Category: Press Releases

STATEMENT: Metro GM’s proposal for permanent early closure

Posted on by Claire Jaffe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2016

CONTACT
Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director
(703) 599-6437
stewart@smartergrowth.net

Statement on Metro GM’s proposal for permanent early closure

WASHINGTON DC—Today, at the WMATA Board meeting, Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld presented his proposal to make permanent the closing of Metrorail at 10 pm on Sundays and at midnight every other night. He first announced his proposal in a Monday press release.

“Metro, and its late-night service, has been critical to the revitalization of the District of Columbia and older inner suburbs. It’s supported billions of dollars in real estate investment, vibrant restaurants and nightlife, and provided essential transportation for hourly workers who depend on Metrorail to get to and from nighttime employment,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth. “We are strong supporters of the General Manager, but are nevertheless deeply concerned about the potential negative impacts of this proposal.”

“This is one of those issues that will require having all of the information on the table and significant public input,” said Schwartz. “The public and officials will certainly need to consider the recommendations that WMATA received from the GM, rail experts and peer transit agencies, and the relative benefits for maintenance and rehabilitation of the system. At the same time, we urge the agency and local jurisdictions to provide the information necessary to evaluate the economic impact on business and workers, the demographics of those who will be affected by the change, and the origins and destinations of late night Metro riders.”

“Regional leaders must evaluate alternative approaches, including whether this can be achieved through targeted closings on a rolling basis, as track work is often handled today. WMATA and local jurisdictions should also evaluate the potential for effective after-hours “Night-Owl” service – with buses running on routes parallel to the Metro lines. With this information in hand, the WMATA Board, regional elected officials and the public will be better able to evaluate the proposal,” said Schwartz.

As a new TransitCenter study pointed out last week, riders want frequent and reliable service above all else. They conclude that frequent transit networks are essential to maintaining and growing ridership and are most successful where they attract “all-purpose” riders. TransitCenter concludes that “frequent transit networks in walkable neighborhoods, … reduce reliance on cars, spark economic growth, and create the vibrant urban places we know and love.”

“Frequent, reliable transit service is vital to the prosperity of the Washington DC region, and we hope we can find an alternative that meets both maintenance and customer needs,” concluded Schwartz.

About the Coalition for Smarter Growth

The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.

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STATEMENT: Rt.29 Bus Rapid Transit Federal TIGER Grant Award

Posted on by Claire Jaffe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2016

CONTACT
Pete Tomao, Montgomery County Advocacy Manager
(516) 318-0605
pete@smartergrowth.net

Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director
(703) 599-6437
stewart@smartergrowth.net

Statement on Rt.29 Bus Rapid Transit Federal TIGER Grant Award

Montgomery County, MD— On Tuesday, July 27, federal officials announced that Montgomery County will receive $10 million to help build Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on Rt.29. The proposed BRT will run from Downtown Silver Spring to Burtonsville and include 12 stations. The BRT is projected to begin operations in 2020 and will cost roughly $67 million. Transit advocates hailed the announcement.

“The federal TIGER grant is a major step toward implementing the 14-mile BRT system in eastern Montgomery. Winning a competitive grant like this shows Montgomery is serious about making BRT a reality,” said Pete Tomao, the Montgomery County Advocacy Manager at the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

The proposed BRT system is projected to serve 23,000 riders in a corridor where 12% of the population has no access to a car, and 30% of households earn less than half of the area median income. The BRT system will address long standing economic and equity issues on the Rt. 29 corridor and ensure that every resident has the access to transportation they need to be successful.

“Not only is BRT better for equity, it is also better for the economy. Job growth along the corridor is predicated on a future BRT system,” said Tomao. “Economic plans for White Oak are especially dependent upon the arrival of a high quality transit system. We have seen the power of transit-oriented development in Silver Spring and Bethesda. Now, eastern Montgomery can benefit from the same type of development and job growth.”

