Mark Center. How about a streetcar? Photo by Belvoir Army Engineers.

Streetcars4NoVA

There’s a new Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition organizing to promote streetcars beyond the planned Columbia Pike line, such as to the Mark Center and down Route 1 in Alexandria. There’s a kickoff event next Wednesday. (Chris G)  (Tip: Chris G)  

NextBus on your BlackBerry

Non-iPhone users can finally get in on the transit app action. NextBus Information Systems, the NextBus licensee that made the NextBus iPhone app, has released a BlackBerry version. How about some apps for Android phones including the new DROID? (DCist)  

NTSB wants hearings

The NTSB will hold hearings in February on safety practices at Metro and their contribution to the June crash. They still haven’t determined the actual cause of the incident, however, or at least haven’t revealed it if they did. (Examiner)  

Transit? Not for these elected officials

Certain Metro Board members aren’t the only ones who don’t take transit; the Montgomery County Council rarely does too. (And the DC Council except Tommy Wells, and …) Does it matter? The Council has been a strong supporter of transit, but it tends to warp your sense of priorities. (Examiner)  

Not just one way for Laurel

Laurel won’t make a road one-way after residents protested the plan, which sounds like it emerged from some very LOS-minded traffic planning. (Gazette)  

MetroWest still on the horizon

It took years of planning and controversy for Fairfax to approve the MetroWest development at Vienna Metro. Now, thanks to economic conditions, it’s on hold. The company hasn’t dropped the plan, recently requesting a change to replace residential with office and is still pursuing permits, but there’s no set date for construction. (DCmud)  

The Chevy Chase parking force

Residents around a popular Chevy Chase post office want to restrict parking to residents only. How about meters? The article also notes that “Police officers already spend about two-thirds of their time in the village dealing with parking issues and tracking non-resident cars for parking violations.” (Gazette, Ben Ross)  (Tip: Ben Ross)