“There are 1,200 lane miles of new highway in this plan and only 44 miles of transit,” said Stewart Schwartz, the executive director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, a pro-transit group. “We’ve argued that when you see the success of D.C., Arlington, and Alexandria and the urbanizing suburbs in places like Tysons and White Flint, more investment in transit, walking, and bicycling would do much more to reduce regional traffic than this road-heavy approach.”
Category: Better Public Transit
Older adults seek a D.C. with better sidewalks, accessible cabs and age-friendly transit options
The city has made strides in recent years to improve public transportation and the street environment for both pedestrians and cyclists with new bike lanes, improved crosswalks and new forms of transportation. CSG finds there is more work to be done, especially when it comes to accommodating older adults who make up 11% of the current population and will soon be joined by the aging cohort of Baby Boomers who account for 17% of the D.C. population.
The ‘P3’ dilemma: States learn partnerships come with hazards
Many government officials see public-private partnerships as a convenient solution to their infrastructure woes. Enlisting investors and private sector know-how gets roads, bridges and other projects built long before government could do the work on its own.
Boosters Show Off Bus Rapid Transit Vehicle At MoCo Fair
Some county officials hope the large bus situated front and center at this year’s Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is a glimpse of the not-so-distant future.
Metro’s Silver Line opens
The opening of Metro’s Silver Line will transform land use in Northern Virginia, according to the Coalition for Smarter Growth.
Montgomery paves the way for bus network that could zip by traffic
With Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett running for a third term in November, transit advocates are planning an agenda for his next term. Leggett will run against Republican James Shalleck in an overwhelmingly Democratic county. For transit advocates, this means a push to turn projects such as the Purple Line, Corridor Cities Transitway and a bus rapid transit network into reality.
Transit supporters to host Rockville open house
Supporters of a countywide transit system will hold an open house to discuss the system Wednesday in Rockville.
Two groups, the Coalition for Smarter Growth and Communities for Transit, are sponsoring the forum at Rockville Memorial Library, where residents will be able to learn more about the county’s planned 81-mile bus rapid transit system.
When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 25
Where: First floor large meeting room, Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Avenue, Rockville
What: Rockville Rapid Transit Open House
RSVP at http://bit.ly/rockvilleRTS
It will feature a basic overview of bus rapid transit and what is planned for the county and the Rockville area in particular, said Kelly Blynn of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.
Blynn said the system will connect areas not served by Metro and help link downtown areas with surrounding residential areas.
There also will be a presentation from Rockville staff on how the city wants the system to fit into its downtown, she said.
Organizers will discuss how people can help plan the system, Blynn said.
In Rockville, three bus rapid transit corridors are planned to converge at or near the Rockville Metro station on Md. 355.
From there, the lines would run north to Clarksburg, south to Washington and southeast to Wheaton.
City officials have expressed some concern about the impact the system will have on Rockville Town Center.
The forum, which runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m., is free, and Blynn said a sign language interpreter will be provided. More information is at smartergrowth.net.
To read original story, please click here.
Discussing the Future of Rapid Transit in Rockville
On Wednesday, June 25th, Communities for Transit and Coalition for Smarter Growth are holding a free, open event from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Rockville Memorial Library to discuss Montgomery County’s planned 81-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) system. What is bus rapid transit, and how would it affect our city?
Arlington Streetcars Won’t Go To Referendum. Now What?
Both sides in the battle over Arlington County’s proposed streetcar lines are weighing in on a big decision by the county board.
CSG Support for EYA Takoma Metro Station JD Proposal (Docket R14-01)
Please accept these comments on behalf of the Coalition for Smarter Growth. The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington, D.C. region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Our 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.