Transit

Union condemns WMATA GM for “despicable and callous decision to force bus operators to quote the bus fare at all passengers”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Adam Fagen

From Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689:

“Today, ATU Local 689 condemned the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager Randy Clarke for his despicable and callous decision to force bus operators to quote the bus fare at all passengers, including fare evaders, reversing a long-standing policy that has drastically reduced bus operator assaults. In place since 2017, the current policy is supported by data and has been reinforced by WMATA’s ‘Safety Risk Reduction Plan’ from last year. Fare disputes are one of the largest causes of operator assaults, something that WMATA routinely acknowledges. Once again, Randy Clarke disregards the facts and turns a blind eye to the safety risks and workers’ concerns. (more…)

“DDOT introduces new Autonomous Vehicle monitoring challenge”

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

“US Ignite, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), and Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) are thrilled to announce plans to launch an Autonomous Vehicle Observation (AVO) Zone Challenge in June 2026, a pivotal step toward understanding autonomous vehicle activity on public streets in dense urban environments.

The AVO Zone Challenge is designed to (more…)

Heads Up: “Metro resumes Crystal City construction project with shuttles replacing trains for six weekends”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Clif Burns

From WMATA:

“Customers traveling through Reagan National Airport and Crystal City should plan additional travel time on select weekends from May 9-June 21 as Metro completes construction of a second entrance at the station in support of Arlington County’s Crystal City Improvement Plan.

Crystal City will be closed to build a second entrance at the station as part of Arlington County’s Crystal City Sector plan. The new entrance will accommodate growing ridership at the station, support new development in the area, and play a key role in a broader effort to make Crystal City a walkable community.

On two of those six weekends, the construction zone will be extended to Braddock Rd to support additional track maintenance, requiring closures of Crystal City, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Potomac Yard stations; rail service will be suspended in both directions from those stations. Free shuttles will be provided during those weekends as well. (more…)

HEADS UP: “DC Water’s upcoming closure of Piney Branch Parkway is going to cause major headaches for folks unaware of the closure”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’m hoping you can spread the word about DC Water’s upcoming closure of Piney Branch Parkway in Petworth because it is going to cause major headaches for folks unaware of the closure who are trying to commute in either direction along this road. Starting May 12th (and through June 8th), Piney Branch Parkway will be closed from Arkansas Ave to Beach Drive to allow for construction of the Piney Branch Tunnel project. DC Water has presented multiple times on this project to ANC 4C and delayed the Piney Branch Parkway closure dates a few times, but now it looks like this time it is actually happening.

For folks in Petworth who use Piney Branch Parkway to commute south and west to Virginia – I recommend going north and west instead (Georgia to Military Road etc).”

Full release from DC Water: (more…)

“wish there were a way to penalize improper parking for rental e-bikes and scooters. Welp, turns out there is”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

The other day I was thinking to myself, I wish there were a way to penalize improper parking for rental e-bikes and scooters. Welp, turns out there is, and I just found my new hobby!

Illegally parked e-bikes and scooters are an annoyance for pedestrians, and for those using wheelchairs and others with mobility issues, I’m sure it’s a huge pain in the ass, and extremely inconsiderate.

Can we start something, PoPville friends? Once a week (or as often as you want if you’re ambitious), report an improperly parked vehicle. The user can get fined. Maybe if it happens a few times, people start to change behavior? (I know, I know, I can hope…)

How to do it: (more…)

Five Metro Stations will be Closed this Weekend – “free shuttle buses will replace trains”

By Prince Of Petworth

From WMATA:

“On Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, free shuttle buses will replace trains between Stadium-Armory and Downtown Largo on the Blue and Silver lines.

Rail service will be suspended at Benning Rd., Capitol Heights, Addison Rd., Morgan Blvd., and Downtown Largo. Crews will be working on air blown fiber installation. This installation method facilitates faster completion of the work, minimizing the need for longer station closures.

Service Information (more…)

“DDOT Releases Report on Autonomous Vehicle Policy”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) released a report reviewing how automated vehicles (AV) are regulated across the United States. The report is meant to inform ongoing decision-making on how the District can regulate AVs, but does not make specific policy recommendations.

The DDOT report summarizes current AV technology, existing research, and different AV regulatory policy approaches being used by cities and states. It also includes insights from interviews with industry and safety experts and government agencies to better understand emerging practices and concerns. (more…)

Meanwhile at Metro Center – “Expect significant delays”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to M. for sending from Metro Center around 9am.

WMATA reports: “Orange/Blue Line: Expect significant delays in both directions as trains single track btwn McPherson Sq & Smithsonian due to an ongoing investigation following a work vehicle making contact with a stationary train at Metro Center last night during close of service.”

WAIT, WHAT?!?

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