Breakfast links: Big transportation progress

Hope for Maryland transportation

A Maryland House committee approved a transportation funding bill that slightly modifies Governor O’Malley’s proposal: instead of lowering the gas tax and adding a larger gas sales tax, it will leave the gas tax alone and just add a small gas sales tax. (CBS)

Bus to Silver

When the Silver Line opens, buses will change in and around Fairfax. The 5A to Dulles will not change at all (and will not go to Wiehle) while the Washington Flyer will end at Wiehle instead of WFC. (PlanItMetro)

Mario-themed morsels

Dave Delisle made a Metro map in the style of Super Mario Bros. 3. (DCist) … Bowser is running for mayor, and will announce Saturday. (Post)

Metro lots fill up

East Falls Church is the most crowded Metro parking lot, and when the Silver Line means fewer Orange trains west of there, even more people will likely try to park. (Examiner) … How about pricing the lots based on demand?

AAA still misleads

AAA’s John Townsend is still complaining about speed camera and red-light camera revenue increasing, but that’s likely because DC has added cameras and people keep speeding/running red lights. (RPUS, Post, Examiner)

Don’t widen 410

Heather Mizeur wants to ban any expansion of East-West Highway in Takoma Park or I-95 in Prince George’s. But George Leventhal worries this could lead to future bills that would block Bus Rapid Transit projects. (Examiner)

Baker wants the schools

Rushern Baker wants to take control of Prince George’s schools, like the control the DC mayor gained a few years ago. (Post, Geoff H.)  (Tip: Geoff H.)

And…

Paul Krugman argues for congestion pricing and more transit. (NYT) … Del Ray doesn’t want Walgreens. (Examiner) … Senators want a Latino museum in the now-vacant Smithsonian Arts and Industries building. (LA Times)