Breakfast links: Metro issues old and new
Photo by Gary Burke on Flickr.
Tragedy averted
On Saturday, Metro had another arcing-related smoke scare on the Red Line near Friendship Heights. This time, the train was able to move away from the smoke and was evacuated without any serious injuries to riders. (WAMU)
Automation issues
Some sounded alarms about Metro’s growing problems nearly as soon as the system opened, but to no heed. One factor: from when it first opened, Metro trusted its automation too much. (Post)
WMATARU’s fatal flaw
There seem to be many reasons the WMATA Riders’ Union failed, including infighting and communication problems. But the bottom line seems to be that its all-volunteer leaders didn’t have enough time. (WAMU)
Make Van Ness great again
Van Ness hasn’t changed much over the past decades, especially compared to other DC neighborhoods. A new “Action Plan” aims to spur revitalization by encouraging walkability and economic development. (UrbanTurf)
Delivery’s race factor
82% of DC’s white residents live in areas with Amazon same-day delivery, but only 43% of black residents are. While Amazon is probably not intentionally discriminating, this effect exacerbates existing residential segregation patterns in DC and other cities. (Bloomberg, Vox)
More pavement, more problems
The region adds roughly 3.8 square miles of pavementmillion
HOV in BRT
Planned BRT lanes on Route 29 may now also allow HOV traffic. Some Montgomery County councilmembers are frustrated with the way transportation officials haven’t communicated on this issue. (The Sentinel, Ben Ross) (Tip: Ben Ross)
Hold up at White Oak
A spat between Montgomery County and a local developer over legal and environmental issues could ruin plans for Viva White Oak, a proposed life sciences town center near the FDA campus. (Post)
Coming soon in NoMa
NoMa has developed rapidly west of the railroad tracks, but a lot’s about to happen on the east side, including an REI at the Uline Arena and a lot of housing. (Washingtonian)