Breakfast links: Are you sure?

Crowded Metro

Metro is taking its 8-car 4000 series trains off the tracks this week. While the trains were moving, the doors stayed open. Additionally, Metro will run fewer 8-car trains this summer as part of a new maintenance strategy. (WTOP, Post)

Purple rumors

Anonymous officials have suggested that Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn has recommended that Governor Hogan approve the Purple Line, contingent on cost cutting measures. There is no official word on Rahn’s recommendation. (Post)

Fewer tickets

DC issued fewer tickets for parking and moving violations last year. It is unclear if drivers are behaving better or if officials are not enforcing the laws to the extent they did before. (WBJ)

What does it mean

After winning the Alexandria Mayoral primary, many are pegging Allison Silberberg’s win as a sign of an anti-development trend. With a 7.8% turnout in Tuesday’s primaries, is it fair for those who didn’t vote to complain? (WBJ, Post)

Costly schools

The DC Council has had a long running beef with the Department of General Services over costly school renovations. Councilmembers once again questioned the costs and whether the money is going to the right places. (City Paper)

Paperless

Metro wanted to get rid of all paper fare cards but VRE and MARC riders love their Transit Link Cards. Commuter rail riders use them to transfer to Metro. Instead, Metro plans to transition the paper farecard to a SmarTrip sticker. (Post, Aman)  (Tip: Aman)

He wasn’t texting

According to NTSB, the engineer of Amtrak’s derailed train was not on the phone or texting at the time of the accident. Officials are still investigating the possibility that he used an app during the crash. (WTOP)