Breakfast links: Transportation for all

Norton backs bikeway

Delegate Holmes Norton is asking for a protected bikeway on Louisiana Ave near Union Station. There has been talk and some planning for a bikeway there. (Roll Call)

Benefits, please

On January 1st, DC will require companies with more than 20 employees to offer a commuter benefit program. Employees can deduct up to $130/month from their paycheck before taxes for transit costs. (Post)

Uber changes the game

Uber trips originating in Wards 7 and 8 have grown 600% compared to last year. Historically, it’s been difficult to get taxi service east of the Anacostia River. (City Paper)

Credit cards on CaBi

Soon Capital Bikeshare members will be able to swipe their credit cards to check out a bike instead of using their key fob.

Metro’s going green

Metro is looking for partners to add solar energy farms to some stations. Metro could then sell back the energy produced to help fund operations. (PlanItMetro)

Stop highway expansion

Using the logic from US Transportation Secretary Foxx’s op-ed on Metro, several transit advocacy groups in Maryland are calling for a moratorium on highway expansions until dangerous areas are made safer. (ACT)

US lightrail boom

Since 2000, 78 new light rail or streetcar systems have opened worldwide. 23 of those are in the United States, the most of any one country. France is second with 20. (Railway Age)

Fast walkers club

Do you ever get frustrated stopped behind a slow walker on the sidewalk? A retailer in Liverpool, England is changing that by putting “Fast Track” lanes outside of their stores to help ease pedestrian congestion. (CityLab)