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.
Read the 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.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority