Greater Greater Washington

1 week ago | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

Metrorail riders can now pay for train fares using credit cards, easing travel for visitors during major summer events like World Pride. The update is part of WMATA’s broader push to modernize and simplify transit access. SmarTrip cards are still required for bus rides, transfers, and special fare programs, though credit card access on buses may arrive by year’s end. Officials hope the change will boost ridership, especially at Dulles Airport.

1 week ago | ggwash.org | Miles Wilson

Mayor Bowser proposes replacing the DC Streetcar with electric trolley buses using existing overhead wires, which a leaflet dubbed the “next generation streetcar.” The DC Streetcar started operating in 2016 with plans for expansion, but those plans were subsequently canceled. (This article may be behind a paywall.)  (Rachel Weiner / Post.

2 weeks ago | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

Maryland lawmakers are raising alarms over proposed budget cuts at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that could slash staff and jeopardize Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. The Trump administration’s 2026 plan would reduce the EPA’s budget by over half. Advocates say additional cuts to grants and monitoring programs could halt progress on water quality and pollution reduction after a period of the Bay’s health slowly improving. (This article is behind a paywall).

2 weeks ago | ggwash.org | Miles Wilson

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission greenlit automated train operations on the Green and Yellow lines starting Friday, May 23, following a December rollout on the Red Line. The move returns the use of technology that has been unused since a 2009 crash unrelated to automation. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Montgomery County officials criticized the safety agency’s oversight process as overly adversarial.

3 weeks ago | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

The Washington region’s spring housing market is marked by caution, with falling consumer confidence, federal job cuts, and high borrowing costs deterring buyers and sellers alike. Pending sales dropped 2.5% in April, and showings fell over 8%, even as home inventory rose. Single-family homes remain scarce and in high demand, pushing prices to new highs despite a decreased pace of sales across other home types.