Breakfast links: Better inspections, fewer derailments

Derailed by missing inspections

Federal investigators say the East Falls Church derailment occurred because Metro had not sufficiently inspected or repaired the interlocking, even though Metro had documented the deterioration of the rail ties as far back as 2009. (WAMU)

Next steps for the Purple Line

Maryland will appeal Wednesday’s Purple Line ruling, and will push to make it happen quickly. (Bethesda Magazine, GGWash) … Meanwhile, the state was forced to cancel the Monday signing of its funding agreement with the FTA. (Post)

Tunnel to NoMa

A pedestrian tunnel connecting the NoMa Metro station to areas east of the tracks could actually happen. A team of area developers are working together to get the needed financing. (WBJ)

Orange’s ethics

Many DC councilmembers criticized Vincent Orange’s move to stay in office while heading the Chamber of Commerce until January. Even if legal, they say, the council needs to be above reproach. Orange says there’s a double standard as Jack Evans and Mary Cheh also have side jobs, Evans’ with a lobbying link. (Post)

Metro cuts from data feed

Metro is now hiding no-passenger trains from its data feed. Developers say the change throws off the accuracy of their apps, but Metro says it needs to hide trains like the Money Train for security purposes. (Post)

Pedestrian killed in Old Town

An elderly driver struck and killed a restaurant employee in an alley in Alexandria after hitting another pedestrian earlier this week. It is not known whether the driver will face criminal charges. (NBC4)

England <3 traffic circles

People bemoan DC’s traffic circles, but England sees them as safer and more efficient than intersections. One particularly impressive traffic circle in Swindon, England includes seven separate roundabouts … and it works. (Wired)

Sea rise, homes under tide

Sea level rise due to climate change could put 2 million US homes underwater by 2100, according to a new study. The study predicts that nearly one in eight Florida homes will end up underwater. (Zillow)

Like data? Work for Metro!

Metro’s planning office is hiring an analyst to help turn data into info and graphics the organization can use to make decisions on operations, policy, and planning. (PlanItMetro)