Breakfast links: Infrastructure
Too fast
The NTSB found that high speed played a role in yesterday’s Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia. The train was moving at 106 mph, twice the speed limit. The cause for the speed is unknown. The current death toll is up to 7. (CityLab, Post)
Bad timing
Despite Tuesday’s crash, the House Appropriations Committee cut Amtrak’s funding by $251 million. House Republicans argued the cause of the derailment wasn’t known, so more funding would be premature. (WAMU)
MoCo’s branch begins
Mongomery County will begin construction on part of the Metropolitan Branch Trail in Silver Spring. The trail should eventually connect Silver Spring to Union Station. (WABA)
Sexy buses
13 new hybrid buses will replace older members of the DC Circulator fleet as early as next week. Eventually the entire fleet will move to fully electric buses. Bonus: the new buses have USB charging ports. (Post)
Budget blows
The DC Council voted against Mayor Bowser’s plan to raise DC sales and parking taxes. The Council also rejected adding body cameras to Metropolitan Police officers, stating MPD isn’t “logistically prepared” for such a program. (Wash. Times)
No cause for celebration
Even though this year’s count showed a 6% decrease in homelessness, Human Services Chief Laura Zellinger still thinks DC has “an unacceptably high number of homeless residents.” (City Paper)
CaBi saves cash
Capital Bikeshare is the most cost effective way to commute. Compared to peak Metro fares and the cost of a taxi, bikeshare does well, even for some longer rides. (Washingtonian)
Damaged
The Small Business Administration has estimated that damage to 285 Baltimore businesses during the riots resulted in is valued up to $9 million. City officials have yet to release their official numbers. (Post)
Making transit happen
The athletic company New Balance is paying for a new commuter rail station to serve their headquarters in Boston. Similar partnerships could expand transit, even with tight government budgets. (The Atlantic)
Poor placement
The location chosen for President Obama’s library would build over a portion of a park designed by famed Central Park landscape architects Olmsted and Vaux. Residents fear the library could destroy the historic amenity. (CityLab)