Good Friday morning, Alexandria!
⛈️ Today’s weather: There is a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, gradually transitioning to mostly sunny conditions with a high near 88°F and a south wind of 7-9 mph during the day. On Friday night, there is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly before 9pm, followed by partly cloudy skies and a low around 73°F with light and variable winds. New rainfall amounts could range from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, with potentially higher amounts in thunderstorms.
🚨 You need to know
As any expert in medieval siege warfare would tell you, gates are the weakest point of any fortified perimeter, and Metro has been shoring up its defenses.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has been testing out new and taller fare gates to crack down on fare evasion, and one week in, it seems to be working.
The new gates are taller and bulkier — harder for fare evaders to clamber over. Earlier this week, Metro said fare evasion has dropped by more than 70% at stations where the new gates have been installed.
The gates are part of a broader effort to crack down on fare evasion, which cost WMATA $40 million according to internal projections from 2022.
The new gates were installed at six Metro stops around the region, none of which are in Alexandria yet, but WMATA said the new gates are likely to be installed across the rest of the Metrorail system eventually.
“After testing multiple prototypes and getting feedback from customers, the new faregate design is having its intended effect – reducing fare evasion,” Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke said in a release. “It is critical for Metro to collect as much fare revenue as possible and keep the system safe so we have a transit system worthy of this great region.”
📈 Thursday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Aug 24, 2023.
- Alexandria rolls out timeline for massive housing reform project
- City sheds light on contentious Hammond Middle School light pole
- Used car dealership off Duke Street rebrands with new new ownership
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today and this weekend in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- 👉 11:00 am Saturday: Around The World Cultural Food Festival
- 11:00 am Saturday: Special Event at Nepenthe Featuring Bob Murray
