Breakfast links: Transportation innovation
Social media changing transportation habits
Innovations in technology and social networking are changing America’s transportation habits. Smartphone transportation apps and vehicle sharing tools provide flexibility and freedom of choice. (WNYC, US PIRG)
Millennials want diverse transit options
Millennials are the most multi-modal generation in US history. Smartphones allow transit users to be spontaneous, flexible, and practical with travel decisions. (APTA)
A future with less driving
The current decline in driving could be permanent according to a State Smart Transportation Initiative report. Broad cultural and economic trends contributed to the decline in per capita driving more than the recession. (Streetsblog)
Purple Line NIMBY?
Residents in Seven Oaks Evanswood aren’t pleased with MTA’s plan to disguise a Purple Line power substation as a house. The Evanswood Citizens’ Association wants transit officials to bury the substation because of noise. (Gazette)
Smoking banned in public facilities
Smoking within 25 feet of a school, park, swimming pool, or bus stop is now illegal in DC. It is unclear how perpetrators will be punished, but the law was amended to remove criminal penalties. (WAMU, DCist)
How should CaBi expand?
For less popular bikeshare stations that spend a lot of time at full capacity, adding one more dock could help rebalance the system. (Zach)
DC revenue estimates go up
Despite the current shutdown and a possible federal default, DC CFO Natwar Gandhi projects increased revenues for 2014 and 2015, mostly due to individual income taxes and rising property tax assessments. (Post)
Shutdown weather forecast
Can government shutdowns indicate winter weather in DC? Previous government shutdowns correlated with snowy winters, including 47 inches in 1995-96. (Post)
See something, text something
Metro riders can now contact Metro Transit Police via text. MyMTPD Text Tips can be used to report non-emergency matters like solicitation, vending without a license, parking complaints, and tips about investigations. (PoPville)
And…
Metro is only operating six-car trains due to decreased ridership from the federal government shutdown. (DCist) … The Capitol was listed on Craiglist for $1,000/month during the shutdown. (Curbed DC) … The DC Alcohol Board rejected a proposed moratorium on U Street liquor licenses. (WAMU)