Breakfast links: VRE continues on track toward Saturday service
VRE train 304 from Fredericksburg, seen in 2023. Image by Austin MacDougall used with permission.
VRE continues on the track toward Saturday service
Virginia Railway Express (VRE)’s System Plan 2050 includes Saturday service (before 2050!) as part of an overall plan to expand rail transit options and provide riders with more flexibility. The VRE Operations Board passed a budget last year that included a Saturday service plan and the next step is to vote on this System Plan on June 21. (Nathaniel Cline / InsideNoVa)
In wake of eminent domain ruling, Amtrak has immediate changes in mind for Union Station
In the wake of a court ruling, Amtrak and the current manager of Union Station have until May 1 to negotiate a transition of the lease, but that hasn’t stopped Amtrak from sharing plans for the space. In shifting from the role of subtenant controlling less than 20% of the property to leaseholder, Amtrak plans to convert some of the space currently reserved for commercial and retail uses toward customer-oriented uses. This includes new lounges and seating, a ticketing area, and improved “redcap” service. (This article is behind a paywall.) (Daniel J. Sernovitz / Business Journal)
Virginia’s approach to funding WMATA this year still under negotiation
After Governor Glenn Youngkin proposed a budget amendment that would reduce support for WMATA and redirect funding away from other transit costs and toward WMATA, questions remain about how Virginia will ultimately assemble the funds WMATA needs. Fairfax County officials are urging state lawmakers to reject the amendment while also exploring whether it is feasible to allocate increased local funding for WMATA. (Angela Woolsey / FFXnow)
Prince George’s County tenants organize for permanent rent stabilization
With temporary rental caps set to expire in October, community organizations and coalitions are organizing for permanent rent stabilization. Some members of the Prince George’s County Council and apartment building owners oppose permanent caps, arguing they would discourage new development and leave building owners without enough funds to maintain their properties. (This article may be behind a paywall.) (Kyle Swenson / Post)
Circulator riders express concerns as service faces elimination in face of low ridership and budget constraints
DC Circulator’s ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, in stark contrast to Metrobus, which has recovered its ridership, and the Circulator faces likely elimination in DC’s cash-strapped budget. Regular riders who rely on the service express concerns about how they’ll get around, while the District Department of Transportation and WMATA note that they’re in discussion about the possibility of transferring some of the routes to WMATA. (This article may be behind a paywall.) (Danny Nguyen / Post. Tip: Former Commenter)
UMD students push for changes to in-person appeals process for micromobility traffic tickets
According to University of Maryland students, the process for appealing micromobility traffic citations is too difficult because it requires an in-person visit to the District Court in Hyattsville, and they are pushing for an on-campus appeals option. Micromobility parking citations can already be appealed online. University of Maryland Police can issue tickets for violations like riding on a sidewalk or wearing earbuds while riding. (Bridget Byrne / The Diamondback)
Pedestrian improvements proposed for Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria
The City of Alexandria has proposed pedestrian safety improvements at four intersections along Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria after several fatal pedestrian crashes over the years. Potential improvements include medians to narrow the roadway and other interventions to reduce crossing distances. The options will be shared in a public Traffic and Parking Board hearing today, April 29. (James Cullum / ALXnow)
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