Posts from September 2012
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Breakfast links: Add transit
Everyone wants more transit; Go express to Tysons; Another set of bus changes; Food trucks get an hour; Fix bike routes in OpenStreetMap; Bikeshare or bike lanes?; A Long time coming; Tech that could change cities; And…. Keep reading…
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Will WMATA get cell service online or lose funding?
Since late 2008, WMATA has been working to deliver modern wireless phone service throughout the underground portions of the Metrorail system. It faces a deadline to finish by October 16 or possibly lose federal funding, but it’s unclear whether they will get the project done in time, and have not shared any news of their progress with reporters or riders. Unlike some mass… Keep reading…
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As employers ban phone use while driving, long car commutes mean lower productivity
More and more companies ban employee use of cell phones while driving. Will these companies begin to view employees with long car commutes as less available and productive than other employees? Will this push more workers to take advantage of transit options? Some companies still have a 9-to-5 culture and don’t expect employees to be available outside those hours. … Keep reading…
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Students: Don’t listen to the Hoya, vote in DC
Yesterday, the Georgetown Hoya student newspaper published a provocative editorial calling on students to not vote in DC, and rather vote absentee in their home states. That’s terrible advice. The reasoning behind the piece was that with DC disenfranchised in Congress and its 3 electoral votes guaranteed for Obama, students would “get more bang from their ballot”… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Go
Hine moves forward; Brown’s money gone; Criminal Courtland; Some Marylanders don’t pay tolls; States keep trails funding; More transparency for highway financing?; NEVVR FORGT flying into DCA; Where am I?; And…. Keep reading…
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WMATA saves some money
Yesterday, WMATA announced in a press release that its expenses were lower than predicted during the 2012 fiscal year, which ended in June. The transit system took in $2 million less in fare revenue than it expected, but spent $30 million less. The savings comes in part from lower fuel and energy costs and an audit of which Metro workers’ dependents were eligible for health… Keep reading…
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Support accessory dwellings in Montgomery today
Tonight, the Montgomery County Council is holding a public hearing on the proposal to allow many homeowners to rent out parts of their houses, like basements and garages, without a burdensome special exception process. If you live in Montgomery County, please ask the council to approve the proposal and eliminate some of the more onerous restrictions. The hearing is at 7:30 pm. Keep reading…
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What information needs mapping in Washington?
OpenPlans, the people behind OpenTripPlanner and BikePlanner.org, are releasing a new crowdsourced mapping tool called Shareabouts. For the launch, they are asking people to suggest mapping projects in their communities. What would you recommend? We already have tools like SeeClickFix, which many DC agencies use to gather information about needed repairs around the city. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Uncertain developments
Transit center further delayed; MLB forbids paying for late Metro?; Bikeshare-athlon; Groceries for U Street; The school spot shuffle; Fake bus stops for the disoriented; And…. Keep reading…
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“Walkable urban” places enjoy economic success, but face social equity challenges
After decades of disinvestment and suburban flight, the Washington region’s urban neighborhoods are now driving the local economy, says a study from George Washington University professor Christopher Leinberger. However, ensuring that everyone can participate in these communities will be a top challenge for the future. The report, titled DC: The WalkUP Wake-Up… Keep reading…