Posts tagged Cat:transit
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In defense of “political theater” for Metro
Jack Evans, DC Councilmember and chair of the WMATA Board, is making noise. He’s shouting that Metro needs $25 billion to fix everything that needs fixing. On Friday, members of Congress accused him of “political theater” and “rampant parochialism.” But perhaps some theater is just what Metro needs right now? Keep reading…
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I don’t want the feds to take over Metro, but I think they might need to
On Wednesday, the Washington Post editorial board sparked a regional discussion by calling for the consideration of a heretofore radical idea: that Congress should consider imposing a financial control board on WMATA. That suggestion was amplified by WMATA Board Chair Jack Evans, who signaled his support for the idea. In a round-up of what Greater Greater Washington contributors… Keep reading…
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Should the feds take over Metro? It depends on these 3 questions.
On Tuesday night, The Washington Post put out an op-ed saying that the federal government should take over Metro. There are good reasons to consider this proposal, but also reasons to think it could be harmful. Keep reading…
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Here’s why it’d be wrong to shut down Metro east of the Anacostia River
Last week, WMATA reported that one way to close its budget gap could be to close 20 Metro stations outside of rush hour, including seven that serve DC communities that are east of the Anacostia River. Moving forward with this idea would make it far harder for children to get to schools and for adults to access social and political life in the District. It could be a major civil rights violation,… Keep reading…
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At this park & ride, buses and bikes get the spotlight
Renovations to Fairfax’s Stringfellow Road Park and Ride just finished up, and they’re largely focused on buses and bicycles. This means the park and ride will function more like a multi-modal transit center than just a place for commuters to leave their cars. Keep reading…
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Metro will run bare-bones service Monday; local officials urge people to stay off the roads
Metro will run extremely, extremely limited (and free) service Monday. Meanwhile, local jurisdictions are working to plow roads, and DC is recruiting people to help shovel sidewalks. What do you think of the region’s snow recovery efforts? Keep reading…
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Streetcar “simulated service” could begin on H Street in October
The streetcars have been running on H Street for testing and training. Soon, “simulated service” will start, where the operators will drive trains up and down the street just as if they’re really carrying passengers. When the line opens, possibly by the end of 2014, fares might be free. Keep reading…
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Chevy Chase hires a powerful Congressional chairman’s brother to lobby against the Purple Line
In addition to some recent high-profile spins through the revolving door, we now have a new example of ethically questionable influence peddling in Washington: A powerful Congressman’s brother working to bring down a transit line in Maryland. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) wields the gavel of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee — a post his father… Keep reading…
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Choices emerge for K Street and Georgetown streetcar
Should the streetcar run on K Street through downtown in both directions? Just one and on I Street the other? Along the waterfront or on M Street in Georgetown? Or should it be a bus instead? At an open house-format public meeting last night, DDOT officials and consultants were available to answer questions about 3 alternatives they have devised for “premium transit”… Keep reading…
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Create your own personal transit screen at Hack Day
Earlier this year, Eric Fidler created an open source transit information screen that shows real-time Metro and bus arrivals, and bike availability at Capital Bikeshare stations. Now, you can make your own. Recently, I designed my own screen using the code Eric created, and mounted a tablet computer on the wall of my apartment to be my personal transit screen, as seen here. With… Keep reading…