Breakfast links: Statistics and reversals

Mode shares across the region

Over half of DC commuters walk, bike, or ride transit to work. Arlington’s next at 32.8%, Fairfax only 10.7%. DC also has the sixth highest bicycle mode share in the nation, at 2.3%, up from 2% last year. Portland is 6%. (RPUS, TheWashCycle)

NextBus price tag: $15,000

Kytja Weir reviews NextBus’s status in anticipation of today’s Metro meeting, and echoed many of the comments you made Monday. She also found another great nugget: Metro is paying $15,000 a month for the NextBus system and $3,200 for six electronic signs. (Examiner)

ICC not free, people surprised

Maryland officials announced toll rates for the ICC of 25-35 cents per mile in the peak and 20-30 cents per mile off-peak. That means the typical driver will pay about $2, but a trip all the way from Gaithersburg to I-95 could cost $6. Online comments range from predicting the rate is too low and will leave the ICC jammed, to surprised it costs so much, with more of the latter. One person said they’d rather be stuck in traffic than pay $2, but that’s probably not actually true; plus, $2 is less than many Metro rides. (WTOP, Post, ABC7)

Catoe safe amid criticism

The Metro board expects to stand by John Catoe despite the problems Metro has faced, some preventable and some not. They had a very hard time filling the post the last time the job was open. But many riders and some union activists are calling to oust Catoe. (Post)

No giant bike

Following the controversy over the proposed giant bicycle sculpture in Adams Morgan, the DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities has “tabled” the project. DCCAH Executive Director Gloria Nauden explains all of the steps they took to keep the community informed. (Adams Morgan listserv)

Stevens plan not pleasin’

Residents and Councilmember Jack Evans are displeased with the choice of developer for the closed Stevens School in Foggy Bottom. The neighborhood came out fairly clearly in support of a hotel, while this plan would build housing most likely occupied by college students. (Housing Complex)

F Street one-way plan on the way out

The Treasury Department will withdraw its request to make F Street one-way. Apparently that was actually a leftover idea from the Bush Administration and “the current administration does not think that is the best solution.” Eleanor Holmes Norton is proposing a bill to curb “arbitrary practices” that hurt the public in the name of security but aren’t really necessary. (Fox5)