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.
Category: Better Public Transit
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.
TAKE ACTION: Prince George’s needs safer streets and better transit for livable communities
Maryland Department of Transportation will present its six-year transportation budget plan to Prince George’s officials this Thursday. The project list has some good projects, including the Purple Line, Metro, walk and bike safety, and support for transit-oriented development along the Blue Line Corridor. But also plans a lot of bad spending for road expansion that will fuel sprawling, traffic-generating development in the remaining rural areas of the county, and a continued failure to redesign existing roads to make them safer.
LTE: Opinion: NVTA regional transportation plan unaffordable and ineffective
Prior to midnight Monday, September 19 comment deadline, twelve non-profit organizations submitted a joint letter urging the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to reject its proposed $76 Billion TransAction 2045 long-range transportation plan.
CSG COMMENTS: NVTA TransAction Plan
We urge you to review and consider the joint letter of 12 Northern Virginia organizations regarding TransAction 2045. These are not new concerns – we have pointed to the shortcomings for some time. We also urge you to reject this TransAction plan and create a new more effective, affordable and sustainable plan.