Dinner links: Trains or the lack thereof
Haymarket endorses VRE line but not to Haymarket
VRE is considering a line to Gainesville. Last week, the Haymarket Town Council endorsed plans to extend a VRE line to their area, but recommended ending it in Gainesville instead, a few miles east. If the line ends in Haymarket, they’re concerned that it would draw traffic there. If we could make VRE a transit-frequency service, towns might want stations to draw walkable development instead of just seeing them as traffic magnets. (Examiner)
Retail Smartrip locations
Metro has a list of the retail locations where you can add value to your Smartrip Card. This should be useful for bus riders that don’t get to a Metrorail station often. How about a map? (Michael P) (Tip: Michael P)
Funding bias for highways “squandering” stimulus funds
Many cities are spending their transportation stimulus money on unneeded beltways and freeway extensions. In Houston, local officals are moving ahead with a new third beltway reaching places almost nobody lives, while the heavily used light rail line is expanding very slowly. The problem: the federal government still reimburses 80% of highways with no strings attached, but requires extensive review before only contributing 50% to transit projects. (Houston Tomorrow)
Car dependence stifles Columbus, Ohio economy
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce found that younger workers want to be able to get to work without driving, because of the environment or just for convenience. That’s an obstacle to Columbus’ businesses, which means transit and better bike trails are now a priority for the Chamber. (Columbus Business First) (Tip: B)
No British word for high-speed rail?
The Eurostar, Europe’s high-speed rail system, has reduced its emissions another 35%. Rail already emits much less pollution than other modes. Yet there’s very little HSR in the UK, and even less (at the moment, none) in the US. (Gulf Stream Blues, Steve) (Tip: Steve)