“To ensure the system is successful, Montgomery officials must maintain a focus on creating a ‘gold standard’ BRT,” said Tomao. This means a system with frequent, reliable service, off-board fare collection, upgraded stations, and level boarding. The county also needs to ensure dedicated bus lanes are implemented wherever possible. It is dedicated lanes that give BRT a competitive advantage over other types of transportation.

“The award is great news for sustainable and equitable growth in Montgomery. We look forward to working with County officials to ensure the BRT system is the best it can be.” concluded Tomao.

About the Coalition for Smarter Growth

The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.

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RELEASE: Zoning Commission takes important step to strengthen affordable housing in the District

Posted on by Claire Jaffe

DC CAMPAIGN FOR INCLUSIONARY ZONING
DC FISCAL POLICY INSTITUTE — COALITION FOR SMARTER GROWTH

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 21, 2016

CONTACT
Claire Zippel, DC Fiscal Policy Institute
czippel@dcfpi.org 202-325-8251
Cheryl Cort, Coalition for Smarter Growth
cheryl@smartergrowth.net 202-251-7516

Zoning Commission takes important step to strengthen affordable housing in the District

(Washington, DC) The DC Zoning Commission took an important step Wednesday night to expand affordable housing in the District, with a vote to strengthen the city’s Inclusionary Zoning program. The Commission’s action largely adopts the recommendations of the DC Campaign for Inclusionary Zoning, a group of affordable housing advocates and supporters.

Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) harnesses the District’s hot real estate market to create affordable housing throughout the city. IZ requires almost every new residential development to reserve a specified share of the new homes at below-market rents or sales prices, in return for allowing greater density than normally permitted by zoning rules. Importantly, IZ can produce affordable housing wherever development is occurring – including in neighborhoods with access to public transportation, good schools, retail amenities, and job opportunities – without requiring tax dollars.

IZ will soon help more low-income families struggling to pay the rent amidst the city’s rising housing costs. On Wednesday, July 20, the Zoning Commission voted to require new IZ rental units to be set aside as affordable to families with incomes below 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), or $59,000 for a family of three. That amounts to $1,100 for a one-bedroom rental. Currently, the vast majority of IZ units are only required to be affordable at 80 percent AMI – or $1,600 for a one-bedroom rental – close to market rate in most DC neighborhoods.

As a result of the Commission’s action, IZ will generate over 2,600 apartments affordable to low-income families over the next five to ten years, based on the pace of new development which has climbed to a 25-year high. “The Zoning Commission’s decision comes at an opportune time to ensure IZ does the most it can for families severely squeezed by DC’s high rents and closed out of many neighborhoods,” said Claire Zippel of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute.

“We are gratified that the Commission is sharpening the tool we knew could do more to address our city’s affordable housing crisis. The economics show that this change strikes the right balance between encouraging market-rate housing production and incorporating greater affordability for those left out of the market,” said Cheryl Cort of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

The Campaign for Inclusionary Zoning petitioned the Zoning Commission in January, 2015 to consider revisions to IZ, after it became apparent that the homes created were largely out of reach of the city’s low-income residents – and too expensive for three-fourths of families on the IZ waiting list, whose incomes fall at or below 60 percent AMI. Paying the majority of income for rent is not uncommon for families near 60 percent AMI, whereas households at 80 percent AMI are already largely accommodated by existing housing in the private market.

“By strengthening this affordable housing policy, the Zoning Commission helps ensure working people can still call DC home. We thank the Commission for listening to the voices of those who are being priced out,” said Carlos Jimenez, Executive Director of the Washington Labor Council AFL-CIO.

“The Commission’s decision is good news for District residents at lower incomes who will benefit from IZ through increased access to opportunity – amenities and infrastructure in higher-cost neighborhoods, including schools, transportation choices, jobs and health care options,” said David Bowers, Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Market Leader at Enterprise Community Partners.

After a 30-day public review period, the Zoning Commission’s decision is expected to become final.

Statement at the Zoning Commission, March 3, 2016

The DC Campaign for Inclusionary Zoning is led by the Coalition for Smarter Growth and the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. It is supported by Enterprise Community Partners, the Metropolitan Washington Labor Council AFL-CIO, PolicyLink, and Jews United for Justice.

