Metro | FFXnow

Fairfax supervisors urge General Assembly to reject Youngkin’s proposed Metro funding cuts

Published April 18, 2024 at 2:30PM | Updated April 25, 2024 at 5:48PM

A train at the McLean Metro station platform (file photo)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is asking the county’s General Assembly delegation to oppose Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed funding cuts to Metro in the state’s budget.

During a board meeting on Tuesday (April 16), supervisors unanimously approved a letter written by Chairman Jeff McKay, Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, and Dranesville District Supervisor James Bierman, asking the delegation to oppose the cuts and retain the funding needed to address the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) estimated $750 million shortfall.

News

FCPD: Boy injured in crash on Gallows Road involving Metrobus

By Angela Woolsey

Published March 4, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated March 4, 2024 at 11:22AM

Gallows Road and Anderson Road in Merrifield (via Google Maps)

(Updated at 11:20 a.m.) A boy was taken to the hospital yesterday (Sunday) after a crash near Inova Fairfax Hospital.

The Fairfax County Police Department reported at 6:32 p.m. that officers were on scene of a crash involving a sedan and a bus on Gallows Road at Anderson Road in Merrifield.

Countywide

N. Va. officials search for path to save Metro from ‘catastrophic’ budget cuts

By Fatimah Waseem

Published December 18, 2023 at 9:30AM

A train at the McLean Metro station platform (file photo)

Local and state officials in Virginia say the path to dig Metro out of its looming $750 million deficit is uncertain — but action is necessary to avoid the significant service cuts, systemwide fare hikes, layoffs and station closures laid out in the transit agency’s newly proposed budget.

Leaders in Fairfax County — which already faces lean economic times — say they don’t plan to offer up additional funds unless jurisdictional and federal partners can throw some more skin into the game.

News

NOW: Pedestrian hit by Metrobus on Little River Turnpike, seriously injured

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 4, 2023 at 11:40PM

Eastbound Little River Turnpike is closed at Hummer Road after a Metrobus driver reportedly hit a pedestrian (via Google Maps)

A woman suffered serious injuries earlier this evening (Monday) when she was apparently hit by a Metrobus on Little River Turnpike.

“Officers are investigating a bus crash involving a pedestrian that occurred on Little River [Turnpike] and Hummer [Road] in Annandale,” the Fairfax County Police Department said. “The pedestrian, an adult female, was transported in life-threatening condition.”

News

One year in, Silver Line Phase 2 ridership modest for Fairfax County stations

By Fatimah Waseem

Published November 22, 2023 at 10:15AM | Updated November 22, 2023 at 11:57AM

The Silver Line Phase 2 Metro stations opened on Nov. 15, 2022 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at noon) Trains are taking off at the Dulles Airport Metro station one year after the opening of Phase Two of the Silver Line — but ridership at the other five stations of the $3 million project has a long way to catch up.

In the backdrop of post-pandemic recovery, ridership for stations beyond the airport is modest, according to Metro data.

Countywide

Virginia to consider Metro’s funding request to address projected $750 million shortfall

By Nathaniel Cline / Virginia Mercury

Published October 30, 2023 at 9:30AM

A Metro train at the Vienna station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

As Metro considers ways to address a looming $750 million shortfall and stave off changes to its operations, officials are requesting jurisdictions, including Virginia, review their options to help address the funding deficit that threatens thousands of jobs and various services.

Metro hopes policymakers in the commonwealth will consider adjusting the state law that sets a 3% cap on the growth of Virginia’s annual payment to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Dedicating more funding to Metro and overlooking the demands of other transportation projects, however, concerns some lawmakers and transportation leaders.

News

Dulles Airport could break ground on new concourse soon, MWAA chief says

By Angela Woolsey

Published October 20, 2023 at 10:15AM

The planned Tier 2 Concourse East project coming to Dulles International Airport (courtesy MWAA)

United Airlines is in line for a major expansion of its facilities at Dulles International Airport.

Construction on a new concourse for the airport’s largest carrier could break ground within the next month, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President and CEO Jack Potter told the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at a Tuesday (Oct. 17) transportation committee meeting.

News

Reston Association opposes reported plan for casino near Wiehle-Reston East Metro

By Fatimah Waseem

Published October 3, 2023 at 10:15AM

Reston is likely not a target in the quest for a new casino (staff photo by Angela Woolsey).

Reston Association’s Board of Directors has formally come out in opposition to the possibility of a casino near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station.

In a statement released yesterday (Monday), RA CEO Mac Cummins lamented what he said was lack of communication with RA’s leadership, board and members regarding potential state legislation that would add Fairfax County to the list of Virginia localities authorized to have a casino.

News

Taller faregate doors installed at Vienna Metro station

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 17, 2023 at 2:15PM

The 55-inch-tall doors are intended to prevent people from jumping the faregates and avoiding paying (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The faregates at the Vienna Metro station are sporting a new look.

Workers installed taller doors on the gates on Aug. 9 as part of a systemwide retrofit project intended to combat fare evasion, which costs Metro an estimated $40 million per year in lost revenue, according to the transit agency.

Countywide

Park facilities close as potentially severe thunderstorms approach Fairfax County

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 7, 2023 at 4:45PM | Updated August 7, 2023 at 5:40PM

The National Weather Service's radar shows a line of storms approaching the D.C. area from the west (via NWS)

Updated at 5:35 p.m. — The storm has been deemed “destructive” for Clifton, Burke and Annandale, with the National Weather Service warning of “considerable damage to trees and power lines” and that “your life is at significant risk if outdoors.”

Earlier: A storm bringing intense winds and potentially even hail or a tornado is bearing down on the D.C. area.