Lunch links: Metro breaking

Labor and Metro

An Examiner editorial argues that Metro costs are too high, including labor costs, and calls for public disclosure of the labor contracts. Do keep in mind that the Examiner has a certain point of view on these issues, though they’re definitely right about public disclosure if not also the cost issue. (Michael P)  (Tip: Michael P)

ACT launches 270 transit campaign

The Action Committee for Transit formally launched its campaign to ask the State of Maryland to study a transit alternative over the $4 billion widening of I-270. The launch generated coverage in the Frederick News-Post and WTOP. (Cavan)  (Tip: Cavan)

Build part Yellow, part Green

The Transport Politic agrees with Dave Murphy that light rail to Columbia is not Baltimore’s top priority. There’s also a racial equity issue, as the Yellow Line would hit white suburbs while the Green Line Metro extension would reach black neighborhoods. He suggests building the northern extension of the Yellow Line but not the southern, and extending the Green Line to Morgan State or White Marsh but not all the way to Martin State airport.

Bus Really-slow Transit?

Rob Pitingolo finally got to ride Cleveland’s new Healthline BRT, and found that it’s really slow, with an average speed of only 10 mph versus almost 25 on their Red Line. He thinks there are too many stops (far more than a rail line would have), and there isn’t signal priority on the line. (Extraordinary Observations)

Whtie House farmer’s market

FreshFarm Markets has applied to hold a market on Vermont Avenue between H and I Streets on Thursdays from 3 to 7 pm (with the street closed from 1 to 8) for seven weeks this fall. It’s too bad they couldn’t hold it on the already-closed Pennsylvania Avenue; presumably the Secret Service wouldn’t be okay with big trucks driving there. (Post, Cavan)  (Tip: Cavan)

No longer in decline

After years of declining enrollment, DC Public Schools basically reached their target, 10% higher than last year. Does this signify the beginning of a long-term upward trend for DCPS? Did the money spent on bus and radio ads pay off? (Post, Ward 1 Guy)  (Tip: Ward 1 Guy)

Bike racks getting fixed

Adams Morgan ANC Commissioner Nancy Shia informed us that the badly-placed bike racks at Cooke Elementary are currently being repositioned. Hopefully the contractors doing this work have the standards in hand now, but we’ll check back to make sure the new locations comply.

Metro employee struck by train

WMATA is announcing a “preliminary report” that an employee was hit by a train this morning between Braddock Road and National Airport. “The man was taken to a local hospital with unknown

serious injuries.” Check back on that page for updates as Metro communications staff find out more.