NEWS & EVENTS
Read about what’s happening in today’s news that affects your daily commute. We’ve consolidated a collection of the latest articles about transportation and commuter related trends and challenges faced by Washington area commuters. Be sure to check back on a regular basis to keep tabs on the most up to date news.
Visit our construction projects section and learn about upcoming road improvements taking place around the Washington region. Anticipate roadwork delays and avoid the snarls to stay ahead of the construction curve.
Find out about upcoming events that pertain to commuting in the Washington metropolitan region and read recent Commuter Connections press releases.
- $25 million grant to tie trails from DC to Largo Town Center
- 2 Orange Line stations reopen, Metro moves on to Green Line construction
- I-95 express lane extension expected to reduce congestion
- Demolition work finally begins at infamous ‘Dave Thomas Circle’ in DC
- Metro to temporarily close 4 Green Line stations for major construction
- Orange Line delays begin Friday with start of Metro summer construction
- Drivers can expect delays on northern end of GW Parkway due to construction
- Part of Metro’s construction plans on Orange, Green and Silver lines begin next month
- Paving on part of Capital Beltway in Md. to start week of April 23
- Major road work for section of GW Parkway begins next week
- Guardrails installed on US-15 in Frederick after deadly tanker fire
- Week-long work zone on US-50 in Maryland could hamper commuters
- GW Parkway construction near entering next phase, which will shut down southbound lanes
- Work zones to affect traffic on the Beltway and Chain Bridge Road
- Construction to begin on pedestrian bridge that collapsed on DC-295
- Part of Columbia Pike near Arlington National Cemetery to close starting Monday
- Metro reopens entrance at L’Enfant Plaza Station after months long construction
- Route 29 widening construction in Fairfax Co. to start this spring
2023 Press Releases
- The D.C. metro area will be showing its love for the planet tomorrow, as residents pledge to go car free on September 22
- Join the movement towards a greener future, take the pledge and go car free with Commuter Connections
- Registration now open for Car Free Day 2023: Improve your commute, save money on gas and parking
- Commuter Connections recognizes three employers for innovation and supporting commuter alternative programs
- Gearing Up: DC area Bike to Work Day 2023 when thousands will participate in free, eco-friendly annual event
- Just one week away but Bike to Work Day 2023 Registration is still Open. Join the Fun
- Ready to Roll: Bike to Work Day 2023 Registration Now Open
2022 Press Releases
-
Survey highlights telework explosion' and other regional commuting trends since pandemic onset
- Car Free Day 2022 Registration Opens: Take Your Foot off the Gas and Take the Pledge to go Car Free
- Commuter Connections awards employers for innovation and excellence in commuter benefits programs
- Commuter Connections offers relief from high gas prices
2021 Press Releases
- Take Your Foot off the Gas and Take the Free Pledge: Car Free Day 2021 Registration Open!
- Commuter Connections honors employers for excellence and innovation in commute alternative programs
- Bike to Work Day is Back in 2021
- Early registration for Bike to Work Day 2021 is now open
2020 Press Releases
- Pledge to go car free on September 22 by telewoTake Your Foot off the Gas and Take the Free Pledge: Car Free Day 2021 Registration Open!rking, biking, walking, and more
- Commuter Connections recognizes three employers for excellence in commute alternative programs
- Commuter Connections offers new resources for area employees during transition back to the workplace
2019 Press Releases
- Commuters are driving alone less, taking transit and teleworking more
- Commuter Connections and American Lung Association urge drivers to go car-free on September 22, 2017
- Commuter Connections and University of Maryland launch incenTrip app
- Drop your keys for Car Free Days—Take the free pledge today!
- Commuter Connections recognizes employers for making commuting easy
- Bigger and better: 18,000 turn out for Bike to Work Day
- Commuter Connections helps commuters during Metro shutdown
- D.C. region gears up for a record-breaking Bike to Work Day
- Looking Ahead to Summer (Mentions Bike to Work Day)
- Annual Bike to Work Day Planned for May 17
- Save Some Cash on Commuting: Register for Bike to Work Day!
