Transportation that Works for Everyone
Dependable, affordable transportation is at the heart of what makes Arlington County a great place to live, with a strong economy. We must provide the funding to maintain our transportation infrastructure, keep it working well and invest in additional options to keep Arlington moving efficiently.
Safety and reliability must be our first priority. We also must consider regional accessibility and economic impact. Keeping our easy access to DC and connecting the region as a whole, will be critical to economic growth in the years to come.
As we consider improvements to bus service on Columbia Pike and Lee Highway, or the relocation of the VRE station near Reagan National Airport, or simply how to strike the appropriate balance between parking and bike lanes in Crystal City, we should always try to base our decisions on data and common sense analysis.
Metro
Arlington must remain steadfast in its commitment to Metro and the dedicated, regional funding stream that will addresses Metro’s capital and maintenance needs. We should take a constructive, collaborative approach with our regional partners. This means we need the legislature to allow Northern Virginia the flexibility to allow for a 1% vote tax as supported by the Governor, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the entire Arlington delegation. Transportation in Northern Virginia is an issue that affects a large region of the Commonwealth and has been delayed for too long by constraints at the state level.
In the short term, returning to and maintaining safety and reliability are paramount. I support all policies and procedures that improve the dependability of the Metro while keeping all riders and drivers safe. In the long term, we must hold WMATA accountable to its stakeholders and seek a dedicated funding solution that creates a transportation system that we can trust to move us through all of our daily activities.
Balancing Regional and Local Needs
Widening the I-66 corridor will only become more pressing as Northern Virginia becomes more densely populated. Arlington must consider the needs of all stakeholders, while addressing issues of noise control, cross-county transportation, and pressures on our county budget.
Tolling inside the beltway is controversial, however, tolls will generate funding for improvements to Arlington’s transportation system including roads, bus services, and other multi-modal transportation solutions. We need these improvements and should stick with the plan, while being ready to advocate for improvements, such as adjusted tolling periods.
Columbia Pike
Four years ago, Arlington made a promise to residents along the Columbia Pike corridor to invest in better transportation solutions. We must keep that promise.
While taking into account regional limitations, we cannot ignore the returns on investment of a functional and accessible transportation network along the Pike. Existing projects must deliver on time and new projects must be planned properly to meet the specific needs of regional stakeholders.
Matt’s Commitment
– Addressing parking and multi-modal transportation needs in Crystal City;
– Innovative solutions for additional ART Bus storage;
– Improving our trails and commuter lines as part of the Bicycle Master Plan;
– Supporting innovative policy solutions along Lee Highway.
To share your thoughts with me or my campaign team on transportation issues, please contact me at matt@mattforarlington.com or Minneh Kane at minneh@mattforarlington.com.