A proposal to privatize operations and maintenance of stations and track on the Silver Line has taken an initial, tentative step forward.
"A proposal to outsource operations of the Silver Line took a significant step Monday, when Metro officials issued a formal 'request for information' from potential contractors who might be interested in the job," reports Martine Powers.
The second phase of the Silver Line is under construction and expected to open by 2020, opening 23 miles of track beyond Duller Airport to Loudoun County, Virginia. The privatization plan is designed to "save money by relying more on outside contractors."
According to Powers, the idea has been slow in developing toward fruition, but "the formal 'request for information' could give Metro administrators a better a sense of whether the idea is feasible, how much interest there is from contractors and what a potential contract could look like."
FULL STORY: Metro gets serious about outsourcing Silver Line service
D.C.'s New Metro Line Already Influencing the Suburbs
The Silver Line opened two and a half months ago. Already, with strong ridership in both directions, some businesses are seeing new opportunities.
D.C. Metro's Silver Line Launches Passenger Service
After no small amount of debate, delay, and controversy, the first phase of D.C. Metro's Silver Line will launch passenger service today. The line will connect Washington D.C. to northwestern Virginia, including four stops in Tysons Corner.
D.C. Metro Plans Ambitious Expansion Despite Financial Woes
Facing a $750 million ‘fiscal cliff,’ the agency says it’s important to continue looking forward to ‘visionary’ future plans.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research