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.

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.

 

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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?

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.

16th Street bus lane fact sheet

How to get better bus service for 16th Street – Rush hour bus lanes – 16th Street NW buses are plagued by overcrowding and delays – A rush hour bus lane would greatly improve service – What would a rush hour bus lane on 16th street NW do? A dedicated bus lane operating during rush hour in the peak direction would keep buses from getting stuck in traffic. Buses in dedicated lanes would avoid traffic delays, move at increased speeds, and arrive on time. This means more reliable, regular service, and less overcrowding for riders.