Breakfast links: Purple Line hopes and fears
Purple Line signs
Earlier this month, Larry Hogan received $47,000 from a fundraiser with Purple Line opponents in the Columbia Country Club. Maryland’s acting transportation head Pete Rahn is keeping an “open mind” about the Purple Line. (Post)
Add value off the bus
Starting in April, Alexandria will not allow DASH riders using a SmarTrip to add value on the bus, which officials say contributes to bus delays. (Post)
DC’s own Kirby Delauter
Kathy Henderson, a commissioner for Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5D channeled Frederick’s Kirby Delauter by objecting when Frozen Tropics
Different rules for Uber
Virginia lawmakers struck a deal to legalize ride-hailing services, but cab drivers from across the state rallied to demand Uber & Lyft drivers get the same background checks and insurance that taxis must. (WAMU)
Free parking myth
How much does cheap parking actually cost? According to a Ph.D student at Simon Fraser University, retail purchases in stores with free parking nearby have an invisible 1% sales tax to cover the cost of free parking. (Post)
Free transit myth
In theory, free public transit should entice people to stop commuting by car. But it didn’t work in Rome, Denver, or Trenton because the step drew misbehaving young people that deterred wealthier commuters from riding. (CityLab)
And…
Bystanders kicked in windows to help passengers out of a smoke-filled Red Line train… on the Boston T. (Globe) … What should you do if there’s a runner in a bike lane? (City Paper) … There are 31 candidates running for two open DC Council seats. (DCist) … Delaware Senator Tom Carper will introduce a new DC statehood bill. (WAMU)