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

This week we question why authorities treat traffic safety as though it’s less important than transit safety. MDOT offers seven options to enhance transit service in Central Maryland. Meanwhile, two Maryland suburbs implement various tools to help preserve or create affordable housing along the Purple Line’s route.  And much more. Enjoy!

What if we held transit and traffic to the same safety standards?

Caitlin Rogger (Deputy Executive Director) • July 5, 2022

WMATA pulled the 7000-series trains to protect public and operator safety. Until we hold traffic safety to the same standard as transit safety, it’s out of the frying pan, into the fire. 

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Here are MDOT’s 7 possible alternatives for Baltimore’s canceled Red Line

Alex Holt (Contributor) • July 7, 2022

Seven years since Gov. Larry Hogan’s abrupt cancellation of Baltimore’s Red Line, local transit agencies are now studying seven alternatives that could shape the future of the city’s transit system. 

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Montgomery and Prince George’s counties seek to expand housing affordability toolbox along Purple Line

Ethan Goffman (Contributor) • July 8, 2022

The Purple Line has great potential to whisk passengers to jobs, appointments, family, and recreation when it finally opens. And Prince George’s and Montgomery counties are taking steps to ensure all people, especially long-time and low-income residents, can reap the benefits of transit-oriented development. 

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Paper record confusion causes Metro to recertify all rail traffic controllers

Stephen Repetski (Editorial Board Alum) • July 6, 2022

The WMSC says all RTCs are expected to be recertified under the new process by the end of July.

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Metro had a plan to run more trains on the Fourth of July. It didn’t happen.

Stephen Repetski (Editorial Board Alum) • July 7, 2022

A draft proposal floated by Metro could have allowed the agency to run more trains for the Fourth of July. But in the end, Metro didn’t ask permission from the independent Metrorail safety oversight commission to do so, and the agency settled for amassing as many of its older railcars for the post-firework timeframe that it could.

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