Breakfast links: Traffic takes to the trails
Traffic on (Safe)track
Traffic has not increased drastically so far during SafeTrack, but there are anecdotal reports that more drivers are “blocking the box” and increasing overall travel times downtown. (WAMU) … There are definitely more bikes on the road. (WJLA)
SafeTrack solutions, round two
Prince George’s County will increase bus service and asked the state to increase HOV lane enforcement during the second SafeTrack surge. MARC will add cars on two train lines. (WTOP) … In DC, DDOT will suspend construction permits for 10 bus corridors. (City Paper)
Data warehouse design
The Loudoun Board of Supervisors narrowly voted to consider design standards for storage facilities and warehouses. Some worry standards would discourage business, but others said prominent, ugly buildings could hurt property values. (WBJ)
The rent is too damn high
40% of one bedroom apartments in DC are fetching over $2000 per month in rent. 57% of two bedroom apartments rent for over $2500 per month. (UrbanTurf)
Executive branch and bikes
Arnold Schwarzenegger toured DC by bike this week. (Post) … New York police knocked a Citi Bike rider off his bike when he got too close to President Obama’s motorcade. (Jalopnik, Jasper)
Toward a safer Metro
What’s behind Metro’s ongoing issues with smoke and fire? New chief safety officer Patrick Lavin will take a holistic view, with an in-house investigation team and a peer-reviewed analysis of Metro’s power systems. (Post)
Carless counts
How we quantify “access” to cars makes a big difference in how we measure overall reliance on cars for work trips. In the DC region, only 6% of households are car free, but nearly 20% live in a household with fewer cars than workers. (City Observatory)
Congestion pricing for NYC
Fewer drivers are driving in New York City, even as the city gains jobs. A statewide bill calls for higher tolls that could further combat congestion and help fund better transit. (Gawker)