Photo by add1sun on Flickr.

Can Metro get its billions?

The WMATA board praised the agency’s strategic plan, but it’s unclear how they would pay for it. Will any area leaders step up to get Metro what it needs, asks Robert McCartney, and does Richard Sarles have the skills to build allies support for his plans? (Post, Examiner)  

Build high to dig deep

Since Metro’s plan is much more service in downtown DC, why not also allow more building in downtown DC, charge fees to build taller, and use the revenue for Metro expansion? (Slate)  

Police harassed sexual assault victims?

An explosive report charges that DC police intimidated sexual assault victims into not filing police reports, reducing crime rate statistics. Chief Lanier denies it; Tommy Wells will hold a hearing. (City Paper)  

Alexandria to ax bike registration

Alexandria is considering eliminating its 1963 law requiring all bicycle owners to register their bikes. Even though the registration only costs 25¢, it was still a bad idea. (WAMU, WashCycle)  

Cafritz in trouble?

The Cafritz project in Riverdale Park has run into trouble getting permission to build a bridge over the CSX tracks. Cafritz agreed to build it to alleviate some Route 1 traffic, but that requires building on another property whose owner hasn’t approved it yet.  (Rethink College Park)  

Credit card readers delayed

Since the DC Taxi Commission did not have a quorum at their latest meeting, credit card readers won’t be required in taxis until April. (Post)  

Hill East gets one bid

DC only received one response for the Reservation 13 site.  Donatelli Development, the lone bidder, previously worked on mixed-use projects near the Minesota Ave, U Street, Columbia Heights, and Georgia Ave Metros. (Post)  

Oregon Avenue won’t get bike path

DDOT has bowed to neighborhood opposition and reduced a proposed 10-foot multi-use path to a 6-foot sidewalk along Oregon Avenue, at the edge of Rock Creek Park. (TheWashCycle)  

Runaway train never going back

60 years ago, a runaway train crashed into Union Station. Today, the locomotive is in Baltimore in a state of severe disrepair. (DCist)  

And…

Hyattsville may soon get speed cameras. (Gazette) … 4 Senators introduce a DC statehood bill in the Senate. (Examiner) … Groups using the Mall will now have to pay for any damage they cause. (Examiner)