Breakfast links: Loss of communication
Metro alarms
For years, Metro knew an alarm system that was supposed to identify outages in the emergency radio network did not work, but they didn’t tell the fire departments. Is funding the issue, or is it just bureaucratic failure? (Post)
Transit snow day
How much did Tuesday’s snowstorm impact transit ridership? With Metrorail running on a Saturday schedule and many bus routes suspended, ridership dropped nearly 80%. (PlanItMetro)
Keep the carpet
Metro started shifting from carpet to slip-resistant flooring for its rail fleet, but now will replace carpet with carpet in 1000- and 4000-series cars. For cars it plans to replace, Metro won’t install new carpet.
Since these cars will be replaced soon anyway, new flooring doesn’t make sense. (WBJ)
Higher speeds in Maryland?
The Maryland Senate voted to increase interstate highway speed limits from 65 to 70 mph, a measure the House is likely to approve. Those against the bill worried about increases in fatal crashes. (Post)
Gas tax will stay
Maryland Democratic leaders say they will not repeal automatic adjustments in the gas tax to keep pace with inflation, saying that before that, the state didn’t have money for transportation projects beyond “fixing potholes.” (WBAL)
Bigger offices are a must
The National Science Foundation HQ was designed with large common spaces, but the union wanted bigger offices and cubicles, and a federal arbitrator agreed. GSA will redesign the building with less common space. (WBJ)
Bicycling role models
How can cyclists help get all cyclists to behave better on the road? Better bike infrastructure might help, but the best way to influence good behavior is to be a good role model yourself. (City Paper)
Off the beaten path
New Haven, CT doesn’t have enough money for major projects to improve pedestrian and cycling facilities, so it will focus on leaner projects that can go up fast and come down quickly if they’re unsuccessful. (CityLab)
And…
DC’s newest rail trail takes users to DHS headquarters and provides great views. (TheWashCycle) … A Maryland man created a functioning snowplow with a toilet on top. (Post) … Wooden bikes, with help from 3D printing, may be the future. (CityLab)