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“American Recovery Plan helps Metro avert service cuts and layoffs” also “Metrobus to expand service on weekdays, restore additional routes on weekends effective March 14”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Victoria Pickering

From WMATA:

“Metro expects to avert service cuts and layoffs that had been proposed in its FY22 budget thanks to new federal relief approved by Congress.

“Congress has once again stepped up to address the needs of Metro and the regional transit systems that will be critical to our region’s economic recovery,” said Metro Board of Directors Chair Paul C. Smedberg. “While it will take more time to work out all the details, including Metro’s exact share of this funding, the $1.4 billion provided by the American Recovery Plan for our region’s transit agencies will allow us to avert the painful service reductions and layoffs that were on the table.”

Smedberg continued, “More than 18,000 individuals have provided Metro’s Board of Directors with feedback on our FY22 budget, and that feedback is enormously helpful as we plan for the future. We will continue the public comment period – including virtual public hearings – through March 16, and we expect to vote on a revised FY22 budget in April that takes into consideration this new federal relief.”

Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld said, “This relief is only possible thanks to the leadership of our entire congressional delegation, who fought tirelessly for transit workers and riders.”

also from WMATA:

“Beginning Sunday, March 14, Metrobus riders will see more service every day of the week as bus ridership continues to outpace rail during the pandemic’s recovery. Changes will be implemented on 59 Metrobus routes serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, offering improved service, enhancing reliability, and helping to alleviate crowding. (more…)

“Data will be collected for research purposes only.” Still, Please Don’t Drive in the Bus Only Lanes

By Prince Of Petworth

From DDOT:

“Today, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced plans to install on-bus automated enforcement cameras on two DC Circulator buses to gather data about how DC’s Car Free Lanes are being used. The pilot is scheduled to begin on February 16, 2021 and will continue through April 15, 2021.

“Under Mayor Bowser’s leadership, DDOT continues to prioritize improving the reliability and efficiency of bus travel in the District through the Car Free Lanes,” said Interim DDOT Director Everett Lott. “The data we collect through this pilot will be used to evaluate how we can make our current and future Car Free Lanes safer and operate more efficiently.” (more…)

“Metro announces Inauguration service plans, (13) station closures”

By Prince Of Petworth

From WMATA:

“Metro today announced service adjustments for Metrorail and Metrobus to accommodate the expanded security perimeter that will be in effect for Inauguration beginning Friday, January 15 through Thursday, January 21.

Metro will close 13 stations inside the security perimeter, with 11 stations closing on Friday and two additional stations on Saturday and continuing through the end of service on Thursday. During this time trains will pass through the closed stations without stopping. (more…)

Metro (8pm) and Bus (9pm) “service ending early for public safety”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by nevermindtheend

From WMATA:

“In light of an announced 6 p.m. citywide curfew in the District of Columbia, all Metrorail and Metrobus service will end earlier than normal today, Wednesday, January 6, in the interest of public safety. The rail system will close three hours early, at 8 p.m., and Metrobus service will end at 9 p.m.

Customers are advised of the following service changes: (more…)

“that bus has been laying on the horn for the better part of ten minutes now.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Sometime in the past several months, dedicated bus lanes were installed in the 14th street corridor through Columbia Heights. This means what used to be two lanes for combined traffic now is one lane each for cars and buses/bikes. This is a great way to increase bus efficiency. One major caveat – this requires buses to use the dedicated bus lane and for that lane to be clear for them to do so. (more…)

“DDOT Opens Three Car Free Lanes Beginning January 4”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DDOT:

“Today, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced the opening of Car Free Lanes on 14th Street NW; Martin Luther King Jr, Avenue SE, and M Street SE. Enforcement for all three facilities will begin January 4, 2021.

“We are thrilled to deliver these three projects that will help residents safely and efficiently travel everywhere they live, work, and play in the District,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. “The Bowser Administration is committed to improving bus travel speeds and reliability across the District; the opening of these Car Free Lanes delivers on that promise.”

All three projects are designated by red curb-lane paint. The fine for unauthorized driving or parking in a Car Free Lane is $200.The Car Free Lanes have been installed in the following corridors: (more…)

“Metrobus riders return to boarding through front door, paying fares on Sunday, January 3”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Adam Fagen

From WMATA:

“Metrobus will resume fare collection and front-door boarding beginning Sunday, January 3, as part of Metro’s pandemic recovery plan that aims to preserve service and transit jobs.

The current rear-door boarding policy was implemented in March under Metro’s comprehensive plan to protect frontline employees at a time when less was known about the coronavirus and its means of transmission. Because the farebox and SmarTrip equipment is located at the front of the bus, the Metro Board authorized the temporary suspension of fare collection.

“With everyone wearing masks, shields for operators on every bus, and enhanced daily cleanings, front-door boarding is safe, expands our capacity for more riders, and helps us resume some normalcy,” said Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We also need to collect fares from every rider to keep essential Metro transit employees working and continue to provide essential service.”

Beginning January 3, customers should board at the front of the bus. The cost per trip is $2 payable in cash or with SmarTrip. (more…)

Metro Proposes Massive Service Cuts including 9pm closings, no weekend travel, closing 19 stations and more

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Eric P.

See the full report: Metro-GM-FY2022-Proposed-Budget (PDF)

The Washington Post reported:

“The drastic action is one of several deep cuts Metro officials say they will have to make to survive the next fiscal year as fare revenue forecasts appear bleak and Congress remains unable to reach an agreement on a coronavirus relief package that could include aid to transit agencies.”

Starting Sunday DC Circulator Service Hours will be extended

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Mr.TinDC

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced that the operating hours of three DC Circulator routes will extend to 11:00 p.m.

“As we continue through our COVID-19 response and simultaneous recovery, we remain committed to providing safe and socially distanced transit options,” said Mayor Bowser. “Over the past several months, the Circulator has helped many of our essential workers move around the District and get to work. We are proud to have this service available, and happy to be extending the hours so that it works even better for our community.”

Starting Sunday, August 30, the following routes will operate weekdays 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. and weekends 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.: (more…)

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