Pike Transit Initiative

The Pike Transit Initiative is a collaborative project in Northern Virginia between Arlington and Fairfax counties and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to bring transit improvements to the Columbia Pike corridor. Officially known as the Columbia Pike Transit Alternatives Analysis, the project began in 2003.^[1]

Pike Ride

Main article: Pike Ride

Pike Ride, a specially-branded set of bus lines, run along Columbia Pike to the Pentagon and Pentagon City Metro stations. Currently, over 14,000 people ride buses along Columbia Pike each day.^[2] Service is provided by Metrobus and Arlington Transit.

Streetcar

In 2006, the Arlington and Fairfax County governments approved a "Modified Streetcar Alternative" for the corridor, which involves building a streetcar line while retaining extensive bus service.^[1] The 4.7-mile streetcar line is expected to cost $138.5 million.^[3] The first streetcar was expected to begin service in 2011.^[1]

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority approved $36.9 million for the streetcar in January 2008.^[2] However, since then, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the Authority may not collect taxes, as it isn't an elected body.^[4] This leaves funding for the streetcar project in limbo.

External links

• Pike Ride
• Pike Transit Initiative

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} "About the Study: Pike Transit Initiative - Program Objectives for 2006-2007". Pike Transit Initiative. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Archived from the original on 20 June 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080620184444/http://www.piketransit.com/aboutstudy.aspx. Retrieved 2 December 2008. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Laris, Michael (14 January 2008). "Streetcar Plan Has Money and Desire: Funding Approved for N.Va. Network". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/13/AR2008011303609.html. Retrieved 2 December 2008. 
3. ^ Grass, Michael (14 January 2008). "Columbia Pike Streetcar One Step Closer to Reality". Express Night Out. The Washington Post Company. http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2008/01/columbia_pike_streetcar_one_step_closer.php. Retrieved 2 December 2008. 
4. ^ Markon, Jerry; Tim Craig (1 March 2008). "Va. Road Taxing Authority Rejected: Unelected Body Violates Constitution, Court Says". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/29/AR2008022901412.html. Retrieved 2 December 2008.