Breakfast links: Go for safety
Safety fixes approved
WMATA got approval from the FTA to spend the federal and locally-matched capital dollars that Governor McDonnell almost derailed. They can now obligate projects to rehab tracks, fix escalators and elevators, repair rail cars, update old bus location devices, and more. The 7000 series railcars are awaiting Kawasaki either complying with Buy America requirements or getting a waiver. (WMATA)
Bus thief made a convincing driver
That man who stole a Metrobus Friday and then drove his regular route knew the route and bus operation so well that he had passengers fooled, until he hit a tree and then took off on foot. (Post)
Hot and on the wrong track
It’s tough to keep cool in high-90s weather. It’s especially tough in a train whose doors keep opening (Post) … A Blue Line train got misrouted onto the Orange Line at Stadium-Armory. (Examiner)
East Falls Church accepted
The Arlington County Board voted to “accept” the East Falls Church plan. “Accepting” vs. “adopting” lets them get 4-6 months more of public input on specific details, but agrees to the overall framework. (FCNP)
Riemer only endorsed challenger
The Post made endorsements for Montgomery County Council primaries, recommending Smart Growth candidate Hans Riemer and three incumbents at-large (Trachtenberg, Elrich and Floreen). They also endorsed Roger Berliner for reelection and Royce Hanson for the upcounty open seat.
Parking czar?
Gabe Klein talked streetcars and more in his Friday chat. He said he’s looking to appoint a “parking czar” to coordinate DDOT’s parking projects, a much- needed step given how DDOT has been virtually ignoring its performance parking pilots.
ARTful improvements
ART is adding a route, #45 between Rosslyn, Arlington DHS at Sequoia Plaza, and Columbia Pike at Four Mile Run Drive, beginning July 6, plus a few schedule changes on other lines. They will also post stop numbers at every bus stop so riders can enter them into the real-time location system. (Gavin) (Tip: Gavin)
Public street, no photography
MPD detained a photographer for taking pictures of a traffic stop on a public street in Georgetown. Supervisors backed up officers who falsely insisted the photographer had no right to take pictures. (Photography blog via DCist)