Breakfast links: Metro’s got the beat

Metrobeat?

WMATA is pondering branding for 2 new BRT lines it’s building in Arlington and Alexandria. Should it be “Metrobeat” or “Metroway” or something else? You can also vote on some possible bus designs.

3rd suicide avoided

Another Metro train operator was able to stop in time to avoid hitting a man who jumped onto the tracks at Ballston. This is the 3rd such incident in the last few days. (ARLnow)

Transit Center problems go further

It’s not just the poured concrete that’s a problem at the Silver Spring transit center; there are issues with the pillars as well. (NBC4)  (Tip: na)

No streetlight contract again

A judge threw out DC’s new contract for streetlight management, saying DC erred in the bidding. The old temporary contract, which among other things doesn’t cover trails, will now remain in effect for even longer. (WBJ)

Really tall pop-up

Someone is turning a 2-story row house into a 5-story building in a non-historic part of U Street. Some neighbors are calling for historic designation to stop it. Or should all the other houses just get taller too? (WJLA)

“Mega-commutes” not uncommon

20% of Washington-area commuters commute more than an hour each way, says new Census data, though nationwide, commutes aren’t really longer than in 2000. Washington also has the 2nd-highest transit mode share and high parking costs. (Post, USA Today)

Silly other states

A Washington State legislator said cyclists emit CO2 when they exhale, so they’re polluting, too. He later apologized. … Ohio is considering a law requiring pedestrians to yield to cars at the start of a walk signal. (Streetsblog, BikePortland)

And…

Arlington will get a bicycle-powered bar. (BeyondDC) … Mayor Gray doesn’t seem to care much about keeping the FBI. (City Paper) … The average Washingtonian can afford a new car, while their counterparts in most cities can’t. (DCist)