Photo by Mark Daniels on Flickr.

You’re fired

Metro GM Paul Wiedefeld didn’t mince words as he gave the pink slip to an operator who ran a red signal and created the risk of a collision last week.  Two track inspectors were also in the train’s path. (WAMU)  

Silver Line scapegoat?

People are quick to blame Metro’s woes on the Silver Line, saying it diverts resources from the rest of Metro. But the reality is far more complicated, and many present-day problems would still exist regardless. (Post)  

Metro’s disability dilemma

Everything from faulty elevators to less confidence in emergency responders means riders with disabilities feel more unsafe than ever.  Many are switching to MetroAccess, which is expensive for WMATA to operate. (Post)  

Is standing on escalators better?

Asking escalator riders to stand, not walk, may be the most efficient way to get people in and out of subway systems, and the London Underground has taken note. (Wonderful Engineering)  

Big plans for Grosvenor

The parking lot near the Grosvenor Metro station is an eyesore and waste of space. One developer’s mini-master plan could transform the area and introduce five mixed-use buildings.  (Bethesda Beat)  

Big garage, big impact

Fairfax County says the now-$63.8 million price tag for a new commuter garage will be worth it because bus bays, slugging areas, bike storage and other amenities will encourage folks to ditch their cars for daily commutes. (WBJ)  

Flexible transit benefits?

A new proposal in Congress would let federal workers use their transit benefits on bikeshare and ride-hailing services  during SafeTrack. Is it a good idea? (Washingtonian)  

Victims’ struggle

Increasing housing costs and less funding for nonprofits means victims of domestic violence in the District have a really hard time finding space in a shrinking number of shelters and apartments. (Post)  

VA expands road & rail

Virginia will use a $165 million federal congestion-fighting grant to extend the I-95 Express Lanes and add an extra track along the CSX railroad to aid Amtrak and VRE service. (WTOP)  

Go home when?

Tenants had to leave an unsafe building in Brightwood; since then, they’ve had to live in motel rooms with no real promise of when they can return, as the owner wants to sell it but might not be able to. (City Paper)  

And…

A serious bike crash east of the Anacostia comes on the heels of a hit-and-run driver killing a cyclist last month; neighbors held a vigil for the victim. (@roznews, DCist, @shawingtontimes) … Bills to expand paid family leave and give hourly workers more advance notice of their schedules are both on hold for now. (City Paper)