Breakfast links: SafeTrack begins
SafeTrack’s expectations
Paul Wiedefeld wants riders to know SafeTrack will help with repairs but is not a panacea for the system’s woes. Serious overcrowding and delays may be possible. (Post)
Drivers brace for SafeTrack
Communication about SafeTrack has mostly targeted Metro riders but not drivers. Models suggest congestion shouldn’t increase much, and local agencies will closely monitor traffic patterns. (Post)
Smart Bikeshare fare?
Will Capital Bikeshare’s new $2-a-ride price option make the system lose money or gain riders? Paul deMaio, a bike sharing expert, says the new fare looks like a good move. (GGWash, The Bike-Sharing Blog)
Party’s over?
Bars and restaurants are looking for new ways to help employees get to work now that late-night Metro service is suspended. But customers have been using Metro less anyway in favor of ride-hailing services. (WAMU)
Make room for ride-share
DC is creating new pick-up zones in popular nightlife areas where ride-hailing services and taxis can pick people up. DC taxis can also arrange for riders to share cabs. (WTOP)
The lessons of 1955
SafeTrack isn’t the region’s first major transit disruption. In 1955, Capital Transit employees went on strike, and people coped by driving, forming carpools, and taking taxis. The city also offered more free parking. (Post)
IZ: Neither disaster nor panacea
Relax — inclusionary zoning policies don’t make other rents higher, studies find. Thus far they aren’t helping the lowest-income people much, either. More Democratic areas fight IZ policies the hardest. (CityLab)
Homeowners versus Waze
The navigation app Waze has been routing traffic on formerly-little-known shortcuts on residential streets. Takoma Park residents even submitted fake reports to dissuade this, without luck. (Post)
And…
Here are the top 10 things to know for Metro track work this week. (WTOP) … Three men are wanted for alleged sexual battery on a Yellow Line train. (Post) … Here are the region’s 15 worst Metro stations by delays and wait times. (TIME)