Breakfast links: Light rail designs

Envisioning the Pike streetcar

The Arlington County Board pondered the design for the Columbia Pike streetcar, including how long and wide vehicles should be and whether to use low-floor designs. A fully wireless power system was deemed impractical.  (ARLnow)

Trail won’t go in Purple Line tunnel

Updated designs for the Purple Line station in Bethesda have a sidewalk along the tracks and a new Metro entrance, but cyclists will cross Wisconsin Avenue at surface level, a tough choice some think is better anyway and others don’t. (Patch)

Not so fast

In addition to lowering speed fines, the DC Council blocked the higher speed limits Mayor Gray wanted on several local streets and has forbidden similar changes in the future without council approval.  (Examiner)

RAC wants less disruption on minor holidays

The Riders Advisory Council wants better Metro service for minor holidays like Columbus Day and Veterans Day. Metro decreases service on such holidays and has even conducted track work. (Examiner)

DC is mid-peloton

The makers of Walk Score have ranked DC 12th out of 25 US cities for bikeability.  The most bike friendly areas are in the central part of the District, expanding up to Petworth and East to Capitol Hill. (Atlantic Cities)

DoD loosens security standards

The Department of Defense is relaxing its security requirements for buildings to match GSA standards. This move will allow the Pentagon to lease space in a much wider range of buildings in the area. (WBJ)

Board wants dedicated transportation funds

The Transportation Planning Board wants local governments to rause dedicated funds for transportation through a higher gas tax or user fees from congestion tolls, emissions, or miles traveled. (WTOP)

Mixed-use for teachers

Teach for America is working with Fundrise, which helps small investors crowd-fund development projects, to build a mixed use project with housing for teachers and office space for TFA. (City Paper)

And…

Same-sex couples in Maryland will be able to file joint taxes after all. (DCist) … Learn the history of the Barnes Dance. (Atlantic Cities) … Anyone know Metro’s policy on ponies? (Atlantic Cities) … Joe Lieberman supports DC statehood now that he’s retiring and it’s too late to pass a bill or even get a hearing. (Post)