Breakfast links: Transit trials
Plans for BRT
Montgomery County showed off a new articulated bus at its county fair to promote future BRT service. Studies are underway for an initial Georgia Avenue route, though there is currently no financing for the planned 98-mile system. (Post)
Study first
16th Street NW won’t be getting a bus lane soon. DDOT wants to study alternatives to improve service, including a dedicated bus lane, starting next year. (Post)
Should busking be allowed?
A local musician sued WMATA for impinging on his free speech last month. He argues that performing while soliciting donations outside of Metro stations is a form of expression; WMATA views the act as an impermissible commercial activity. (City Paper)
Less transit regulation?
Should we deregulate mass transit to keep costs down? “Lean transit” would limit environmental reviews, excessive safety standards, and ADA compliance. (Bacon’s Rebellion)
Faster transit projects
Transit planning and construction takes much longer than it did in the 1920s. To fix it, California will exempt transit projects from environmental review while Anthony Foxx is urging for more efficient review. (CityLab)
A city without slums
Hanoi provides electricity and sanitation services to any structure that meets minimum standards, which has kept slums away and encouraged owners to improve their homes. (Guardian)
A better bus stop
A Pittsburgh suburb built a bus “super stop” with the goal of attracting new riders. Surveys indicated rider concerns about fast vehicular traffic so a 10-foot setback from the curb was included in the design, along with tables, benches, and shelter from the elements. (Streetsblog)
And…
WABA pushes for protected bike lanes on Suitland Road to connect DC and Suitland employment centers. (TheWashCycle) … Arlington is installing Fixit stands throughout the county that have tools for bicycle repair. (ArlNow) … Baltimore gets a unique and unmistakable bus stop. (City Lab)