Weekend links: What rails?
Slowing China’s trains
While China excels at splashy high-speed trains, its low-speed train system and back-end management is what needs the investment. (Economist)
Florida’s almost-rail
Florida Governor Rick Scott nearly took federal high-speed rail funding but rejected it because the feds were unwilling to also pay for dredging Florida’s ports. The money ultimately was distributed elsewhere. (The Hill)
How not to build BRT
Albany and Schenectady’s Bus Rapid Transit has been downgraded to regular limited-stop service because there wasn’t space for dedicated lanes. Queue jumpers were installed but are used by cars instead. (Albany Times-Union)
MLK Memorial quote to change
The controversial paraphrase on the side of the MLK Memorial will be changed. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar gave the Park Service 30 days to consult with the family and others about alternatives. (DCist)
Escalating escalator replacement
Metro wants to replace more escalators than rely on rehab. They aim to replace 94 and overhaul 98 across the system. (On Foot)
Uber crackdown begins
The Taxi Commission cracked down on Uber by ticketing a driver for at least $1,075 with Chairman Linton personally present. Uber believes its operation is legal, but Linton declared this week that it wasn’t. (DCist, aaa)
An expensive transition
Mayor Gray has released an audit of his transition expenses. While most went to his inaugural ball, $78,500 went to Howard Brooks, the man at the center of a federal investigation into Gray’s campaign. (Post)
Walk like me
A rundown on the science of pedestrian behavior reveals that large roadways are indeed barriers to pedestrian traffic, but that pedestrians are most likely to cross those roads only at the beginning and end of trips. (Atlantic Cities)