- Registration for Bike to Work Day is open
2018 Press Releases
- New Commuter Connections Bicycle Route Finder makes cycling in D.C. region easier
- Don’t miss out on great Car Free Day prizes
- Commute to a healthier lifestyle on Car Free Days, September 21 and 22
- Drop Your Car Keys for a Day or Two! Take the Pledge to Go Car Free on September 21 and 22
- Commuter Connections honors employers for commitment to better commutes
- Despite rainy weather, thousands of commuters participate in Bike to Work Day
- Bike to Work Day Press Release: Pedal to help Metro DC Win ‘Nation’s Fittest Region’
- Celebrate spring by registering for Bike to Work Day 2018
2017 Press Releases
- New Rewards Program Gives Commuters Information to Avoid Traffic Delays and Congestion
- More than 7,000 have already pledged to go car-free on September 22 09-20-2017
- More than 3,000 Take the Car Free Day Pledge for September 22; Join Them and Win Great Prizes!
- Commuter Connections and American Lung Association Urge Drivers to go Car-Free on September 22, 2017
- Area employers recognized for innovative and sustainable commuter programs 06-22-2017
- Bike to Work Day Breaks Records in Metropolitan Washington 05-22-2017
- 85 Pit Stops Around Metropolitan Washington Gear Up to Host Thousands of Area Bike to Work Day Participants 05-18-2017
- Bike to Work Day Plans Support for First-Time Bicycle Commuters 05-05-2017
- Registration Opens for Bike to Work Day 2017 03-20-2017
- Commuter Connections Provides Area Commuters with Options for Navigating Metro’s SafeTrack and Winter Weather 01-26-2017
- Metro starts warning period before fining drivers in bus lanes
- Metro rolls out new, higher fare gates in attempt to curb gate jumpers
- Metro adding lights at some bus stops to help rail riders catch their bus
- Metro fare evasion criminalized in Loudoun County
- MCDOT Honored for Helping Businesses Create Alternative Options for Commuters
- Slow down or say cheese: 2 speed cameras installed in Frederick
- Metro adds new cashless options for parking payment in ‘fare modernization’ effort
- Where are the best places to live without a car in the DC region?
- Back on the bus: Montgomery County sees bump in Ride On numbers
- ‘This is my stop’: MetroHero hands conductor’s hat to new WMATA commuters, watchdogs
- ‘High-risk drivers’ could be receiving messages from DC. Will it prevent crashes?
- Bus-ted! DC drivers to soon face fines for using bus lanes
- Take Metro’s Red Line? You’ll now see more frequent trains
- More traffic dividers are coming to your commute on the GW Parkway
- Md. Transportation Authority moves ahead with bike access on Nice-Middleton Bridge
- Reducing crashes, congestion on roads near I-95 interchange in Springfield
- Application for discounted Metro fares to begin June 20
- Metro’s Yellow Line to boost train frequency
- Metro shutting down four Orange Line stations starting Saturday
- Speeding? It could soon cost you near these Alexandria school zones
- Route 1 speed limit drops from 45 to 35 in Fairfax County
- Virginia Railway Express offering free Friday rides this summer
- Loudoun to Host Pit Stops for Bike to Work Day
- Bike to Work Day will have a pit stop at the Annandale library
- Greenbelt a Premier Pit Stop For Bike to Work Day 2023
- First 4 miles of I-66 ‘parallel trail’ now open to cyclists, pedestrians
- How the opening of the Potomac Yard Metro station could impact your commute
- Speed limit to drop to 35 mph on stretch of Richmond Highway
- Metro’s Yellow Line resumes service Sunday
- Highway congestion could be costing Maryland drivers thousands each year
- Metro’s board OKs plan for buses to add cameras to catch bus lane violators
- Drivers encouraged to be more aware as pedestrian deaths rise
- Morning brush fire delays Maryland Area Rail Commuter trains
- New dashboard tracks every fatal crash in Maryland: Where are the region’s deadliest roads?
- Normal service resumes on Blue Line following Metro equipment derailment
- What Old Georgetown Road’s new bike, pedestrian lanes mean for safety
- DC ranked as 4th safest city in US to drive in
- After month's long closure, Metro’s Yellow Line scheduled to reopen next month
- Where DC, Maryland and Virginia rank for distracted driving
- What’s behind a rise in gas prices in the DC area?