The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.

The DC Fiscal Policy Institute promotes budget and policy choices to expand economic opportunity for DC residents and to reduce income inequality in the District of Columbia, through independent research and policy recommendations. Learn more at dcfpi.org.

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RELEASE: “MetroGreater” contest solicits rider ideas for small ways Metro can improve rider experience

Posted on by Alex Cox

Greater Greater Washington & Coalition for Smarter Growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2016 – 10:00 AM

CONTACT
David Alpert, Greater Greater Washington
(202) 596-9449
alpert@ggwash.org

Aimee Custis, Coalition for Smarter Growth
(202) 431-7185
aimee@smartergrowth.net

“MetroGreater” contest solicits rider ideas for small ways Metro can improve rider experience

WASHINGTON DC — A new crowdsourcing contest called MetroGreater, which launched this morning, allows riders and other members of the public to suggest small ideas to improve the experience on Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess. The public is invited to submit ideas at metrogreater.org and comment on others’ entries.

The contest is produced by Greater Greater Washington in collaboration with the Coalition for Smarter Growth and WMATA. While Metro is hard at work on serious, long-term, safety-related rebuilding through SafeTrack, there are opportunities to make smaller, faster, cheaper changes along the way which will improve the rider experience both during rebuilding and beyond.

Since General Manager Paul Wiedefeld took over at WMATA, the agency has already taken several steps to help riders, such as adding decals to platforms showing where trains will stop and color-coding eight-car trains on the digital signs. This contest will help WMATA identify further ideas to help riders on rail, bus, and paratransit.

Eligible ideas are those that:

  • Can be implemented by Metro in no more than 3-6 months;
  • Will cost no more than $100,000 to complete;
  • Have negligible costs to continue into the future;
  • Violate no laws or regulations; and
  • Will not negatively impact service or safety.

The public can access the contest details and rules, and submit their own entries, at metrogreater.org. Submissions will be accepted through July 15, 2016. A jury of regional experts and advocates will select 10 submissions that meet all necessary criteria as finalists. The public will vote for a winner in August.

WMATA has committed to implementing the winning entry within six months, and could implement other ideas as well at their option. Greater Greater Washington and the Coalition for Smarter Growth will offer periodic updates on the implementation status of the winning entry through late 2016. The winner will receive public recognition and some transit memorabilia.

“Metro has serious safety and repair problems that General Manager Wiedefeld is working to address with SafeTrack and other initiatives,” said David Alpert, founder and President of Greater Greater Washington. “But in the meantime, WMATA shouldn’t stop finding quick ways to make things better for riders on all forms of transit. When Mr. Wiedefeld came on board at WMATA, he approached us about ways to better engage with riders, and we were pleased he was willing to green-light a project like MetroGreater. This effort is another small step in the right direction for Metro.”

“Those of us outside the transit agency can’t turn wrenches or replace rail ties,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director at the Coalition for Smarter Growth. “But riders, advocates, and the public have a wealth of knowledge, ideas, and energy that we can share. Riders know the system intimately, and we’re excited to see the small, creative and implementable ideas the contest brings to light that WMATA can use to improve the rider experience.”

Greater Greater Washington and the Coalition for Smarter Growth are regional thought leaders on transit and have repeatedly shaped the region’s conversation on the Metro system, including: making the case for transit-oriented development; building support for the Silver Line, Potomac Yard Metro Station, and priority bus corridors including dedicated bus lanes; and devising the station subtitle naming system that’s on the Metro map today.

About Greater Greater Washington
Greater Greater Washington harnesses blogging and community activism to build informed and civically engaged communities of people who believe in a growing and inclusive Washington DC region and speak up for livable communities for all. Read more at ggwash.org.

About the Coalition for Smarter Growth
The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading advocacy organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. For 19 years, the Coalition for Smarter Growth has worked for walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.

