Here's our roundup of this week's must-read posts.

Two top WMATA executives exited this week following reports of safety failures within the agency.

GGWash's deputy executive director Caitlin Rogger writes about why it's time to refresh our thinking about urban mobility for seniors and another piece on why WMATA's focus "must not be safety alone, but safe riders and staff." 

Researchers at GW's Center for Washington Area Studies look at commuting patterns in the region over the last 50 years. 

And contributor Mike English grounds advocates on the next steps to add housing to the Chevy Chase Library's redevelopment plans.

WMATA GM retires, COO resigns hours after Board of Directors meet

Stephen Repetski (Editorial Board Alum) • May 17, 2022

Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld has retired and agency Chief Operating Officer Joe Leader has resigned “effective immediately,” according to a press release from WMATA’s Board Chair issued late Monday evening. 

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Let’s bust another myth: car-friendly cities are not age-friendly cities

Caitlin Rogger (Deputy Executive Director) • May 17, 2022

Sometimes senior citizens need cars to get around cities, and sometimes they need other modes. Let’s start with a holistic look at our goals, and design from there. 

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“Safety first”? Time for WMATA to put riders first

Caitlin Rogger (Deputy Executive Director) • May 18, 2022

WMATA said it would prioritize safety, but that rings hollow to riders with no train or bus to ride. 

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Commuters in the region continue to choose gridlock

Jaclene Begley (Contributor), Leah Brooks (Contributor), Brian McCabe (Contributor), Jenny Schuetz (Contributor), Stan Veuger (Contributor) • May 20, 2022

Around 80% of commuters in the region still drive alone or carpool, compared to around 15% who ride public transit. But transit ridership is much higher in Greater Washington than in most US cities.

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The Chevy Chase Library: A surprising victory, and a new responsibility

Mike English (Guest Contributor) • May 19, 2022

Op-ed: Fresh off a Montgomery County Council vote to approve housing as part of the Chevy Chase Library revamp, advocates now need to set their expectations about what happens next.

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Calling all freelancers! Are you a writer interested in exploring how decisions about land use, transportation, and housing shape the world we live in? GGWash is expanding paid writing opportunities for the GGWash publication. We are looking for pitches for explainers, features, historical pieces, and news articles about transportation, housing, land use, and sustainability in the Washington region.

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