- DC leaders say they’re close to goal of improving all poor quality roads
- Want a free e-scooter lesson? Montgomery Co. is offering them
- Maryland State Police steps up efforts to stop distracted drivers
- Virginia updates its Move Over Law to protect motorists in disabled vehicles
- Traffic not so ‘cheery’ as cherry blossom visitors get stuck for hours
- Metro Transit Police’s body camera program to start in April
- New ‘saloon door’ fare gates coming to Metro stations to prevent fare evaders
- With ridership up, Metro adds more rail service at busy stations
- Nearly 3 miles of lights are out above I-495, WTOP finds out why
- New signs, gates on Bay Bridge to give drivers earlier warning of lane closures
- No more digging for change: Dulles Toll Road goes cashless
- Red Line service increasing on Metro’s busiest days of the week
- OmniRide operators strike, causing major disruptions for users
- Report: Spike in crashes, traffic deaths in DC region with lifting of COVID restrictions
- In partnership with Metro, DC police to start patrols at several stations
- High speeds, distracted driving cited in increased deadly crashes in Fairfax County
- 'Slugging' culture in D.C. region threatened by commuting shifts
- Montgomery Co. increasing Ride On bus service on several routes
- Metro planning Orange, Green Line summer shutdowns for maintenance — again
- DC renews permits for most e-scooter companies
- Metro hinting at shorter wait times as 7000-series cars inspections become less frequent
- MARC train service restored following technical issues
- DC’s two streets where you’re most likely to get a ticket
- Metro says it won’t cut service after all, following dispute with safety watchdog over training
- Just how much does sitting in DC traffic cost you?
Drop Your Car Keys for a Day!
In the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Car Free Day 2023 will be celebrated on Friday, September 22, 2023.
Choose the travel method that fits you best! That may include Telework, Transit, Carpool/Vanpool (Car-Lite), Bike, Scooter, or Walking.
All are welcome to take the Car Free Day pledge whether you’re a Washington DC area resident, commuter, or student. Once you take the Online Pledge, we will automatically enter you into a raffle for all sorts of great prizes.
For immediate release: July 17, 2023
Metro wants your feedback on proposals to improve service and reliability on the Blue, Orange, Silver lines
Metro quiere su opinión sobre las propuestas para mejorar el servicio y la confiabilidad en las líneas Azul, Naranja y Plata
Metro today opened its public engagement and feedback period on six options to address future capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. The proposed alternatives, part of the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity and Reliability Study (BOS Study) launched in 2019, include a set of potential infrastructure and operational improvements that will ensure quality service while meeting the needs of the growing region.
Beginning today, July 17, Metro will conduct a series of virtual and in-person engagement activities to provide information about the proposed alternatives and receive public input that will help Metro’s Board of Directors select a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). Visit wmata.com/BOSstudy for full details about the proposals and how to weigh in.
The Board’s selection of an LPA is only the first step in a long process. The type of large project needed to address the needs and opportunities on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines will require federal funding as well as support and investment from Metro’s regional partners. Recognizing this, the BOS Study is structured according to federal guidelines and requirements to qualify for federal grants. Projects of this scale can take ten to twenty years or more to plan, design, fund, and build. Metro and the region need to be planning now for our growing region.
Engagement Opportunities
Website
Members of the public are encouraged to review materials on the BOS study website, wmata.com/BOSstudy, and provide feedback on the proposed alternatives by responding to an online survey.
Online Survey
The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed alternatives through an online survey. The survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open until September 30, 2023, at wmata.com/BOSstudy.
VISA Gift Card Giveaway: By responding to the survey, respondents may enter for a chance to win a $50 VISA gift card in a drawing to be held once the survey closes.
Hybrid Public Meetings
In addition, the public is encouraged to register for and attend one of three upcoming hybrid public meetings, either in-person or virtually (online). These hybrid meetings include a live presentation by project staff, followed by a question-and-answer session.
- Tuesday, July 25 | 6:30-8 PM - George Mason University - Van Metre Hall Multipurpose Room (3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington VA 22201)
- Saturday, August 26 | 10:30 AM -12:00 PM - St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church Omega Room (408 Addison Rd S, Capitol Heights MD 20743)
- Tuesday, September 12 | 6:30-8 PM - Metro L'Enfant Plaza HQ Board Room (300 7th Street SW, Washington DC 20024)
To register for an upcoming meeting, visit: wmata.com/BOSstudy
About the Study
Metro launched the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity & Reliability Study (BOS Study) in early 2019 to identify the best and most cost-effective solutions to address ridership, service, and reliability needs on these Metrorail lines. After conducting an analysis of the key issues and trends, Metro developed a broad range of potential options for addressing the study goals. Following two rounds of public engagement and extensive feedback, Metro worked with community stakeholders and local jurisdictions to evaluate and narrow these options to six potential alternatives addressing capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines.
Click here to view the proposed alternatives.
