In some respects, D.C. Metro has been the poster child for dysfunctional transit systems in recent years, but the states of Virginia and Maryland are close to ensuring a new source of funding that could help stabilize the transit agency.
"The Virginia General Assembly agreed Saturday to give Metro $154 million a year in permanent, new funding," reports Robert McCartney.
The new funding comes "on the condition that Maryland and the District make somewhat larger contributions to provide the transit system with a total of up to $500 million more annually."
The D.C. Metro subway system has lacked a dedicated source of funding since it opened in 1976, so the decision by the Virginia General Assembly can be described as an historic step. Next steps will include resolving the legislation with the State Senate and the governor's office. Maryland is at a similar point in the approval of matching legislation.
The article includes a lot more detail about the ongoing politics of the funding bills in both states.
FULL STORY: Breakthrough in Virginia on Metro funding: Lawmakers approve $154 million
Showdown Over Proposed Service Improvements for D.C. Metro
The state of Virginia won't let Washington Metro increase services that surpass a three percent subsidy cap implemented this summer.
Time Running Out for Illinois Transit Bill
Chicago-area transit agencies face a daunting budget gap if lawmakers fail to agree on a funding bill by the end of the current legislative session.
Judge Extends NYC Congestion Pricing Through at Least June 9
A federal judge halted the Trump administration’s effort to kill the program, which remains in limbo as a lawsuit filed by the MTA moves forward.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie