Breakfast links: Audits for all
On the clock
The unions representing Metro’s rail traffic controllers have tried, unsuccessfully, to limit shifts to 12 hours. The FTA says understaffing continues because veteran employees want to keep earning overtime pay and won’t help train new employees. (WAMU)
Don’t forget the buses!
The FTA report wasn’t just about Metrorail. The report had 13 recommendations for Metrobus too, including protecting bus drivers from assaults and ensuring buses are properly inspected before each trip. (Post)
Failure to communicate
In 2006, a New York Times reporter died in DC after he was assaulted and DC FEMS failed to respond properly. An audit shows the department has purposely misled the public on the reforms it has made since that case. (WAMU)
“No” at any cost
According to newly released lobbying documents, even if Governor Hogan approves the Purple Line, Chevy Chase will continue to oppose it by lobbying Congressional Republicans to defund it. (Bethesda Beat)
Sidewalk cycling?
Bicyclists tend to get pushback for riding in the sidewalk, even though it’s legal across much of DC. A City Paper columnist argues that sidewalk bicycling often makes a lot of sense.
Finding the funding
By July 31 Congress must, again, find more money for the Highway Trust Fund. After 33 short-term extensions of the funding, Congress still won’t raise the gax tax, which has stayed at 18.4 cents per gallon since 1993. (Post)
Fair housing?
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 made it illegal to discriminate in housing practices. Now the Supreme Court must decide if practices with an unintentional but disproportionate impact on minorities are included under the law. (CityLab)
And…
Think biking isn’t for you? Gear Prudence says to give it another chance. (City Paper) … Car2Go will finally launch a year-long pilot program in Arlington. (DCist) … These clever signs would ensure that you never get lost exiting an NYC subway station again. (CityLab)