Breakfast Links: DASH buses break ridership records after going fare-free
Alexandria DASH 2021 Proterra ZX5 808 “BOB” by Elyse Horvath used with permission.
Alexandria’s DASH bus breaks ridership records after its fare-free overhaul
Alexandria’s DASH buses broke ridership records, supporting 4.5 million boardings in Fiscal Year 2023 — three times its ridership in FY 2021. This comes two years after eliminating fares and reorienting routes for more frequent service in higher-density areas. (Vernon Miles / ALXnow)
Maryland highways have fewer travelers but more fatalities than before the pandemic
A new national study finds highway traffic fatalities have increased 16% per mile since 2019 in Maryland despite fewer vehicles traveling. Major causes are distracted driving, speeding, and not wearing seatbelts. (This article is behind a paywall). (Daniel Zawodny / Baltimore Banner)
Crews continue to remove trees on the George Washington Parkway from weekend storm
Workers continue to clear storm-toppled trees from the George Washington Parkway. A northbound lane reopened Tuesday on the major highway following its shutdown by the “most intense storm of the year.” The southbound lane is slated to open today. (This article may be behind a paywall). (Post)
A new bicycle and pedestrian trail will connect Prince George’s County to Southeast DC
The 6.5-mile Central Avenue Connector Trail will connect Capitol Heights Metro station and Largo Town Center. A $25 million grant will fund the project, which doesn’t have a final design nor start date yet. (Adam Tuss / NBC 4 Washington)
Washington region apartment rent increases could be slowing down
Although rents in newer, amenity-rich apartment buildings are still climbing, the size of those increases is decreasing in the second quarter of this year in the Washington region. A Delta Associates report points to newly constructed units, increasing the supply of apartments, as contributing to the shift. (UrbanTurf)
Virginia’s budget gridlock is over tax cuts
Virginia’s General Assembly is struggling to pass a state budget update, leaving $4 billion unallocated. The deadlock is over Governor Youngkin’s proposed $1 billion tax cut. The negotiations may extend into next legislative session. (VPM)
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