Lunch links: Suburban infrastructure
ICC tolls set low-ish
Following all the criticism MdTA received when it proposed ICC toll rates, the state has set tolls at the low end of the proposed range, making AAA and some drivers happy but ensuring that it covers less of its costs and drains more toll revenue from Baltimore and the Eastern Shore. (Miranda Spivack/Post)
What Prince George’s wants
Residents at a Prince George’s planning meeting asked for a Purple Line all the way around DC. A Bowie Planning Board member wants more traffic flow on Route 197 and also to make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, which seem to be somewhat in conflict. (Virginia Terhune/Gazette)
Even more Arlington
The Arlington County Board approved a snow ordinance by a 4-1 vote … If 95/395 HOT lanes go forward, they would require some public money, which Virginia doesn’t have in any case (Uriah Kiser/Inside NoVA via ARLnow) … An ART fare hike will follow WMATA’s, but will eliminate the cash-SmarTrip differential. (Gavin)
Too many exurbs
CSG’s Stewart Schwartz lists the five worst local planning mistakes: BRAC moving the military to exurbs, hospitals moving to exurbs, museums moving to exurbs, companies moving to exurbs, and colleges expanding to exurbs. (Jonathan O’Connell/Capital Business)
How the law turned against cyclists
Bicycle Times looks at the way the law doesn’t protect cyclists who are injured or killed by drivers, usually only giving token monetary compensation. This stems from a 1970s push to make more car-bike collisions into civil rather than criminal issues. Also, police don’t see enforcing driving laws as their job and legislators see themselves in drivers’ shoes. (Bruce Ebert via Virginia Bicycling Federation)
MPD tech head logged out
DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier fired her tech chief over clashes with the Mayor’s tech staff, including a dispute about whether putting wireless in the homicide bureau’s building would be a security risk. (Bill Myers/Examiner)
Johnny was late because of subway crowding
In New York, if you’re late because of the subway, the MTA will give you a note for your employer, and now offers the service online. (Tom Namako/NY Post via Consumerist)