Breakfast links: An opening date for the Silver Line Phase II is on the horizon
New hope for a Silver Line opening date
There were delays and concerns, but now project heads are confident with the recent progress of the Silver Line Phase II route to Dulles International Airport and Loudoun County. An announcement of an opening date could come as early as next month. (Max Smith / WTOP. Tip: Sand Box John)
NoVa Metrobus drivers continue their strike
Metrobus drivers have been on strike against Transdev, a WMATA contractor, since October 24. Some of the union’s complaints include inhumane working conditions, and that Transdev’s hourly rate is lower than Metro employees with no pay raises or retirement plans. (Elliot C. Williams / DCist)
A self-driving shuttle arrives in Montgomery County
An autonomous vehicle is operating for the first time in Montgomery County. Olli, an eight-passenger electric shuttle, is cruising along a half-mile stretch of roadway on Gateway Center Drive in Clarksburg. (Neal Augenstein / WTOP. Tip: Chester B.)
Planners rebuff Maryland’s toll lane study
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission refused to concur with a study to add toll lanes to the Capital Beltway and I-270, citing concerns over the plan’s finances, lack of transit, and the possibility gobbling up public parkland. (Katherine Shaver / Post)
DC defends an I-295 speed camera
A speed camera on DC’s I-295 is generating millions of dollars in speeding tickets. Lucinda Babers, the Deputy Mayor heading the agencies that run the program, argued that the end result was to reduce speeding and increase safety. (Lisa Fletcher / WJLA. Tip: Garrett)
Spring Valley residents oppose bike lanes
Over 600 Spring Valley residents have signed a petition against adding a protected bike lane on Dalecarlia Parkway. Advocates say the plan would encourage more biking and walking throughout the neighborhood, and that the current four lanes aren’t necessary. (Northwest Courier)
Ready for urban camping in DC’s Kingman Island?
The District opened Kingman Island, a ribbon of land in the Anacostia River near RFK Stadium, for public campouts. Though it’s just in the experimentation phase now, more public camp outs are expected in the spring. (Jacob Fenston / DCist)
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