Breakfast links: Decisions, decisions

The future of the Purple Line

Governor Hogan will make a “transportation infrastructure” announcement this afternoon. Officials will not confirm the topic, but have previously said that the Purple Line decision would come before the end of the month. (Post)

Tough decision on the streetcar

Outgoing Arlington County Board Chair Mary Hynes says canceling the streetcar was the hardest decision she’s ever made as a public official, but she was concerned about addressing the county’s other pressing needs. (ArlNow)

No more bus?

Residents of Prince William County may soon find themselves without bus service. Faced with a $9 million budget shortfall, the county is reviewing options that include the elimination of both commuter and local routes. (Potomac Local)

Got to go

A second day of NTSB hearings focused on WMATA’s close-call reporting system and employee discipline. A transit union official revealed that many bus drivers are forced to relieve themselves on the bus due to poor restroom access. (WAMU)

Income inequality

There is a greater income disparity in DC than in any state. Less variability exists within the same high paying fields due to the Federal government, but as a whole the top 10 percent makes 6.3 times the bottom 10 percent. (Post)

Who will buy?

Homeownership in the US is at a two decade low. Homeownership rates dropped in all age groups except for those 65 and older. With rising rents and debt, Millennials are unlikely to turn the trend around anytime soon. (CityLab)

Not your grandma’s Ford

Ford wants to offer mobility solutions, not just cars. A pilot program helps car owners finance their cars by renting them out in a car sharing program. Ford has also developed a foldable electric bike. (DCInno, Business Insider)

Q&A with APA

APA President Carol Rhea believes the biggest pitfall to planning for an aging population is an inability to address mobility needs, a problem that’s only exacerbated by limited housing options. (AARP)

And…

One Virginian argues that I-66 widening isn’t just bad for adjacent homes but for all commuters. (Post) … Should a downtown hotel get approval to leave parking out of its plans? (District Source) … The Montgomery School Board might decide to eliminate final exams. (Post)