Photo by Kate MD on Flickr.

Refunds for bad Metro service?

Automatic refunds for poor service could be a game changer for Metro. Large-scale refunds during disruptions might keep customers happy and less likely to switch to other modes of transportation. (WAMU)  

We want to believe

A timeline of timelines for when the DC Streetcar will open shows a litany of broken promises. DDOT’s Leif Dormsjo says we’re in the homestretch, but that’s tough to believe given the pattern thus far.  (Washingtonian, WTOP)  

Hit-and-run angers neighbors

A hit-and-run driver killed a man in North Michigan Park. Residents had asked for a stop light or traffic calming, but been rebuffed. Will DC now take action under Vision Zero, or is it Vision Nineteen? (WUSA9)  

Loved to death

The National Mall sees more visitors each year than the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite combined. But it needs nearly $800 million worth of repair and maintenance work. Is the Mall worth saving?. (WAMU)  

Church vs. bike lane

Another DC church is trying to stop DDOT from building bike lanes. The United House of Prayer claims bike lanes and parking restrictions infringe on freedoms of religion. (WashCycle)  

Casino winnings

Alexandria hopes to get an economic boost from the MGM National Harbor casino in Prince George’s County. Water taxis make Alexandria an attractive place for casino guest to visit or stay instead of the casino’s resort. (Post)  

Keep [your city] weird

Choosing to preserve “character” over any and all change leads to more expensive housing. But when desirable places embrace newcomers (and all their weirdness) instead of fighting them, they thrive. (CityLab)  

Bias at crosswalks

Drivers are slower to yield to African Americans at crosswalks, leaving them to wait 32% longer than whites, according to new research. It’s possible there’s a disparity between which genders drivers stop for as well. (UANews)  

And…

First bikes, now dogs: Amtrak tests pets on trains. (Post)… Montgomery County backs off a plan to move early-voting sites. (WAMU)… After two years of delay, the Spotsylvania VRE station is set to open by the end of this year. (WTOP)