Breakfast links: Reform needed

Similar but differen-T

Although both WMATA and the Boston T faced serious problems this winter, the pace of change at the two agencies is drastically different, primarily because of the many jurisdictions who have sway over WMATA. While WMATA’s executive search drags on, the Massachusetts governor has already set massive reform in motion for the T’s Board. (Post)

The safety dance

Workers, not just passengers, are worried about a lack of safety culture at WMATA. The employee injury rate is up and long suspensions for mistakes likely cause workers to underreport incidents.  (WAMU)

Goodbye and good luck

The heads of Maryland’s State Highway Administration and Transit Administration both resigned last week. At least one of the departures likely signals a change in priorities for the state. (Post)

New consensus on I-66

After lengthy negotiations, Arlington and VDOT have struck a tentative deal to first try tolls and transit improvements on I-66 inside the Beltway before considering widening of the road around the year 2025. (Post)

Standing still

The New Communities program is supposed to replace distressed public housing with developer-backed mixed-income units. But after years of delay in Lincoln Heights, some wonder if it’s the right approach for all neighborhoods. (City Paper)

Driving the disconnect

Fractured bicycle networks in the US come from cities doing easy projects first or syncing construction with repaving schedules. But that also means small projects that bridge gaps can have a big impact. (Next City)

All AP all the time

While a recent list of “most challenging” schools featured schools where students take a dozen AP tests or more, one school has scaled back on AP courses due to the strain they put on the students. (Post)

And…

Here are all the transportation projects that the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority plans to fund next year. (WBJ) … The economic recovery and cheap gas prices are leading people to drive more, but can the transportation system accommodate it? (WAMU) … Leaving unwanted items on the curb for others to take can lead to fines in DC. (PoPville)