Photo by Andrea Williams on Flickr.

Riders rate Metro

Undercover “mystery riders” review all aspects of the Metro system’s operation, providing 5,000 reports annually. You can provide feedback too, if you ride the buses late at night. (Post)  

Missing the riders’ voice

Except for MetroAccess riders, few riders gave feedback during recent budget hearings. Could an independent riders’ group have swayed the outcome? (Post)  

Independence from delays

The Silver Line could open by July 4. MWAA hopes to hand the project over to WMATA by the end of the month, and WMATA hopes to have its review done 60 days after that. (WTOP)  

Ellen McCarthy, planning director

Mayor Gray has appointed Ellen McCarthy to head the DC Office of Planning for the rest of his term. (bloomingdale) … McCarthy held the post under Mayor Williams and is a strong proponent of smart growth.  

Alexandria water taxi route debuts

Just in time for the cherry blossoms, there’s a new water taxi route linking Alexandria and West Potomac Park. The taxi will run several times a day with a one-way fare of $14. (WTOP)  

The Alexandria waterfront, illustrated

New drawings illustrate various parts of the proposed waterfront redesign, which aims to connect the many public spaces and increase activity, especially near the end of King Street. (WBJ)  

Under the crossing

How do you build 3 blocks of mixed-use buildings on top of a freeway? Washingtonian has an interactive diagram of what will go into the construction of the Capitol Crossing project over I-395 east of Judiciary Square.  

Waste into power

By processing wastewater through pressure-cookers and digesters, DC Water hopes to generate enough power to cut its electricity consumption by a third, while also generating fertilizer to sell to farmers. (Post, Jim)  

Ryan rejects Amtrak

Rep. Paul Ryan’s proposed budget makes large cuts to transportation funding, including the complete elimination of the subsidy for Amtrak. The budget, however, has little chance of becoming law anytime soon. (Streetsblog)  

Peak suburban office park?

Will fortress-like suburban office parks survive a growing desire for more collaboration and walkability? Or will they go the way of the shopping mall? (Streetsblog, Buzzfeed, thm)  

And…

A San Francisco man modifies his Prius to run off trolleybus wires [April Fools’]. (Bold Italic, Ken A) … A new app crowdsources information about Metro breakdowns. (John B) … As telecommuting increases, what are its impacts on productivity? (Post) … The Montgomery County Council considers public financing for elections. (Post)  (Tip: Ken A)