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RELEASE: Transit Supporters Petition for Bus Improvements

Posted on by Claire Jaffe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2016

CONTACT
Pete Tomao, Montgomery County Advocacy Manager
(516) 318-0605
pete@smartergrowth.net

Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director
(703) 599-6437
stewart@smartergrowth.net

With Metrorail Shutdowns Looming, Transit Supporters Petition for Bus Improvements

Montgomery County, MD — On Monday, transit advocates at the Coalition for Smarter Growth submitted a 1000-signature “Better Bus Petition” to the Montgomery County Council and County Executive.  The petition calls for dedicated bus lanes and frequent, reliable service. With thousands of citizens impacted by the future Metro closures, transit supporters say it’s more important than ever to make major bus system improvements.

“With Metrorail disruption imminent, thousands of Montgomery residents will have their commutes impacted. If we don’t want hundreds of new cars on our roadways we need to invest in a faster, more frequent, and more reliable bus network. There has never been a better time to do it than now,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

“Volunteers and Coalition for Smarter Growth staff spent hours collecting hundreds of signatures in every part of Montgomery County, from Shady Grove to Silver Spring, between August and October 2015. With the impending Metrorail shutdowns, there seemed no better time to present the petition to officials,” said Pete Tomao, Montgomery County Advocacy Manager for the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

“Riders everywhere told us the same thing. We need more reliable bus service, including dedicated lanes. Clearly the demand exists for better service, and that demand will only increase with the Metrorail disruptions,” said Tomao.

“Wherever WMATA has introduced express bus service in Montgomery County, it has been successful. Ridership on the K9 along New Hampshire Avenue has increased 79% since 2011, and the J4 from Bethesda to Silver Spring is up 34% since 2012: when you offer riders frequent, reliable service, they use it. With dedicated lanes, the speed, frequency, and reliability of buses would be even better. With 20 extra WMATA buses sitting at the White Flint Bus Depot, we have the opportunity to put them to work in express corridors,” Tomao continued.

“A single lane of auto-traffic can carry about 1200 people per hour, versus the 3700 a dedicated bus lane in Pittsburgh is now carrying. Dedicated space allows us to make the most of our roadways.”

“We’ve been encouraged by recent steps that the County Executive and Council have taken to improve service and advance bus rapid transit on Route 29, Route 355, and Veirs Mill Road. With this petition and with the impending Metrorail shutdowns, we hope that the county will accelerate investments in dedicated lanes and more frequent service on key corridors throughout the county,” said Tomao.

“They say to never waste a crisis. The challenges presented by Metrorail disruptions present an opportunity to improve our regional bus service and to implement the dedicated bus lanes we’ve needed for some time. Our conversations with transit riders show the demand for improved bus service and we urge regional officials to seize the opportunity.” concluded Schwartz.

60 cars V 60 Buses

About the Coalition for Smarter Growth

The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.

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STATEMENT: Reaction to WMATA General Manager Wiedefeld’s Metro Repair Plan

Posted on by acustis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2016

CONTACT
Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director
(703) 599-6437
stewart@smartergrowth.net

Tackling this Challenge — Together

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to WMATA General Manager Paul Wiedefeld’s Metro repair plan statement this morning at Metro Headquarters, Coalition for Smarter Growth Executive Director Stewart Schwartz issued the following statement.

“We have been impressed by the strong, deliberative leadership of WMATA General Manager Paul Wiedefeld. Therefore, as a community and as Metro riders, we need to work together with the GM and the agency to get the job done. We need the roll up the sleeves attitude of Americans who’ve worked together after major natural disasters or mobilized for war.

“While those of us outside the agency will not be turning wrenches, we can support the funding WMATA will need and work with our employers to plan alternative ways to commute. And it won’t work if everyone jumps into their cars. Expanded bus service, telecommuting, flex-time, and carpooling will be critical for longer distance commuters. For those living closer to work, bicycling, bikeshare, and walking will be important additional options. Among our top recommendations is providing the dedicated bus lanes we’ve long needed.

“At the same time, based upon reports, the management and staff at WMATA owe the public a real turnaround in their performance in communications, maintenance, repair, operations, and above all safety. As a former Navy aviator, the revelations about the lack of a safety culture have been a particular concern for me.

