Breakfast links: How to ride
Streetcars by end of 2013, probably
DDOT Director Terry Bellamy says there is a 2 in 3 chance that streetcars will be running in DC before the start of 2014. The streetcars still need to pass state and federal oversight. (WAMU)
Where’d you come from?
Since 2007, Metrorail ridership grew among DC, Arlington, and Alexandria residents but mostly stayed flat in other jurisdictions. About 1 in 10 riders come from outside WMATA Compact jurisdictions. (PlanItMetro)
Really?
People on a Post online chat were incredulous at Metro’s high satisfaction numbers. But the high marks really came from riders, not just non-riders, and were similar across riders of all of the lines. (Post)
The quality of buses
In the debate between BRT and streetcars, ride quality matters. If it didn’t, then we would just use school buses instead. (BeyondDC)
Should FBI go?
A report from CFO Natwar Gandhi found that the FBI moving out would mean more revenue but fewer jobs for DC. A move to Poplar Point would mean both more jobs and more revenue for DC, but does that make it a good idea? (City Paper)
ANCs not audited
Each ANC is supposed to be audited every 2 years, but no audit reports have been posted since September 2011. What is taking so long? (CHOTR)
BART not going anywhere
A transit strike shut down BART service yesterday, leaving 400,000 to find other rides. Buses were still running, but many commutes were significantly slower. (Atlantic Cities)
NYC taxes hurt renters
New York City’s taxes end up taxing renters more than owners. DC’s apartment taxes are 80% lower than New York’s. (Business Insider)
And…
Some of Pepco’s greenest customers must get paper bills. (City Paper) … Drivers can now be pulled over for texting in Virginia. (WAMU) … See more pictures of Silver Line construction and future sites of Phase II stations. (Sand Box John)