Photo by LaVladina on Flickr.

Talk to Wiedefeld

Metro’s new chief will hold an open forum with the WMATA Riders’ Union next month. He has already met with the group’s leadership. The forum might be a chance to debunk some myths about Metro. (Post)  

Betting on BRT

After some pushback, Montgomery will build Bus Rapid Transit service on its own dime, instead of funding through an independent agency. The county will now focus on planning less costly alternatives for one or two routes. (Post)  

End of the line

If VRE expands to Gainesville, it might have to close the Broad Run station to allow for more storage space for trains on the Manassas Line. (Potomac Local)  

H and I help K

If DC builds the planned streetcar transitway on K Street, Metro wants bus improvements to H and I Streets, like dedicated lanes or signal priority, to help speed up buses and alleviate construction traffic. (PlanItMetro)  

Don’t phase away

Drivers of clean fuel vehicles can use HOV lanes on I-66 without carpooling, but Virginia is phasing out the exemption for hybrid drivers. A local official says VDOT should enforce carpool rules first. (WAMU)  

Maglev moves forward

Maryland just got a big grant to fund planning and engineering for maglev train service between DC and Baltimore. But is maglev just a distraction from more pressing transit priorities? (WAMU)  

Mayor Mosby, maybe

The Mosbys are Baltimore’s new power couple, with Marilyn prosecuting the Freddie Gray case and Nick running for mayor. Some residents say a mayoral win for Mosby could lead to conflicts of interest. (Post)  

Regional economy blues

The DC region’s economy grew much more slowly in 2014 than other large metropolitan areas around the country. Regions in Texas did the best. (City Paper)  

And…

Here are ten ways to map Northern Virginia. (StatChat) … US Transportation Undersecretary Peter Rogoff will move to Seattle to run its transit agency. (Post) … Congress could help local governments stop “predatory towing.” (WAMU)