Weekend links: Around the country
From blue to red
DDOT will be taking over the “Blue Bus” from Dupont through Georgetown to Rosslyn, converting it to a Circulator route. Because of route overlap, DDOT will shift the Union Station-Georgetown Circulator from M St NW south onto lower K Street. (Dr. Gridlock) (Tip: Erik W)
Checking out food
Baltimore is trying a new program to increase access to healthy groceries in so-called “food desert” areas… at the public library. Residents can order groceries online and the next day they will be delivered to the local public library branch. (NPR) (Tip: Erik W)
GOP for HSR
Virginia’s Republican Governor, Bob McDonnell, may not be all bad when it comes to transit. At a town-hall in Chesterfield he expressed strong support for high-speed rail projects. Meanwhile, Ralph Munro, Washington state’s Republican Secretary of State, makes a strong case why Wisconsin GOPers should support high-speed rail in their state. (Richmond Times-Dispatch, BizTimes.com) (Tip: Erik W)
Wheels on the bus
A Seattle mother talks about the virtues and challenges of taking children on transit and unearths some compelling safety statistics along the way. (Sightline Daily) (Tip: Erik W)
Unhealthy commutes
Gallup released a poll showing that people with longer commutes have a higher tendency toward various health problems, including high cholesterol and obesity. The survey was based on commute length without regard to mode, so it would be interesting to see how people with 30 minute train commutes compare to those with similar auto commutes. (Gallup) (Tip: Erik W)
All about EJ
Environmental Justice is a growing field, and one which stands to have major impact on future transit and development decisions across the country, evidenced by FTA’s last-minute yanking of ARRA funding for BART’s Oakland Airport Connector. Arizona State is offering a graduate class exploring EJ issues surrounding the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, including the impact of transit disruption. Coincidentally, Chairman Oberstar announced a congressional hearing on the aftermath and impacts of Katrina today. (Streetsblog, ASU News) (Tip: Erik W)
30/10
LA’s leaders have come together to build a case for more federal and state money for transportation solutions. (TNR, charlie) (Tip: charlie)
Red bikes
The non-profit that runs Montreal’s Bixi bike-sharing ran a deficit last year, prompting the city’s auditor to begin an investigation. (CBC, Froggie) (Tip: Froggie)