Photo by lert on Flickr.

“We were scared”

One person died and 83 went to to hospitals after a Metro train filled with smoke outside L’Enfant Plaza. NTSB says electrical arcing due to standing water in the tunnel caused the smoke. Victims report that it took 45 minutes for firefighters to evacuate the train. (Post)  

Today’s commute

The Yellow line is suspended today. Instead, special Blue trains will start at Huntington. Blue, Silver, and Orange Lines will run less frequently at rush hour. Green and Red are running normally. (WMATA)  

Taxi quota

DC’s Taxi Commission recommended a quota on taxicab licenses last month so drivers have less competition. But Mary Cheh, Mayor Bowser, and the interim Taxi Commission chairman are reconsidering. (Post)  

C&O costs

The National Park Service may charge new fees to access the C&O Canal. There wouldn’t be fees within DC limits, and the park service says enforcement would be on the honor system. (WAMU)  

Smart benefits?

Since the federal transit benefit maximum dropped from $240 to $130 month, many Metrorail riders who have to pay out of pocket are switching to another mode of travel as soon as their benefits run out. (PlanItMetro)  

Where you at?

DDOT is installing location-enabled smartphones on its buses and streetcars to inexpensively track them in real time. The new technology will go on 64 Circulator buses and the streetcar. (Statescoop)  

And…

Capital Bikeshare is considering increasing membership fees. … The median price for housing in the DC area is up 1.4% from last year though total sales are down 6%. (WBJ) … Do two-hour weather delays even make sense for school districts? (Post)