Breakfast links: Checklist

Go streetcar

The H Street streetcar can carry passengers. The American Public Transit Association reported that the streetcar is not fatally flawed. DDOT Director Dormsjo said the line is not dead but first, he has to hire a project manager and fix broken rails and switches. (Post)

Jump on the bus

DDOT embarked on a new traffic study of 16th street and whether a dedicated bus lane is needed. The agency is also looking at way to let buses jump the queue at lights and off-board fare payment systems. (WAMU)

No trains in my backyard

Norfolk Southern railroad plans to transfer more ethanol from trains to trucks at its railyard near Eisenhower Ave. Residents are concerned with the risk of fire and recent spills. (Post)

Mourning

A father is grieving over his daughter who was killed while crossing the street in Bowie. The family hopes that they can find out what happened and that their child’s death will raise awareness for drivers to watch for pedestrians. (Post)

Vision Zero or Zero Vision?

A report by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and FHWA on decreasing traffic deaths provides few new ideas, instead recommending moving pedestrian out of the way. (Streetsblog)

At home at DDOE

Former DC councilmember and mayoral candidate Tommy Wells is enjoying a less harried pace at the Department of the Environment. He hopes to better connect DC its natural surroundings. (Post)

Now get back to work!

DC has the second-longest workweek of any US city (just behind San Francisco), and third-longest including commutes. Even the most relaxed US cities are way ahead of other developed countries, where 30-35 hours is average. (Post)

Runoff

The Maryland Senate unanimously voted to revise the stormwater impact fee, which is charged on impervious surfaces in 9 counties and Baltimore, to fund Chesapeake Bay cleanup.  (Wash. Times)

And…

Why we won’t see double-decker highways or rationing by license plate any time soon. (Post) … Richmond’s Broad Street BRT line, slated to open in 2017, will be called the Pulse. (Richmond Times Dispatch) … Acting Alexandria transportation director Yon Lambert will be the new Director of Transportation and Environmental Services.