“The Washington DC Metro’s strategy of increasing frequency, expanding service with 24-hour routes, and providing low-income fare passes is working,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth in Washington DC. “TransitCenter’s updated Transportation Equity Dashboard shows that the average DC area resident has much-improved access to jobs. Alexandria’s new DASH Bus network and free fares also contributed to much-improved access, with both systems showing the greatest benefits for Black and lower-income workers. This report shows the value of investing in Metro and our local bus systems, including the importance of finding 35% more bus operating funds for Metro to implement its Visionary Bus Network.”
Category: Better Public Transit
CSG testimony: Director of the District Department of Transportation Sharon Kershbaum Confirmation Resolution of 2024 (DC)
At this crucial time, when the city is faltering in meeting its Vision Zero goals, when Downtown is in serious trouble, and when we face the need to fight climate change, DC is in need of visionary and progressive leadership from its DDOT director. We ask the Committee to ensure DDOT has this leadership and that the District emerges as an international leader in sustainable transportation.
STATEMENT: Officials express strong support for Metrorail on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and for transit-oriented development
The massive number of public comments submitted — totalling 1200 pages which ran over two to one against VDOT”s current 495 Southside Toll Lanes proposal – showed the broad public support for Metrorail and TOD and concerns about the toll lanes. However, the resolution to add the 495 Toll Lanes Southside project to the Visualize 2050 draft list of projects lacks firm commitments for VDOT to study alternatives to highway widening with HOT lanes, and leaves at risk future Metrorail on the Wilson Bridge.
Just posted! Better Bus webinar & new dates
Fast, frequent, and reliable public transit is a core part of CSG’s vision for the region as presented in our Blueprint for a Better Region – and you can support that vision by showing strong support for great bus service and sharing your feedback on the Metro Better Bus Network.
Remarks to DMV Moves (long-term funding taskforce)
Access to frequent, affordable transit is key for access to jobs and enabling people to escape poverty. Affordable transit combined with affordable housing results in lower combined housing and transportation costs, provides for family security, and enables families and children to succeed. Our transportation network would not work without frequent and extensive transit.
Join us June 11th to see Metro’s proposed Better Bus Network
This summer, WMATA needs YOUR feedback to help shape a fast, frequent, and reliable bus network for the D.C. region! Join us for our webinar where CSG and WMATA will give you a walkthrough of the draft network and how to share your feedback.
Better Buses Coalition Letter: Summer 2024 Red Line Closures (Montgomery)
In addition to measures already in place, we ask that you consider the following measures to ensure transit alternatives are fully utilized and operate smoothly during the closure.
Joint Letter to COG-WMATA re Table for LT Metro Funding
The undersigned groups commend regional elected officials and staff for identifying $480 million in funding to support WMATA FY25 operations. Our non-profit and labor organizations worked to support this additional funding, as we did during the successful effort to win $500 million in capital funding in 2018. However, we all recognize that the region needs to once and for all identify a long-term, sustainable, reliable, dedicated funding solution for WMATA.
Comments: 2024 Master Plan of Highways and Transitways Update (Montgomery County)
We believe it is appropriate to reclassify unbuilt segments of M-83 as “no longer a master planned road” in this update of the Master Plan of Highways and Transitways.
PRESS STATEMENT: Restore Virginia Metro Funding!
The groups signing onto this press statement urge the General Assembly to reject Governor Youngkin’s budget amendment and restore the funding the General Assembly agreed to.