“The extended repair times will hopefully give the staff the breathing room they need to make more effective and long-lasting repairs to the system, but this should also be a time for a complete culture change – breaking down the communications barriers between departments and between management and line workers, and infusing safety, customer service, and pride in every member of the team.”

Our specific recommendations include:

  • Much better and more effective customer communications by WMATA including, sufficient advance notice of shutdowns and planned alternatives, reliable travel time and schedule information for both rail and bus service at all times, and transparency about the repair work being done and the results.
  • Funding for the purchase of sufficient buses and hiring of more bus drivers to provide an essential transit alternative during extended shutdowns. But this will not be enough. We should take this opportunity to provide the dedicated bus lanes we have long needed.
  • Enhance and improve other alternative transportation services like expanding bikeshare, accelerating the installation of protected bikeways, and working with local jurisdictions to increase funding to transportation demand management programs including encouraging carpooling and telecommuting.
  • If stations are to be shut down for extended periods for rail repairs, then use the time restore the stations as well – cleaning, repairing damaged tiles, repairing fare gates, installing new lighting, etc. Take the time to restore and enhance the customer experience from the moment they enter the stations.

“Finally, we urge unity among elected officials in backing up the General Manager, and a shared commitment to providing the funding the system will need to complete a full mid-life restoration. Giving up on our Metrorail investment and all of the transportation and economic development benefits it has brought to our region is simply not an option.”

About the Coalition for Smarter Growth

The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.

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RELEASE: Newly-released booster group poll is subjective, simplistic, and of little value to transportation planning in the Washington DC region

Posted on by acustis

COALITION FOR SMARTER GROWTH § MONTGOMERY COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE §  ACTION COMMITTEE FOR TRANSIT § ALEXANDRIA BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE § PIEDMONT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2016

CONTACT
Stewart Schwartz, Coalition for Smarter Growth, (703) 599-6437
Caroline Taylor, Montgomery Countryside Alliance, (301) 461-9831
Ronit Dancis, Action Committee for Transit, (240) 432-9917
Jim Durham, Alexandria Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, (703) 508-0762
Chris Miller, Piedmont Environmental Council, (703) 507-5790

WASHINGTON, DC — A poll released today by the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance (NVTAlliance) and Suburban Maryland Transportation Alliance (SMTAlliance) is subjective, simplistic and of little value for transportation planning in the DC region, according to several transportation groups around the DC region.

“This new poll completely ignores the number one factor affecting traffic and congestion:  land use.  Furthermore, it presumes that by expanding capacity, we can reduce congestion even though a wide array of transportation studies have shown that induced traffic fills up new capacity in as little as five years in metropolitan areas,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

“By not providing information to the respondents about the role of land use, the problem of induced traffic, and the potential financial and community costs versus benefits of various projects it’s not surprising that the NVTAlliance/SMTAlliance world is like ‘Lake Wobegon’ where all transportation projects end up rating ‘above average’,” concurred Caroline Taylor, Executive Director of the Montgomery Countryside Alliance.

Transportation and land use planners have learned that how we lay out our communities has a profound effect on transportation. The farther out we live and the more separated homes are from jobs, schools, retail and services, the more we drive. Expanding I-270 and I-66 in the absence of better land use would likely inspire more growth in rural areas and more long-distance commuting.

In contrast, compact mixed-use communities in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, and at Metro stations in Montgomery, Fairfax, and Prince George’s have much lower rates of driving and very high transit, walk and bike use. Every person who lives or works in a transit-oriented center is a person who drives much less, and has a longer lasting positive impact than road expansion.

“This poll is permeated with the presumption that ‘congestion reduction’ can be achieved and that we just need to spend more on everything to do so. This is the worldview that the NVTAlliance and SMTAlliance have long pushed. Both remain primarily highway booster groups, but have had to adjust their campaigns and brands in acknowledgement of the strong support for transit and transit-oriented development in the DC region – so they now package both roads and transit together,” said Schwartz.

