By Ethan Goffman (Contributor) • December 22, 2021
Congestion pricing can draw concerns around equity as critics say it allows the wealthy to bypass the rest of us. But congestion pricing can also improve equity, depending on how it is implemented.
Metro removed all 7000-series railcars from service last week after it was determined several did not pass the inspection required to safely reintroduce them. Metro’s safety commission says the trains can’t return until Metro produces a more specific safety plan. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
The Purple Line won’t open for several years, but there’s already concern that it will cause rents to rise in communities along its route. A coalition is working to engage the public and private sector to preserve affordable housing and small businesses along the corridor. (Katherine Shaver / Post)
Four Smithsonian museums are set to reopen today after briefly being closed last week due to a number of essential staff at each location testing positive for COVID-19. (Maya Pottiger / Washingtonian)
In an interview, Transurban’s president in North America discussed the project to build a wider I-495 and I-270 in Maryland, saying the lanes will allow for better transit links across the American Legion Bridge and that the company will make an effort to move cars through the “smallest footprint” possible. (Katherine Shaver / Post)
Newly inked deals to transform malls in the region’s into mixed-use residential and commercial developments were a major real estate trend last year, one that could bring hundreds of new housing units. (Nena Perry-Brown / UrbanTurf)
Montgomery County’s COVID Rent Relief program closed to applications on December 31. But thanks to $34 million in incoming federal rent assistant funds, county officials say the program could reopen sometime in 2022. (Ally Schweitzer / DCist)
