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.
Have you heard about the amazing success of the new Alexandria DASH bus network and free fares? Did you know bus rapid transit is being planned for Route 1 and Route 7 in Fairfax, or that many Fairfax bus routes have been updated? Did you know that regional officials are planning a more coordinated, frequent, and reliable Metrobus and local bus network? Join us this Friday to learn all about it!
The Coalition for Smarter Growth appreciates the opportunity to provide feedback on NVTC’s proposed 2023-2024 Work Plan. As an organization that promotes walkable, inclusive transit-friendly communities as the most sustainable and equitable way for the region to grow and prosper, we appreciate the important work of NVTC in providing the funding and transit services to support sustainable, transit-oriented communities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We write to you today in support of regional transportation planning that identifies cost-effective, sustainable, and equitable solutions to improve mobility and helps inform investments through NVTA’s 6-year program.
“A plan that we could never afford is not a plan. And if we can’t afford it, and dozens of the projects can never be built, then the NVTA can’t claim that their plan would reduce congestion,” said Stewart Schwartz, executive director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.
The Coalition for Smarter Growth appreciates DRPT’s involvement in the I-495 southside corridor issue. Our organization has been engaged for over two decades in the transportation and land use issues that connect Prince George’s County and Northern Virginia. Please consider our comments on the I-495 Southside Transit & TDM Study.