Photo by Elvert Barnes on ipernity.

Metro fares going up, twice

Metro wants to make sure riders know that the fare increase will happen in two stages, June 27 and August 1 (Adam Tuss/WTOP) … the 2010 budget is even worse than feared, thanks to the snowstorms and more MetroAccess cost overruns. (Ann Scott Tyson/Post)  

Capital surcharge too

The WMATA Board is also weighing special surcharges of 5¢ for each entry or exit at up to 2 stations in each state/commonwealth/district, earmarked to pay for specific capital improvements. DDOT wants to use it at Union Station for capacity improvements there. (Ann Scott Tyson/Post)  

DDOT blogging

DDOT was so unhappy with blog coverage of the Pennsylvania Avenue bike lanes that they’ve started their own blog to get the word out directly. If they use it to really communicate useful information to interested residents, it’s a terrific idea. Speaking of the lanes, WashCycle is persuaded by Gabe Klein’s arguments and trying sections that have already been modified.  (Tip: Eric Fidler)  

More food, drink for U

Increasing the bar and restaurant cap on 14th and U Streets looks to be a sure thing after nobody testified against the change at last night’s Zoning Commission hearing. (Lydia DePillis/City Paper)  

Should Arlington require shoveling?

Arlington is considering requiring property owners to clear adjacent sidewalks, as DC and most northern jurisdictions do. The hearing is Saturday. Our tipster says “opponents are both vocal and organized,” making it unclear whether the ordinance is likely to pass.  

Fenty FOIA fail

The Fenty administration has denied FOIA requests over 4 times as often as his predecessor. (Michael Grass/WCP)  

Seasons change, bloggers switch jobs

Sommer Mathis is leaving DCist. She got a new job at the new TBD.com. (DCist)  

And…

Amtrak will continue operating VRE for two more weeks, because Keolis isn’t ready, leading to lots of finger-pointing (Kytja Weir/Examiner) … Martin O’Malley and Bob Ehrlich are tied in a new poll (Alan Suderman/Examiner) … Unless Congress acts, transit riders will go back to having a smaller pretax commuting benefit than drivers. (Renata Silberblatt/Mobilizing the Region)