Actual streetcar wire (ours will be the thinner kind). Photo by Brad Green.

Another MARC screwup

Not long after a MARC train broke down in stifling heat, the same train missed Odenton station on Monday, and the crew initially misled passengers about the reason. Maryland Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley, MTA head Ralign Wells, and Amtrak CEO Joseph Boardman will be at Union Station this evening to talk to MARC riders. (Michael Dresser/Getting There)  

Overhead wires approved by Council

The DC Council unanimously passed an emergency measure allowing overhead wires only on H Street/Benning Road. (Emergency bills are only temporary, so the Council must also pass a permanent bill, scheduled for July 13.) Even Phil Mendelson voted yes. This sets the stage for a potential showdown with NCPC. (Tommy Wells, Stanton Park)  (Tip: Stanton Park)  

Let me out!

Two riders were trapped in the Cheverly Metro station for 20 minutes after the station manager mistakenly closed up before the last train. The Metro customer service line had no way to reach a live person late at night, so one called 911 while the other posted on Facebook. It sounds like the 911 call was what got Metro staff over there to open the doors. (Lindsey Mastis/WJLA, Mark Berman/Post)  

Unsuck DC Metro riders

A person fell on the Metro tracks, and two riders helped him up, but not until after many riders stood by without helping. (Unsuck DC Metro)  

Very early fare hike news

Metro ridership was down a bit on the first workday of the fare hike, but service disruptions could have been to blame. It’ll be important to track this long term. (Kytja Weir/Examiner) … A software error let some riders keep paying the old fare at 34 stations Monday. (Lisa Rein/Post)  

Gray for Smart Growth, not bike lanes?

Vince Gray has started revealing more about his plans if elected Mayor. He seems supportive of Smart Growth but somewhat skeptical about bike lanes. (The Other 35 Percent, Eric Fidler)  

LaHood the superstar

The U.S. Secretary of Transportation used to be a virtually invisible Cabinet member who accomplished little. Then Ray LaHood got the job, pushed major policy changes, and has blogged and Twittered up a storm. (Ashley Halsey/Post)