Noma Gallaudet U station celebrates record ridership amid calls for pedestrian tunnel funding

During a recent budget oversight hearing led by Chairperson Charles Allen, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment discussed significant developments regarding the Noma-Gallaudet U Metro station in the District of Columbia. The meeting highlighted the station's remarkable growth in ridership and the pressing need for infrastructure improvements to accommodate this increase.

Originally met with skepticism when proposed, the Noma-Gallaudet U station has surpassed expectations, achieving a peak ridership of 30,000 in a single day earlier this year. This milestone was celebrated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and reflects a broader trend of recovery in public transit usage post-pandemic. The station is now the only one in the WMATA system exceeding pre-pandemic ridership levels, indicating its critical role in the community.

However, the station's success has led to challenges. The original design is insufficient to handle the growing number of commuters, prompting calls for a new pedestrian tunnel to improve access and safety. Local stakeholders, including the Noma Business Improvement District (BID), have collaborated with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and community leaders to advocate for this project. Resolutions supporting the tunnel have been passed by advisory neighborhood commissions in Wards 5 and 6, demonstrating strong community backing.

Funding for the pedestrian tunnel has been included in the mayor's proposed budget, with allocations of $5 million for fiscal year 2027 and $45 million for fiscal year 2028. However, advocates are urging the council to expedite this funding to ensure timely project completion. They argue that delays could hinder economic growth and job creation in the Noma neighborhood, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mixed-use, transit-oriented development for the district's resilience.

The meeting also touched on community engagement issues, particularly concerning the Michigan Park Christian Church leaders, who expressed feelings of disrespect in their interactions with DDOT. This highlights ongoing concerns about effective communication and collaboration between government agencies and community organizations.

In summary, the discussions at the budget oversight hearing underscored the critical need for infrastructure improvements at the Noma-Gallaudet U Metro station to support its growing ridership and foster economic development in the area. The committee's next steps will likely involve addressing funding timelines and enhancing community engagement strategies to ensure that all voices are heard in the planning process.