“The problem is, we can’t afford to do everything on the NVTAlliance/SMTAlliance wish lists. We need to make choices, and linking land use with transit is the most effective thing we can do. It’s also in very high demand in the real estate market, including for Marriott Corporation, whose CEO has stated that they will be moving to a Metro station from their suburban office park,” said Ronit Dancis, President of Action Committee for Transit.

Jim Durham, Chair of Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, added, “For jurisdictions like the City of Alexandria, adding more lane miles of roadway is not an option, and when surrounding jurisdictions take that approach, it just increases congestion via induced demand. Land use and transportation alternatives are the only real long-term alternatives.”

“So, in the end,” concluded Schwartz, “we have a poll that says transportation is a top issue, which isn’t surprising in our successful metropolitan region, and that people would like to see less congestion.  But it’s not honest about how unlikely it is we will be able to reduce congestion over the long term through capacity expansion. By not discussing land use, induced traffic, or tradeoffs, costs and alternatives, the poll is more about boosting spending and getting mega-projects built, than about providing an effective, long-term approach to our transportation and land use challenges.”

The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.

The Montgomery Countryside Alliance promotes sound economic, land-use and transportation policies and programs that preserve the natural environment, open spaces, and rural lands in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve for the benefit of all Washington Metropolitan area residents. Learn more at mocoalliance.org.

Action Committee for Transit has a vision of a Montgomery County where it is easier to travel and more pleasant to live — a county built for people and not for automobiles. We believe fundamental changes are needed in transportation and land use policies to give the people of Montgomery County and Maryland the quality of life we deserve. Learn more at www.actfortransit.org.

Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is a volunteer led organization that promotes walking and biking in Alexandria. Learn more at alexandriabpac.wordpress.com.

Since 1972, The Piedmont Environmental Council has proudly promoted and protected the natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty of the Virginia Piedmont. Learn more about the Piedmont Environmental Council at pecva.org.

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STATEMENT: Coalition for Smarter Growth applauds WMATA General Manager’s initiatives and urges a regional ‘team effort’

Posted on by acustis

For Immediate Release
March 7, 2016

Contact:
Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director
Cell: 703-599-6437

WASHINGTON, DC — Today at the National Press Club, and in an Op Ed in the Washington Post on Sunday, the new General Manager for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Paul Wiedefeld, laid out his comprehensive plan for fixing the transit agency. Coalition for Smarter Growth Executive Director Stewart Schwartz issued the following statement in reaction to Wiedefeld’s plan.

“We applaud the General Manager’s comprehensive and detailed plan for fixing WMATA. The plan offers confidence that GM Wiedefeld is a leader focused on implementing the reforms we need to restore the system and the public’s confidence.

“But restoring Metro must be a team effort. All sectors must share a commitment to fixing the system. This means not just management and line staff, but the unions, the WMATA Board, business and civic sectors, riders, advocates, and above all, our elected officials. Our region cannot function without Metro, so our elected officials must make Metro their top priority transportation investment, backing up the GM with the funding the system needs.

“The region’s economy depends on Metro. For decades, it has been essential for the functioning of our largest employer, the federal government. Today, the marketplace is demonstrating huge demand to live and work near Metro and private developers are committing billions of dollars to building the walkable, urban, transit-oriented communities people want.  Elected officials have said that transit-oriented development (TOD) is the region’s future, but you can’t have TOD without the ‘T’. Fixing Metro must be our top priority if we are to remain economically competitive.”

About the Coalition for Smarter Growth

The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.

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RELEASE: Reaction to County Executive Leggett BRT Annoucement

Posted on by Claire Jaffe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2016

CONTACT
Pete Tomao, Coalition for Smarter Growth
516-318-0605
pete@smartergrowth.net

Montgomery County – Earlier today, County Executive Ike Leggett released an update to his proposed transportation budget, adding funding to make near term improvements to bus service and continue Bus Rapid Transit studies.

