Post-Labor Day Roundup

Stimulus now hitting commuter rail. Virginia Railway Express is reported to receive $9.8 million in federal stimulus money for 12 new locomotives and a canopy at the Manassas Park station. A VRE spokesman said via The Washington Post that new running stock is more efficient and can pull more passengers than the 20 aged locomotives currently in use. VRE operates commuter trains along the I-66 and I-95/I-395 corridors to downtown D.C.

• The Post: "Two Transit Agencies Get $14 Million From Stimulus"

Ridership is up across the state but not so much in Northern Virginia. So says a recent transportation report, according to Inside NOVA. VRE ridership is up, and buses in the Prince William area are also seeing a modest increase, but ridership in Fairfax County and Alexandria is actually a bit down.

• Inside NOVA: "State Transit Ridership Slowly Increases"

It's a bad year for pedestrians in Fairfax County. Fatalities are way up. Please drive and walk safely.

• The Fairfax County Times: "Pedestrian Deaths Soar"

An I-66 corridor transit study will be complete this fall. And the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) will be hosting public information meetings to review findings and receive comments in the last two weeks of September. The study was commisioned to evaluate short- and midterm improvements to the corridor, such as bus rapid transit, car- and vanpooling, and park-and-rides.

• DRPT: I-66 Transit/Transportation Demand Management Study

A Virginia megaproject has been defered. Plans for high occupancy toll lanes on I-395 and I-95 have been put on hold and a Virginia official explained via The Washington Examiner that the current credit market and community concerns are big factors in the reassessment. One such concern is Arlington County gearing up for a lawsuit in opposition. Residents of Arlington and Alexandria are alarmed over the potential negative impact HOT lane construction would have on their communities, especially around Shirlington Circle.

• The Examiner: "HOT Lanes on I-95/395 Put on Hold"
• Greater Greater Washington:"Economy, Opposition Push VDOT to Postpone I-95/395 HOT Lanes"
• Alexandria Gazette Packet: "A HOT Mess (Alexandria leaders consider joining a lawsuit Arlington County is preparing against feds)"

The HOT lanes currently under construction on I-495 (between the Dulles Toll Road and the Springfield interchange) are unaffected by the I-395 decision.