Photo by Stephen Melkisethian on Flickr.

Federal funding, finally

Congress passed its first long-term highway and transit bill in 10 years last night. The five-year bill provides welcome stability for the nation’s transportation, but is fraught with plenty of controversial compromise. (POLITICO)  

The customer comes first

WMATA’s proposed budget hopes to hit the reset button between Metro and riders by focusing on numerous customer service improvements. The budget calls for measures that would cut short-term revenue but hopefully restore rider confidence. (Post)  

Shifting demographics in DC

For the first time since the 1950s, less than 50% of DC’s population is black. New census data shows that DC is becoming more white, college educated, and housing costs are increasingly burdensome for residents. (City Paper)  

Bus lane support

Adams Morgan ANC commissioners endorsed a proposal to create temporary rush hour bus lanes on 16th Street while DDOT continues its study of bus lanes for the corridor. (Borderstan)  

Locked up in Lorton

Developers will convert an old prison complex in Lorton into a mixed-use village. The site will reuse most of its historic structures to build 350 residential units, commercial space, and retail space. (WBJ)  

Purple line property rights

Maryland’s highest court will decide if a homeowner who built a fence along the Purple Line alignment now owns that land. If the court sides with him, it could complicate and delay Purple Line construction. (Post, BTA)  

Seriously, no parking

Open curb space designated as “no parking” is marked that way for good reason. This example from Georgetown illustrates how curb space is often left open to afford buses enough space to make turns safely. (The Georgetown Metropolitan)