Breakfast links: Getting there

Metro raises SmarTrip minimum

Metro’s SmarTrip cards now require a minimum balance of $1.20 to enter. Previously, riders could ride with any credit on their card. Metro is also adding SmarTrip vending machines to all stations by November. (DCist)

Passenger trains come back to Norfolk

Train service will return to Norfolk for the first time in 35 years. Trains will begin daily coverage of the 5-hour trips from DC this December. (Post, Gavin)

Gray and employment

Unemployment in DC has fallen during Mayor Gray’s administration, and his “One City, One Hire” program may bear some responsibility. Yet, the disparities between better- and worse-off wards remain stark. (Post)

Flooding problems

In the wake of flooding in LeDroit Park and Bloomingdale on Sunday night, Kenyan McDuffie called for the DC government to establish a relief fund to help these neighborhoods with frequent flooding problems. (Post)

Reflecting Pool reopens

The Reflecting Pool on the National Mall opened to the public after two years and $34 million of renovations. The pool will now be supplied by water filtered in from the Tidal Basin, instead of tap water. (WAMU)

Bypasses go out of favor

One state DOT decides widening is not always the answer and wants to find alternatives to bypass after bypass. A graphic in their report illustrates induced demand. What state is this? Would you guess Tennessee? (Streetsblog)

And…

Should DC include cafes in its new libraries? (DCist) … Does a focus on new transportation technology distract from more practical maintenance? (Streetsblog) … The Washington Times’ founder is dead at 92. (DCist)