DDOT plans budget revisions impacting bus priority projects on Florida and Rhode Island Avenues

During a recent budget oversight hearing, the District of Columbia's Committee on Transportation and the Environment discussed significant changes to the Department of Transportation's (DDOT) budget, particularly concerning bus priority projects. Chairperson Charles Allen highlighted the proposed cuts to the bus party line item, raising concerns about the impact on bus services, especially in Ward 5, which has the highest bus ridership in the city.

The committee learned that while there will be adjustments to the bus priority projects initially planned for Florida Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue, these projects are not being eliminated. Instead, the timeline for their implementation will be extended. DDOT officials indicated that funding is still allocated for planning these projects in fiscal year 2026, which will focus on enhancing bus priority and corridor safety.

The discussion also touched on the future of Benning Road, which is part of a broader study funded by a $2 million allocation from WMATA for transportation improvements related to the RFK site. However, it was noted that specific details regarding how much of this funding would be dedicated to roadway infrastructure remain unclear.

As the city navigates these budgetary changes, residents can expect a shift in the timeline for critical transportation projects, but officials reassured that the focus on heavily trafficked routes will remain a priority. The committee's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to balance budget constraints with the need for effective public transportation solutions in the community.