Adam Bressler

Metrorail enjoyer 🚇

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

Tomorrow morning, the WMATA Board will be briefed with the latest update on the Blue-Orange-Silver Corridor Study, four years in the making. Over the past month, I have analyzed which proposal is best suited to address the system's capacity needs:
(🧵)

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

Episode 4 of the Third Rail Podcast is now live — I have to say, this is my favorite episode yet!

Owen and I get into the weeds about the new D Line extension in LA & then break down the proposed modifications to Stadium-Armory for the new RFK stadium.
🔗https://t.co/InnwkyYbjQ

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

@Aden_Yacobi Colorado — new place for me, but I’ve been enjoying it a lot so far!

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

@Aden_Yacobi My ignorant outsider status is quickly revealed, ha! Unfortunately I moved away from DC a couple months back, but I’d enjoy the opportunity to connect if our paths ever cross!

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

@Aden_Yacobi Glad you enjoyed the deleted Metro station video! And you have a standing invite to appear on the podcast if you’d ever like! Would love to hear your thoughts on the state of transit in southeast PA and central FL

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

Just published Episode 3 of the Third Rail Podcast. My good friend William (our first ever guest host!) discusses the state of mass transit in Detroit, Michigan and shares his thoughts on trains across the world. Listen at the link below!
https://t.co/PelIB8TnU8

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

@alpert Fascinating, didn’t even consider that! Wonder if this possibility would receive pushback from MD board members — essentially would allow a 33% decrease in service to Largo & New Carrollton. Probably benefits the system as a whole to reallocate those trains to more used segments

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

Not seeing anyone online discuss this — according to today’s meeting slides, WMATA considered a spur line w/ platforms directly next to RFK Stadium. Interesting concept, but I agree with WMATA’s conclusion to consider other improvements

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

For some of my personal thoughts on RFK Stadium transit improvements: 🧵
https://t.co/Fk4jXL58Ji

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

My thoughts on transit improvements for the new RFK Stadium:

The largest factor for determining the most prudent investment level is “what will be the binding capacity bottleneck during stadium events?” Is it insufficient faregates/escalators? Platform space? Tunnel throughput?

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

If it’s tunnel capacity, then all these plans are insufficient. This part of the D route is triple interlined and maybe CBTC/Platform Screen Doors could squeeze out a few more drops of capacity, but the best option would be alternate transit modes (Gold Line BRT?) or more parking

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

My thoughts on transit improvements for the new RFK Stadium:

The largest factor for determining the most prudent investment level is “what will be the binding capacity bottleneck during stadium events?” Is it insufficient faregates/escalators? Platform space? Tunnel throughput?

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

If it’s insufficient faregates/vertical transport, the recommended expansion to Stadium-Armory’s north entrance will be sufficient. If it’s platform capacity, maybe an OK Ave infill could be more justifiable (or the considered spur track w/platform)

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

@headwaysmatter Sparse details provided about the hypothetical OK Ave infill, but my interpretation of this slide is that station could be underground(?) — and looks like WMATA might use this opportunity to completely rebuild the D&G pocket track, which probably is included in the “$B+” figure

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

@andrewdefrank Shifting blue down Columbia Pike/Shirley Highway would preserve this direct access downtown for South Arlington, Alexandria, Southcounty FFX. And the Blue line doesn’t even need to return to Franconia — I think that can be served by a yellow branch like Rush Plus

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

@andrewdefrank This is way smarter than yellow line down Columbia Pike — the WMATA system was extremely close to not having a yellow line at all (as originally designed only 2 stops are unique to it). It was added last min by Congressman Harris to provide a quicker trip downtown from DCA & Alex

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

@SmashedMyBalls LA Metro 🟣D Line will be the main topic on episode 3! Stay tuned!

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

Episode 2 of The Third Rail Podcast is now available! We unpack everything there is to know about WMATA’s Red Line automation initiative and discuss the uncertain fiscal future of Brightline in Florida. 🚇

Click here to listen: https://t.co/RWCSPPe4nw

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

@CAMovingForward Glad you enjoyed! I will look into ways to have dynamic images. Not sure it will work with our current production software/process, but we can make a change if there is a way to do it that isn’t too burdensome

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

It has been a tumultuous year for the WMATA Board of Directors, which has seen 7 departures over the past 10 months (for context, WMATA has an 8-member Board). The Board had enjoyed relative stability between 2022-25, and was able to find success advancing consensus-driven policy

[Adam Bressler @dcadamb]

Looks like the Commonwealth of Virginia will be getting a new Director on the WMATA Board. NVTC states that VA Sec of Transportation Nick Donohue has selected @KateMGarman to represent the Commonwealth on the board. She replaces Darien Flowers, who was appointed in December 2025