Morning links: Not going down

Long escalators aren’t worse

Metro’s longest escalators have about the same downtime as the rest of the system. WMATA is also looking at adding concrete stairs, even though they are not as durable as existing granite ones.  (Examiner)

Where 5ers stand

Ward 5 votes tomorrow. The candidates reveal positions on some issues around transportation, public safety, and development. (Post)

Now Capitol Bikeshare, too

The Architect of the Capitol will allow a CaBi station on property it controls at Capitol South, after prodding from Congressmen Connolly and Moran. They’re also eyeing 2 others, at the edge of the Capitol complex, but should stations also go right at Capitol office buildings or the visitors’ center? (Roll Call)

Disabled parking abuse rampant

In an effort to find free and convenient parking, people are abusing disabled parking tags and there is even a black market for them. This leaves fewer parking spots for those who need them. (Examiner)

What if… no height limit and crazy architects?

Some architects play with ideas for what could be if DC had no height limit. As with most such architectural flights of fancy, the ideas are pretty wild, like a tower whose size varies with the debt ceiling. (Post)

Beauregard a go

The Alexandria City Council unanimously approved the Beauregard area plan, which allows for more density than would normally be allowed in exchange for affordable housing and other amenities including parks and a fire station. (Post)

More room to eat your jumbo slice

Construction is ending for Adams Morgan sidewalks that are now wider and feature new bike racks. Some local businesses worry traffic won’t bounce back to what it was before construction. (DCist)

Siding sidelines project

The Arlington Planning Board voted down a project which uses cheap siding instead of a better material and limits car movements. The project meets zoning, so it’s unclear if the board can stop it. (Arlington Mercury)

Plan transportation for Fairfax

Fairfax County is looking for a transportation planner. Requirements include 2 years’ experience, good verbal and writing skills, ability to ride a bicycle, and capacity to lift 25 pounds. (Why on that last one?)

And…

Governor O’Malley agrees to make the Corridor Cities Transitway a BRT system and apply for federal funds. (Post) … Bus riders only suffered minor injuries in a route 92 crash. (DCist) … Google’s self-driving car appears in Georgetown. (Patch, Corey Holman) … Google Maps now shows the interior of subway stations in Boston. (BostInno)