More bad news for the beleaguered transit agency of our nation's capital, as declining ridership and prolonged service disruptions have now given way to large-scale layoffs throughout the organization.
Paul Duggan reports: "Metro announced a major workforce reduction Monday, saying it will eliminate 500 jobs in coming months that “are no longer deemed critical” to the beleaguered transit agency, which is struggling to deal with declining ridership and revenue woes."
According to Duggan, the layoffs are expected to cut through the ranks of the agency, and include some union employees. According to According to a statement from General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld, the layoffs are necessary "to operate in a businesslike manner and achieve cost savings…." Wiedefeld came onboard as Metro’s general manager and chief executive in late November, vowing to streamline the organization.
The layoffs take place in context of the launch of the SafeTrack maintenance program, which is causing disruptions in service on lines throughout the Metrorail system.
FULL STORY: Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld to eliminate 500 jobs
D.C. Metro Approves Fare Hike, Service Cuts
For months, transit advocates have dreaded the decision to raise fares and cut service throughout the D.C. Metro system. That day arrived last week. Changes take effect on July 1.
WMATA Approved Buyouts and Service Reductions
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority couldn't wait for a still hypothetical bailout from Congress or the Biden administration.
Plans to Restore Transit Service With Social Distancing, Other Risk Reduction Measures in Place
After months of nothing but news of service cuts, plummeting ridership, and cratered budgets, a few U.S. transit agencies are now making plans to restore service with new social distancing guidelines in place.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie