bus

“More Metro: Most rail and bus service returns to pre-pandemic levels in largest ramp-up in agency’s history”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Maher Farrukh

From WMATA:

“More trains, more stations, more buses, more hours. Metro is finalizing plans to restore most rail and bus service to pre-Covid levels across the region in the largest – and likely most complex – service change in the system’s 44-year history. To support the effort, thousands of frontline Metro employees will transition to new work schedules as the region continues its gradual recovery and more customers are expected.

“Thanks to our congressional delegation, CARES federal funding makes it possible for us to restore service in support of economic recovery for the national capital region,” said General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “As they return, we want our customers to know that facial coverings are required everywhere on the system, and the more frequent trains and buses we are adding will help you ride socially distant.”

Metrorail service changes take effect Sunday, August 16, (more…)

“DDOT Sets August 17 Start for Car Free Lanes Construction on 7th Street NW and M Street SE”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DDOT:

“Today, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced that construction of Car Free Lanes on 7th Street NW and M Street SE will begin on August 17, weather permitting. The work is part of a year-long project to improve bus performance and safety throughout the District.

“We are advancing the Bowser Administration’s commitment to bolstering bus service in our city,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. “These Car Free Lanes will not only increase bus travel speeds and reliability but will also help reinvigorate business and commuter activity in the downtown area.”

Car Free Lanes are part of DDOT’s Bus Priority Program, the Bowser Administration’s initiative to enhance bus service across all eight wards of the District.

Beginning August 17, motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists should expect the following traffic impacts: (more…)

WMATA: “on average we have been losing approximately $2M in revenues every weekday since March.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

From WMATA:

“During a news conference [Tuesday] hosted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) with industry leaders, Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld made the following comments:

“Here at WMATA, the scale of the financial crisis we are facing is enormous — on average we have been losing approximately $2M in revenues every weekday since March. (more…)

“Metro will add more buses, more trains, and more hours of service beginning on Sunday, August 16”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Ted Eytan

From WMATA:

“Metro will add more buses, more trains, and more hours of service beginning on Sunday, August 16, 2020, restoring most service to pre-Covid levels while maintaining a strong response posture to Covid-19. Metrorail will add 15 hours more service per week, with opening times returning to normal and the system closing two hours later each night in anticipation of potential increases in ridership after Labor Day.

Metro today also announced a significant investment to support the region’s overnight workers by doubling the discount customers receive when using Lyft during times Metro is not available.

Metrobus will offer more buses, running more frequent service beginning Sunday, August 23 restoring approximately 75 percent of pre-pandemic service. Weekday service will improve on 174 routes with most routes operating close to normal. Buses will operate until midnight, an additional hour.

In an effort to provide additional transportation options for late-night workers, Metro is increasing the subsidy from $3 to $6 for on-demand transportation service after hours. (more…)

Three New “Car Free Lanes” Coming at the end of July

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced plans to install Car Free Lanes in high-traffic corridors that will support improved efficiency in bus travel and create space for bicyclists.

“We know that dedicated bus lanes make public transportation more efficient and reliable. As we continue reimagining public spaces, these lanes will help us encourage bus and bicycle travel, reduce traffic, and build a greener DC,” said Mayor Bowser.

The DC Car Free Lanes, which will be designated by red paint, will be installed at the following locations beginning in late July: (more…)

“Metro to reopen 15 stations, reallocate bus service to address crowding, starting Sunday”

By Prince Of Petworth


reopening Sunday

Ed. Note: Covid-19 Mon-Fri Service
5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Covid-19 Sat-Sun Service
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

From WMATA:

“Metro today announced that 15 rail stations that had been closed as part of the transit agency’s Covid-19 response will reopen on Sunday, June 28. In addition, beginning Monday, June 29, buses will be added to the system’s 14 busiest bus lines to provide more capacity and more frequent service as the region reopens.

Rail Stations

The following stations will reopen on Sunday, June 28. (more…)

“DDOT Begins Construction on 14th Street NW Bus Lane Improvement Project”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced the start of bus lane construction on 14th Street NW between Euclid and Newton Streets NW, commencing a year-long project to improve bus performance and safety.

“We are excited to launch such important work in enhancing bus transit in the Columbia Heights corridor,” said District Director Jeff Marootian. “DDOT recognizes how essential this will be for area residents and it also exemplifies Mayor Bowser’s commitment to improving bus travel speeds and reliability across the District.”

DDOT expects the enhanced bus lane will improve performance of the DC Circulator Woodley Park-Adams Morgan route and Metrobus lines 52, 54, and 59. (more…)

Metro operating regular hours today

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Eric P.

From WMATA:

“Metro is operating on regular Covid-19 service hours today, Wednesday, June 3. Service will operate as follows:

Metrorail is open until 9:00 p.m. Red Line trains will arrive every 15 minutes. Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow and Green line trains operate every 20 minutes on each line. (At stations served by multiple lines, trains arrive every 7-10 minutes.)
Metrobus will continue until 11:00 p.m. on a Modified Sunday Schedule. (more…)

“Face coverings will be required on Metro trains, buses, and in stations”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Olaf Zerbock

From WMATA:

“Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld today accepted a recommendation of the transit authority’s Pandemic Task Force that face coverings or masks be required when traveling on Metro effective Monday, May 18. The move strengthens Metro’s position on the matter, which has “strongly recommended” the use of face coverings since early April, in accordance with CDC guidance. While the overwhelming majority of riders already comply voluntarily, the requirement is viewed as a necessary step as Metro plans for an eventual recovery with more riders using the system. (more…)

“at 10:30AM a parade of buses and motor coaches will “roll” into the Nation’s Capital”

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: We’ve spoken about the Trucker convoy here.

From AlertDC:

“On Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at 10:30AM a parade of buses and motor coaches will “roll” into the Nation’s Capital to highlight the essential role the industry plays in moving people, whether to school, work, events, or for travel. Approximately 700 buses are scheduled to come to the city and drive around the National Mall using three different routes. The rally is called “Motor Coaches Rolling for Awareness.” (more…)

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