“When the County Executive’s first proposal came out in January it didn’t have the funding needed to make important transit improvements, so we are very pleased to see the changes he and his staff have made,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth. “It’s not everything we had hoped for – it depends on state funding to complete the Route 355 BRT study and to add priority bus service on Veirs Mill Road for example, but the County Executive has certainly responded positively to our requests, and those of the Council, to keep moving forward on Bus Rapid Transit, while also providing near term improvements.”

“I’ve ridden just about every route in Montgomery and it’s clear to me that the demand for better transit in the county is strong and we need to be making these investments,” said Pete Tomao, Montgomery County Transit Organizer for the Coalition for Smarter Growth. “Demand for transit crosses socio-economic boundaries, from new immigrants, to seniors, to millenials – including a young mother, Gretchen Goldman, whom I met during my outreach and regularly rides the bus with her young son, Thomas:

“One of the reasons my family and I chose to live here was for the county’s convenience to the city. We’re lucky to live along one of the county’s few express bus routes—the K9 on New Hampshire Ave. Thomas and I ride it regularly. For us, bus access is convenient and quick. It allows us to be a one car family, since we can quickly get to work and social activities in downtown DC or elsewhere in the county.

BRT is about access, it’s about freedom and it’s about equity. In Montgomery County, many do not ride the bus by choice, but by necessity. For them, BRT increases options and decreases burdens. It enhances quality of life and creates opportunities.

When I think about what I want for Thomas’ future, I have a new vision for Montgomery County. I want Thomas to live in a place where he has mobility and independence; where he doesn’t need a car to get around; and where he can have access to safe and affordable transportation options.”

The County Executive is proposing to the Council important investments along Route 355, US29, and Veirs Mill Road, the three primary corridors for the BRT, including:

  • Route 355: Instituting a new Ride On Plus priority service from the Lakeforest Transit Center to Medical Center Metrorail and adding $5 million to the planning budget for the Route 355 BRT proposal. If the state government matches that, it could ensure enough funding for the next phase of the Route 355 planning process.
  • US29: Adding $6.5 million to the planning budget for BRT along US29, with the goal of getting the route up and running within four years.
  • Veirs Mill Road: Requesting that the state prioritize $1.8 million in annual funding for rush hour express bus service along Veirs Mill Road – the busiest bus route in Maryland. The proposed Veirs Mill BRT route already has enough funding to complete planning.

“Looking ahead, our group will continue to work for the funding necessary to build the BRT to the standard necessary to support rapid, efficient and frequent service – service that will attract new workers and new companies and improve access to jobs,” concluded Tomao.

About the Coalition for Smarter Growth
The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Better Buses Press Conference

Posted on by Veronica Miniello
​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 29, 2016

CONTACT
Pete Tomao
516-318-0605 (cell)
pete@smartergrowth.net

What: Montgomery County bus riders, Montgomery County Councilmembers, and Montgomery County transit advocates will hold a press conference to highlight the need for increased funding in the upcoming budget to ensure better bus service for all residents. County officials will accept petition calling for better bus service from county bus riders.

Where: Rockville Metro station, east entrance

When: March 3rd 2016, 8:35am – 9:15am

Visuals: Young mother with baby discusses why better buses are important to her. Bus reliant resident talks about how better bus service improves quality of life. Transit users present Montgomery County elected officials with 1,000 signature petition. Brief remarks from Council Vice President  Roger Berliner, and Councilmembers Marc Elrich, George Leventhal, Hans Riemer.

Montgomery County elected officials accepting petition outside of busy, active bus bays and Metro Station.

Why: Parts of the DC area have some of the worst traffic congestion in the country and many residents have a growing problem with easy access to good paying jobs. Our transit system should be a solution to these problems but a lack of investment has slowed us down. To address problems of congestion and growth the Montgomery County Council unanimously passed the BRT Master Plan in 2013. However BRT study funding is set to expire and no next steps for BRT, or better bus service, were identified in the proposed transportation budget. This Thursday Councilmembers and riders stand together in a show of support for this vital system. It is important that next steps are developed to ensure that Bus Rapid Transit and better bus service become a reality. This petition speaks to the demand for better transit.

About the Coalition for Smarter Growth:
The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.