Breakfast links: Big steps for Metro
Metro recommends Red Line fix
WMATA will recommend replacing hundreds of track circuits along the Red Line like the one that failed, precipitating the deadly crash in 2009. The project will cost $10 million. The agency has said it will not stop running trains manually until this fix is completed and tested. (WTOP)
Metrobus changes coming
WMATA will introduce changes on Metrobus beginning December 19th. A new X9 express route will run from Capitol Heights Metro station to 13th & H Streets NW. A number of lines will have minor adjustments or extensions and several lines will have underused or duplicative stops eliminated. Greenbelt’s service will be completely restructured. Here’s our earlier post on the changes.
More open data in DC
As promised, WMATA is releasing bus data in an open format to go along with its rail data launched in August. The obvious question: What about Google Transit? We’ll ask. … Meanwhile, DDOT unveiled a new version of its online portal, which seems to be easier to use than version 1.0, but requires Microsoft Silverlight, which nobody uses. (TBD)
Evans wants to bring ‘Skins back
Councilmember Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) wants to see the Washington Redskins return to the District, saying FedEx Field is aging and “will soon be ready for a replacement.” Evans would like to see a new stadium as part of a redeveloped RFK stadium site that would host more than just football. (WTOP)
Fairfax ponders road takeover
Fairfax County released a report yesterday on the condition of its roads in the face of dwindling state maintenance money. One of the options being weighed is a county takeover of the roads. (Dr. Gridlock)
Federal pay freeze would add up in DC
The Obama administration’s proposal to free federal salaries for two years would amount to an annual loss of $750 million in the DC area, or just under 0.2% of the area’s economy. (WUSA)
Alternate Metro map poster for sale
Tired of big, chunky lines and goofy hatchback parking symbols? You can now get your very own copy of Cameron Booth’s redesigned Metro map, which includes the forthcoming Silver Line. (Cameron Booth)
DC owed millions in property taxes
While the Council ponders spending cuts to close a $180 million budget gap, the city is owed more than $20 million in unpaid property taxes, much of it from major developers. (WBJ)
And…
WTU president George Parker lost his reelection bid to a more militantly anti-reform candidate. (Post) … Vince Gray will have lunch with President Obama today. (TBD) … Dan Malouff of BeyondDC is now participating in a new group blog like GGW, but in Denver.