Breakfast links: Birds might be the Purple Line’s next big hurdle

Another delay for the Purple Line

As the Purple Line awaits a federal judge's ruling on whether it can move forward, a federal law threatens to further delay construction of the transit line. If MTA can't clear trees from the Georgetown Branch jogging trail before the end of March, the law says they'll have to wait another six months in order to protect migratory bird nests.  (Katherine Shaver / Post)

Another step toward higher fares and less service for Metro

Metro riders will likely start paying more for less Metro service starting July 1. Yesterday the WMATA Board gave preliminary approval to a plan that would increase both rail and bus fares, while also increasing wait times during rush and off-peak hours.  (Martin Di Caro / WAMU)

Why NoMa changed while Truxton Circle stayed the same

In the past 10 years, the neighborhood now known as NoMa has burst forward with new development. But right to the west across North Capitol Street, Truxton Circle has hardly changed. One author argues that Truxton Circle's history as an open-air drug market and the push to build the NoMa Metro station in 2004 made all the difference.  (Scott Rodd / Medium)

Shirlington’s dog park is here to stay

Residents' fears that the county would to do away with a dog park in Shirlington, stemming from the apparent absence of the park in an early draft of a land use plan for the area, have proven to be unfounded. The county unveiled four plans for the Four Mile Run Valley initiative this week, and all include the dog park.  (Chris Teale / ArlNow)

The exponential growth of bikesharing

Bikeshare programs have seen exponential growth since 2011, with nationwide usage growing from 2.3 million trips to 28 million yearly. The uptick is attributed to more programs across cities, cost efficiency, and increasing safety.  (Bill Chappell / National Public Radio)

Nearly one in eight owe more on their home than its worth

Over 12% of homeowners in the region owe more on their mortgages than their houses are worth. The discrepancy is the worst in Prince George's, where prices have been slower to rebound from the recession.  (Andy Medici / WBJ)

The US got a D+ on its infrastructure report card

Every four years, civil engineers assess the state of America's infrastructure with a report card. This year we got a D+, meaning our infrastructure is “poor, at risk.” We got the same overall grade in 2013, but transit has gotten worse, going from a D to a D-.  (ASCE)