The well-documented problems facing the D.C. Circulator bus system came to head earlier in July.

"The District will take over direct management of its troubled D.C. Circulator bus system, clearing the way for Metro to remove itself from responsibilities it assumed in 2005 when the bright red buses first appeared on city streets," reports Martin Di Caro.
The decision appears to be the final chapter of Metro's role with the beleaguered bus line. Here, Di Caro explains the current arrangement, which will no longer include Metro by July 1, 2018:
Metro’s pending exit promises to simplify a complicated management structure. Since the Circulator’s inception, DDOT has owned the fleet and set routes, schedules, and fares. Metro has been in charge of on-the-ground oversight of its contract with First Transit, frequently docking the company payments for failing to meet the daily quota of operational buses. First Transit operates the system, responsible for hiring and training drivers and mechanics.
Dan Malouf documented the shortcomings of the arrangement in a separate article published earlier in July, as did Di Caro in another article in May.
Despite the new arrangement, DDOT is not promising service improvements on the line just yet, reports Di Caro.
FULL STORY: District To Replace Metro In Direct Control Of Troubled D.C. Circulator

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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