Breakfast links: Half-measures disappoint
Thomas rejects chair, keeps seat
After allegations of indirectly embezzling city money, Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. (Ward 5) resigned his chairmanship of the council committee that oversees DC’s development plans. (Washington Times)
Graham rejects bribe, keeps mum
In slightly better news, DC Councilmember Jim Graham (Ward 1) refused a bribe relayed from the FBI through his former chief of staff. Some are upset that he failed to notify authorities. (Post)
Weekend trains won’t be cut
Longer weekend Metro headways are off the table, say WMATA Board members. This was the last major service cut, except for a few bus lines, that was being considered for this year’s budget. (Post)
Add extensions to Metro map?
Some Virginia state legislators want to include Blue and Yellow Line extensions to on the map, even though none of those extensions have even been fully studied, let alone funded. (Examiner)
Wells suggests escalator contracting
WMATA board member Tommy Wells suggests contracting out Metro’s escalator maintenance work. Contractors could better ensure reliability and compete among themselves for the best performance. (Dr. Gridlock)
Live buses on Google Maps
Boston, Portland, San Diego, and San Francisco are providing real-time bus arrival predictions to Google Maps. Right now Google Maps only shows WMATA’s regular schedules. (Google Blog, Ken Archer) (Tip: Ken Archer)
Bank regrets leaving city for suburbs
UBS, which abandoned New York for the Connecticut suburbs 15 years ago, is considering moving back to Manhattan to attract choice employees and interact better with its clients. (NYT, Ben Ross, David C) (Tip: Ben Ross)
At least we’re not Staten Island
ANCs might have their problems, but it would be worse if councilmembers appointed the ANC members. A Staten Island councilmember booted the one pro-bike lane member of the local community board. (Streetsblog)
And…
DDOT is rethinking the East of the River circulator (DCist) … Driver hits cyclist in 15th Street lane (WashCycle) … More feds will be able to work from home. (Post)