Breakfast links: WMATA launches new fare program for low-income riders
Farecard machines at Rosslyn station by m01229 licensed under Creative Commons.
New WMATA program to provide half-price fares to low-income riders
People who qualify for SNAP benefits will soon be able to join Metro Lift, a new program that will provide half-price fares. The move is another way WMATA is attempting to lower fares for riders in need of assistance. WMATA estimates that about 377,000 people in the Washington region will qualify for the new program. (Justin George / Post)
Pollution from vehicles, wildfires are bringing down DC’s air quality
Vehicular emissions and overlapping pollen seasons are causing a general decline in the Washington region’s air quality this year, along with wildfire smoke drifting from Nova Scotia and New Jersey. While the region is currently at a Code Orange on the federal Air Quality Index (AQI), it’s been as high as Code Red as recently as the Fourth of July of 2020 and the air quality can vary based on neighborhood. However, pandemic restrictions on mobility/travel did reduce the number of days of Code Orange in 2020 to just two. (Aja Drain / DCist)
Downtown DC BID aims for more parks, retail, and universities to support revitalization
The transformation of downtown DC is about more than just converting offices to residences, according to Gerren Price, president and CEO of the DowntownDC Business Improvement District. In a recent interview with Washingtonian, Price discussed the organization’s plans for facilitating the creation of more downtown amenities suited to residents, such as a grocery store and public green spaces, building off the success of Franklin Park’s redevelopment, as well as the role of universities. (Editor’s note: the Downtown DC BID is a member of DC Sustainable Transportation, a coalition GGWash manages) (Luke Mullins / Washingtonian)
District goverment selects team to redevelop U Street’s Reeves Center
The District has tapped a trio of developers to reimagine and revamp the Franklin D. Reeves Center, a DC government building at 14th and U Streets NW. Plans say the new project will include the new NAACP headquarters, a hotel, several restaurants, art organizations, and over 300 housing units. The procurement process had been extended previously to encourage more Black and non-white developers to submit proposals. (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)
Developer unveils plans for Tastee Diner in Silver Spring
A plot of land in Silver Spring that includes the Tastee Diner and a Capitol One bank could one day be home to a 550,000 square foot residential space with over 500 housing units, according to a developer’s preliminary plans. The diner’s historic rail car will also be incorporated into the mixed-use space. (Source of the Spring)
Orange Line getting replacement rails this summer, while Yellow Line gets more frequent service
WMATA Orange Line stations Vienna and Dunn Loring are now closed until June 25 and West Falls Church and East Falls Church until July 16 as part of a rail replacement project. WMATA is also increasing service on the Yellow Line thanks to the availability of more 7000-series railcars. (Justin George / Post)
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