Image from the New York Times.

The graph that moves backward

The NYT plots VMT against gas prices from 1956 to today. Unlike most graphs that space points in time evenly across an axis, this graph starts to “move backward” in recent years as VMT has declined.  

Sarles should push harder, ride buses

Jim Graham, Chris Zimmerman, and others wonder if Sarles is being too deferential, such as revising the capital budget downward at Maryland’s request without raising alarms. I noted that riders are hoping Sarles will really dig into some tough problems instead of just keeping the seat warm. (Post) … Sarles regularly rides Metrorail, but has not yet ridden the bus or tried MetroAccess. (Examiner)  

MA’s bicycle Republican

A Republican running for state rep in Massachusetts touts how he uses his bicycle in a new ad that riffs off Senator Scott Brown’s ad about driving around the state in his old truck. If only more Republicans who weren’t in Massachusetts or DC praised rather than mocked bicycles. (Streetsblog Capitol Hill)  

Construction pushes peds into street

A construction site in Downtown Silver Spring completely blocks off the sidewalk, and construction vehicles are pushing pedestrians even farther into busy Fenton Street. (Montgomery Sidewalks via JUTP)  

War on grand staircases

The latest victim of “security theater” is visitors’ experience entering the Supreme Court; the grand front entrance will be closed and visitors forced to enter in a side entrance. People can still exit in the front. Justices Breyer and Ginsburg wrote a “dissent” over the plan. (LA Times, Scotusblog) … Update: The Post’s Philip Kennicott eloquently criticized the decision. (Eric F.)  

Sun rising on East Campus

The University of Maryland issued an RFP to start its ambitious East Campus development. This would be a great transit-oriented development, as long as University administration allows good transit to it. (Rethink College Park, Cavan) … Speaking of UMD transit, the SGA is holding a student forum on the University’s plans today at 4.  (Tip: Cavan)  

Iconic bus map?

Dara Lind argues that we need a more iconic bus map, like the rail map, possibly showing a high-frequency subset of bus routes. Such a map would put buses more firmly into riders’ and visitors’ minds. (Attackerman)