The BOS Study is a type of study known as an Alternatives Analysis (AA). The AA complies with best-practices guidelines from the Federal Transit Administration and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This will allow Metro to move forward with the study recommendation(s) and compete for federal funding, while reducing the length and cost of any future environmental review process. The study recommendations will be based on data analysis, with input from regional stakeholders and the public to define the problems and determine the preferred solution.
For More Information
To learn more about the project, upcoming engagement activities, and complete the online survey, visit the project website at wmata.com/BOSstudy
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, or family status. If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or translation services (free of charge), contact the project team at 703-683-7447, ext. 115 (TTY: 711) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.
MDOT Wants to Hear from You!
Second Survey for Long-Range Transportation Plan
Now Available!
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) kicked off its long-range transportation plan development, known as the 2050 Maryland Transportation Plan (2050 MTP), in April with a survey asking Marylanders to provide input on a range of priorities, goals, and guiding principles.
MDOT now is launching a second short survey on proposed key outcomes, locations where transportation improvements are needed, and budget investment priorities. Please take the survey here by July 10, 2023 and help guide the state's vision and corresponding policy and investment priorities for the next 20 years!
The 2050 MTP proposed guiding principles, goals, and objectives will be refined throughout the planning process as they collect input from Maryland’s residents and visitors through 2023. MDOT expects to finalize the 2050 MTP by January 2024. Click below to learn more about the 2050 MTP and how input from the first survey is helping to shape the state's long-range transportation plan.
For more information, email MDOTMTP@mdot.maryland.gov.
Click here to visit the MTP website.
Bike to Work Day 2023
Gear up for Bike to Work Day 2023! Join us Friday, May 19 and get started on a healthy routine. Sign up by May 12 for a free T-shirt and your chance to win an e-bike. Please register at Bike to Work 2023, today.
Metro seeks public input on East Falls Church bus loop expansion and pedestrian Improvements
Metro is seeking public input on the proposed bus loop expansion and pedestrian improvements at East Falls Church Station.
The station currently has four bus bays that are operating at maximum capacity. In coordination with Metro, Arlington County seeks to expand the footprint of the existing bus loop, upgrade the existing bus shelters, and add three bus bays with shelters at the station. The project also aims to improve sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, and landscaping within and around the station, including improving the crosswalks between the station entrance and the existing bus loop on North Sycamore Street.
Bus capacity and pedestrian access improvements are necessary to accommodate projected transit ridership growth at the station. East Falls Church Station is the first eastbound station that connects the Silver Line with the Orange Line, making it an important transfer point for rail and bus riders. Feedback from the public on these proposed changes is essential as this project moves forward.
To learn more about the project, visit Arlington County’s website.
How to provide feedback
- Take a survey and provide written comments by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 1.
- Participate in a virtual public hearing on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
- To participate by phone, call 855-925-2801 and enter meeting code 4773.
- To participate via video, preregister by emailing speak@wmata.com by 5 p.m. the day before the Public Hearing.
- Watch or listen to the virtual public hearing live at on our capital and service plans page, on YouTube, or by calling 855-925-2801 and entering meeting code 4773.
Public feedback will be provided to Metro's Board of Directors as part of the final decision-making process.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, or family status. ASL interpretation will be provided. To request other accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or other language interpretation services (free of charge), contact the Office of the Board Secretary at 202-962-2511 (TTY: 202-962-2033) or send a message to speak@wmata.com as soon as possible, so Metro can make the necessary arrangements before the public hearing date.
VDRPT Will Hold a Virtual Public Meeting July 19, 2022 on the I-495 Southside Transit and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Study
Tuesday, July 19th at 6:30pm
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) invites you to learn about and provide input on its I-495 Southside Transit and TDM study by attending a public information meeting June 19. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the public and organizations to ask questions and offer comments and/or suggestions on the study.
Register now for the upcoming virtual public meeting!
The I-495 Southside Transit and TDM study aims to evaluate existing transportation options and identify future multimodal mobility solutions. The study will consider potential mobility options for travel along I-495 Southside, including— but not limited to—carpool, rideshare, local bus, express bus, bus rapid transit, Metrorail, regional rail, and intercity rail service. The study area extends for 11 miles of I-495 from the Springfield Interchange (I-95/I-395/I-495) in Fairfax County, VA to Maryland Route 210 in Prince George’s County, MD and includes the Metrorail and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) lines between Springfield, VA and Alexandria, VA. This study will help inform the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study that is looking at potentially extending the express lanes system on the southern section of the Capital Beltway.