metro

Meanwhile at Metro

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Eric P.

From WMATA:

“As Metro prepares for the opening of both the Silver Line Extension and Potomac Yard Station in 2022, the transit authority will also advance its intensive state of good repair program. This includes completion of the multi-year platform reconstruction effort at 20 outdoor rail stations and several large-scale construction projects, including a major rehabilitation of the Yellow Line’s Potomac River tunnel and bridge crossing.

Metro will soon introduce new service on the Silver Line – including six new rail stations, 12 miles of track, and a new rail yard. And this summer, platform reconstruction and station improvements will be underway on the eastern end of the Orange Line.

In September, the construction of new tracks to connect the future Potomac Yard Station to the mainline tracks will be completed, along with performance and safety testing required prior to the start of service. The station is expected to open this fall.

A major rehab of the Yellow Line tunnel and bridge will begin concurrently in September. Metro’s chief engineer has identified the steel-lined tunnel near L’Enfant Plaza as the agency’s top structural priority, with repairs needed to stop water intrusion and strengthen the tunnel lining. (more…)

“Regular weekday Metrobus service to return February 7” also, “Installation of new, improved faregates nearing milestone; with March 1 deadline set for phase-out of older farecards”

By Prince Of Petworth


If you missed our look back on commemorative smartrip cards, you can see them here.

From WMATA:

“Metro today announced that Metrobus will return to regular weekday service on Monday, February 7. Metrobus has been operating on a modified Saturday schedule, offering approximately 75 percent of normal weekday service, since January 10 due to covid-related staffing shortages.

While Metro is still experiencing above-average absenteeism, case rates are declining and employees are returning to work following their quarantine requirements.”

and

“Faster, better faregates are making it easier for customers to tap, pay and ride Metro with installation now reaching nearly 50 percent of all stations, one-third of which are complete. This is part of Metro’s fare modernization program to improve the rail system’s faregates and fareboxes on Metrobus, along with other fare technology upgrades, including mobile pay on Apple iOS and Android.

In conjunction with the rollout of the new faregates, and bus fareboxes in late 2022, Metro announced last April that older SmarTrip® cards will be phased out. (more…)

“Metro seeks public input on FY23 budget proposal that would improve service and fares”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Master of All Metal

From WMATA:

“The public comment period for Metro’s Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget is officially open, and Metro’s Board of Directors wants the public’s input. Metro is encouraging the public to share feedback before the comment period ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15.

The FY23 budget focuses on providing safe, reliable and affordable transit service to the region. The budget takes into account the planned launch of Metrorail service to six new Silver Line stations, expanding Metro access to Dulles Airport and beyond, and the opening of Potomac Yard Station on the Yellow and Blue lines.
The budget proposals also include a number of service improvements on Metrobus and Metrorail, fare changes to provide better value to riders, and a $2.3 billion capital budget to continue aggressive construction and rehabilitation projects that are foundational for safe and reliable service.
A summary of key proposals is below, with full information about the proposals and ways to provide feedback available at wmata.com/budget.
Metrorail Service Proposals 

(more…)

“Will WMATA ever not be terrible??”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve been stuck at my transfer station for over 20 minutes — I’m going to miss a meeting because it will take me an hour and fifteen minutes to go less than 5 miles.

I really really want to support public transit but the time tables are wrong, the trains are constantly late, and it’s so unpredictable I don’t know if I can keep using it for work. Are things going to get better? Can anyone talk me out of buying a vehicle?”

Ed. Note: Yesterday we posted about the upcoming retirement of WMATA General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld.

Metro Board announces retirement of General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Jeanette.Cook

From WMATA:

“Metro Board Chairman Paul C. Smedberg announced that General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld, age 66, gave notice today that he will retire from Metro in six months, after more than six years at the helm of the regional transit agency.

“Forty plus years in transportation teaches you that there is no set mile marker for this decision, but given the seismic shifts happening in transit and the region, Metro needs a leader who can commit to several years of service and set a new course.” Wiedefeld said. (more…)

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