Breakfast links: Transit visions on the horizon

Another step closer to DC’s streetcar launch

DDOT is installing overhead wires this week along H Street, bringing the corridor one step closer to an operating streetcar system. (DCist)

GOOD profiles on bikeshare leaders

Eric Gilliland, General Manager of Capital Bikeshare, and Emily Stapleton, the general manager of Boston’s bikeshare program share their paths to transit-focused careers. (GOOD)

Housing and transportation costs combined

A new version of HUD and DOT’s housing and transportation index went live this week. The new location affordability (LAI) index measures the costs of housing and transportation side by side. (Streetsblog)

Busboys for mayor?

Busboys and Poets owner Andy Shallal announced his entrance to the mayoral race. His campaign kickoff took place at Ben’s Chili Bowl, and featured a drum line and live entertainment. (WAMU)

Empty lots to farms

Cities are tearing down vacant structures, instead of rebuilding neighborhoods. Several cities, including Baltimore, are turning resulting vacant lots into urban farms. (NYT)

Mapping to help the Philippines

More than 400 volunteers are making maps for the Red Cross, in hopes of helping aid workers distribute supplies more effectively in the Philippines. (Atlantic Cities)

Hong Kong cheaper than DC?

Hong Kong’s MTR transit system seems to deliver high quality, frequent transit at half the cost of WMATA. So what’s their secret?  (Slate)