The Coalition for Smarter Growth supports WMATA’s FY24 budget proposal, which reflects significant analysis by the agency about how to grow ridership and revenues in a very challenging environment, while also providing affordable fare options for lower income riders.
Category: Better Public Transit
Testimony: MD State Highway Administration FY24 budget oversight hearing
The Transform Maryland Transportation Coalition is asking MDOT to flex 50% of the federal funds, as allowed by federal law, from the Surface Transportation Block Grant and National Highway Performance Program formulas towards needed investments in eligible transit, safer streets, bicycle, and pedestrian projects, and vehicle electrification.
Jan 20, CSG & NVTC Webinar: “What’s up with the bus in Northern Virginia?”
Thank you to all who could join us last week for our virtual webinar on bus improvements in Northern Virginia! We had a great turnout and an informative discussion.
If you weren’t able to join us, we encourage you to check out the event recording and presentation materials. We heard from representatives from Alexandria’s DASH bus, Fairfax Connector, Metro, and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission.
CSG in the News: Billions Have Been Spent Trying to Solve NoVA’s Traffic Problem — Is it Enough?
While we’re seeing some progress, CSG’s Schwartz says federal and state funding programs still have a strong bias toward road expansion over transit spending.
RELEASE: TransAction Vote
Tonight, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) will vote on a proposed $75 billion transportation plan for the region. The “TransAction” plan provides a laundry list of projects through the year 2045 from which the agency can pick and choose for funding decisions.
TESTIMONY: Huntington Metro Site-Specific Plan Amendment
CSG writes to convey our support for the Huntington Metro Station plan amendment, which lays the groundwork to transform the Huntington Metro station area into an inclusive, walkable, bike-friendly, transit-oriented community.
TESTIMONY: Support for Bill 24-429, the “Metro for D.C. Amendment Act of 2022”
We would like to reiterate our support for B24-429, and the new amendments to make Metrobus fare-free inside the District and fund overnight Metrobus service
EVENT: Better Buses for Prince George’s: What Does it Take?
On November 9, 2022, RISE Prince George’s and CSG hosted a discussion with Metro and Prince George’s County to talk about how we can get more frequent, reliable, and accessible bus service that better meets the needs of riders and residents in Prince George’s and our region. These transit providers are seeking input as they look to redesign the bus network and prioritize buses on local roads.
RISE Prince George’s Kyle Reeder moderated this session. Maryland Delegate Jazz Lewis provided opening remarks. From WMATA, we heard from Allison Davis, Metro’s Vice President of Planning, and Raka Choudhury, Director of Bus Priority. Joining us from Prince George’s Department of Public Works and Transportation was Semia Hackett, Associate Director of Transportation, and Efon Epanty, Chief of Planning and Innovation.
Materials
ACTION: Speak up for better bus service, walking and biking on Duke Street
The Duke Street Transitway is a critical part of a sustainable future for Alexandria. As the city and region grow, we need to move more people sustainably. Center-running dedicated bus lanes, wider tree-lined sidewalks, and a safe and convenient east-west bike route along Duke Street are an investment in Alexandria’s future.
COMMENTS: Serious concerns about the K Street Transitway
We are enthusiastic supporters of your bold bus priority program, and the vision for the K Street Transitway project that you shared in 2019. However, we wish to express our great concern about the changes to the K Street Transitway design reflected in the semi-final 65% design stage.