Breakfast links: Metro’s promises

Seeking safety solutions

New WMATA Chief Safety Officer Patrick Lavin is up to the tough task of fixing Metro’s safety culture.  One of his first steps will be to survey the conditions of all equipment throughout the system. (WTOP)

SafeTrack skepticism

It’s great that Paul Wiedefeld has launched the year-long SafeTrack effort.  But we’ve been here before — Richard Sarles make similar promises back in 2011.  Will Metro get it right this time? (Post)

Less service, same price

Metro fares will remain unchanged once SafeTrack begins.  Any fare relief would have major implications for WMATA’s revenue.  About half of the agency’s budget comes from fares and parking fees. (WTOP)

Jailhouse redevelopment

DC’s jail in Hill East is outdated and below capacity, and city officials want to relocate it.  A new site has not yet been selected, but the current site could become one of the District’s most valuable undeveloped plots. (WBJ)

Takoma Park’s big bridge rebuild

A $12 million project to upgrade and restore the historic Caroll Avenue bridge in Takoma Park is underway.  It’s great example of a bridge that exceeds its utilitarian purpose and defines a community’s character. (Post)

More density for Reston

Developers want to change a low-rise office park near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station into a mixed-use high-rise.  But Fairfax County needs to first approve their rezoning application to allow for higher density. (Reston Now)

Shopping mall blues

Sales at Macy’s dropped and some stores could close. This is the latest in a trend of shopping malls’ decline. It’s hard for malls to fill empty big-box department store spaces, and Macy’s has many stores in the region. (Post)

A shrinking middle class

The middle class in many coastal metro areas, like Washington, is shrinking.  Economists say that when the middle class’ buying power decreases, it threatens an area’s economic growth. (NPR)