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[**Car congestion is worsening in the region while rail transit ridership lags**](https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2023/09/22/dc-commute-cars-traffic-metro/)
As more people return to in-person work, more are choosing to drive, leading to congestion that increases trip times by as much as 20 percent on weekdays and 25 percent on weekends. Meanwhile, although bus ridership has nearly recovered to pre-pandemic levels, ridership on the region’s rail systems continues to lag. (This article may be behind a paywall). <em>([Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2023/09/22/dc-commute-cars-traffic-metro/))**
**House Oversight Committee passes bill authorizing redevelopment of RFK stadium**
The RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act has made it through the House Oversight Committee and is now awaiting a final vote on the House floor. If passed, the bill will extend the District’s lease on the 190-acre site and allow more flexibility in terms of what can be developed on the site. Mayor Bowser has expressed strong support for redeveloping the site with a new Commanders stadium, while members of the DC Council are divided about what should be built. (**Disclosure: Eleanor Barker’s partner works for Congresswoman Norton, who co-sponsored the bill.**) <em>([Matt Blitz / DCist](https://dcist.com/story/23/09/21/bill-dc-rfk-stadium-site-lease-advances-house-oversight-committee/))**
**Alexandria’s City Council set to support Arlington’s application for Shirlington Transit Center expansion**
Next week, the Alexandria City Council will vote to support Arlington’s funding application to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority for an expanded transit center in Shirlington. Officials in Alexandria believe the city’s own residents will benefit from the expansion, as additional buses would also serve Alexandria. <em>([Vernon Miles / ALXNow](https://www.alxnow.com/2023/09/20/alexandria-likely-to-throw-its-weight-behind-arlington-transit-project/))**
**More Montgomery County residents are facing food insecurity**
Montgomery County residents are facing food insecurity at levels higher than during the peak of the pandemic. The end of additional SNAP benefits, increased cost of living, and other factors have exacerbated the issue. Furthermore, those affected are disproportionately people of color. <em>([Julie Rasicot / MoCo360](https://moco360.media/2023/09/21/more-montgomery-county-residents-are-facing-food-insecurity-than-at-the-height-of-the-pandemic/))**
**Arlington set to allocate additional funds to Bluemont Junction Trail**
The Arlington County Board will consider allocating additional funds to the Bluemont Junction Trail safety project. If approved, the funds will go to redeveloping pedestrian and cyclist intersections and improving trails for people with disabilities. <em>([James Jarvis / ARLNow](https://www.arlnow.com/2023/09/21/county-board-poised-to-allocate-funding-for-more-upgrades-to-bluemont-junction-trail/))**
**Maryland resumes bidding process for BWI concessions contract**
Maryland has resumed the bidding process for a new contractor to run BWI’s concessions. Seven months ago, the state suspended the search amid accusations that the process had been rigged, but new terms and conditions have allowed the process to resume. <em>([Josh Kurtz / Maryland Matters](https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/09/20/state-restarts-controversial-bidding-process-for-bwi-airport-concessions-contract/))**
[Comment on this article](https://ggwash.org/view/91051/breakfast-links-car-commutes-worsen-as-more-return-to-in-person-work#comments)
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