Photo by mary on Flickr.

Riders leaving

Fed up with unreliable service, many Metro commuters are switching to other modes of transportation.  Although ridership is down overall, figuring out how many people have left specifically out of frustration is difficult. (WAMU)  

Needed: a leader

WMATA could get a new head by November, says Jack Evans. … Maybe someone like the man who turned around New York’s MTA in the 1980s? Richard Ravitch had management but not transit expertise (but was an avid rider). (WAMU)  

Prince George’s growing

No longer dogged by scandals, Prince George’s County has attracted a lot of new jobs and development. Mixed-use at New Carrollton and College Park Metro are moving ahead soon, and there’s talk about making the UMD Purple Line stations free to attract more jobs in the area as well. (Bisnow, WBJ)  

Gen Y renters’ blues

The region’s tough rental market is most burdensome for millennials and retail workers, but you probably already knew that. (City Paper)  

The return of Gray?

Former mayor Vincent Gray might run for a council seat, either against Yvette Alexander in Ward 7 or Vincent Orange (or David Grosso) for at-large. And who knows, a run for chair against Phil Mendelson in the future? (City Paper)  

Cuccinelli too

Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli hasn’t ruled out throwing his hat into the ring for the 2017 gubernatorial race.  Should he run, he’ll be up against the already-declared former Senate candidate Ed Gillespie. (Post)  

Mayor talks merger

Mayor Bowser is holding private talks with Exelon and Pepco to try to reach a deal on the proposed merger. But environmentalists say it’s unlikely Exelon, a staunch foe of renewable energy, will budge much. (Post)  

DC’s Official Frivolous NEPA Pretext

Trying to make our April Fool’s joke come true? Or stymie the Purple Line? Or neither? DC’s Department of the Environment has proposed making the Hays Spring Amphipod DC’s “official amphipod.” (Post)  

And…

A massive barrel in front of a liquor store could become a landmark. (Post) … I-66 commuters aren’t too happy about the HOV threshold changing from two to three carpoolers. (Post) … Inspired by the papal respite from traffic, Philly is considering car-free zones on summer weekends. (Next City)