Breakfast links: Newer, faster, fairer, calmer

New New Carrollton

A new plan hopes to transform New Carrollton into a set of five walkable neighborhoods centered around a renovated “transit hub” combining Amtrak, MARC, Metro, the Purple Line, and buses. The plan envisions high-density mixed-use districts just north and south of the station, a more walkable mixed-use commercial corridor along Annapolis Road, and a “Garden City” mixed-use neighborhood replacing suburban office parks southeast of the station, next to the interchange of the Beltway and US-50. (Post, A.M, Scott)  (Tip: A.M)

High-speed VRE

Virginia will “apply” for federal stimulus funds to add a third track between Prince William and Stafford Counties. This would allow for 10-car express trains, traveling 90 to 110 mph with only two interim stops. VRE spokeman Mark Roeber says, “Those trains would take as much as one lane’s worth of traffic off the highway in one fell swoop, and anyone who boarded the express service would be guaranteed to beat any car on the road and get to work faster.” It’s not clear from the article whether this is regular stimulus money Virginia gets no matter what, or an application for a competitive TIGER grant. (Inside NoVa, David C)  (Tip: David C)

Now a fairer land for peds

After witnessing a pedestrian die on Fairland Road on his way to a press conference about pedestrian safety last year, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett is now touting the new traffic signals and crosswalks on the road. (As an aside, he misuses “literally,” saying, “Cars were literally flying down this road.” If so, it’d be easier to solve Montgomery’s congestion.) (Post, Stephen Miller)  (Tip: Stephen Miller)

Lawyers calmer, slimmer in Reston

Adam Tuss files a nice report on the Lawyers Road road diet and similar projects elsewhere. Cathy Hudgins repeats her “win-win” quote. According to FABB, the road has become much less of a racetrack since the lane went in. (WTOP, Stephen Miller)  (Tip: Stephen Miller)

Bixi in Boston

Boston is launching a bike sharing program using Montreal’s Bixi, which DC is also reportedly considering. Stations are solar powered and easier to add than SmartBike, but at $76 for an annual membership and costs for using a bike longer than half an hour, it’s pricier than SmartBike too. The system should open next year. (Christian Science Monitor, Gavin Baker)  (Tip: Gavin Baker)

Not a free parking space

3rd Ward, a shared workspace for designers in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is offering a free bike as a perk of membership. (Gavin Baker)  (Tip: Gavin Baker)

Strike! BART to shut down Monday

BART workers have voted to go on strike Monday after the union rejected a management proposal and BART then imposed a more austere contract on them. The Transport Politic looks at the history of transit strikes. (Michael P)  (Tip: Michael P)

Amtrak ridership off highs

Lower gas prices meant lower Amtrak ridership nationwide from record highs last summer. Northeast Corridor ridership is off 6.5%, and the Acela Express dropped 12%. (Post, Gavin Baker)  (Tip: Gavin Baker)