wide redesign since the consolidated bus system opened in 1973. While the plan is not yet funded, it features 100 routes with bus frequencies of at least every 20 minutes and in many cases every 12 minutes. It would also “simplify” many routes, and add 24-hour service to several of them, including a route to Dulles Airport. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
New, higher Metro fares go into effect on July 1
WMATA will raise Metrorail fares to help offset budget woes brought on by a pandemic-induced drop in ridership. Starting July 1, fares for weekday trips will start at a minimum of $2, with a $0.40 per mile charge after the first three miles. Weekday fares will be capped at a maximum of $6, while weekend and late-night fares will remain at a flat $2, regardless of distance traveled. (Sarah Y. Kim / DCist)
Efforts to bring workers back to downtown DC clash with workers’ preferences
Business leaders and local officials are trying to get more office workers to return to downtown DC, but this is proving to be an uphill battle as 67% of remote-capable workers polled say their preference is to work from home all or most of the time. (Post)
WMATA’s funding model needs to change
WMATA has longstanding structural issues with its operations funding model that pre-date the pandemic but now, as pandemic-era relief sunsets and ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, those challenges are being brought into sharper relief. Among several issues, the subsidies that DC, Maryland, and Virginia provide are capped at 3% increases per year, which is not enough to keep pace with rising costs, and federal support for operations is insufficient. (Dan Brendel and Hannah Denham / Business Journal)
More details emerge on District transportation-related budget cuts
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser says she’s been forced to make difficult decisions to cut transportation spending and services due to a difficult budgetary outlook brought on by declining commercial property tax revenue and the end of federal aid. In addition to previously announced cuts for the DC Circulator, funding for school crossing guards is also on the chopping block. The mayor has also proposed adding speed cameras for more District revenue, but DC Council members and other advocates note this is a violation of a law requiring the revenue go toward Vision Zero efforts. (Luz Lazo / Post)
Gallaudet has big plans for its western fringe
Gallaudet University is working with a local real estate developer to convert the parking lots and garages along its 6th Street NE side, which faces Union Market, into over 800 multifamily units and tens of thousands of square feet of retail. The project includes a memorial for deaf Black children, named after the mother who led the fight with both Gaulladet and DC to get an education for her son. It also features paths to help link the campus and its student community to the fast-changing neighborhood around them. (Hannah Denham / Washington Business Journal)
Loudoun confirms effort to land new Commanders stadium
Loudoun County officials have confirmed they’re lobbying the Washington Commanders to select the county for the site of a new stadium. The county is already home to the team’s administrative headquarters and a training facility. However, some county officials oppose the move over concerns that a new stadium will lead to more traffic and crime. (Coy Ferrell / Loudoun Times)
New young adult novel has teens take on gentrification
The book of fiction, by LA writer Jade Adia, explores teenagers’ dismay over changes in their neighborhood and the steps they take to try to stop it. The author was inspired by teen participants in the protests that followed the murder of George Floyd and hopes that telling the story of gentrification, over-policing, climate change, and discrimination in this way will make the topic more accessible to youth - and adults - who might otherwise not read much about those topics. (Linda Poon / CityLab)
Woodner Tenant Union organizes fight against eviction cases for dozens of residents
The Woodner Tenant Union is trying to help dozens of residents of DC apartment complex The Woodner fight eviction cases now that the District’s eviction moratorium has expired and the court system has caught up with processing evictions. While DC will permit a nearly 9% rent increase in rent-controlled units, it remains uncertain how much Woodner management plans on raising the rent. (Matt Blitz / DCist)
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