Breakfast links: Not in transit

Metro closes doors for Columbus Day

Metro has announced it will not run Blue and Orange line service between Foggy Bottom and Federal Triangle Columbus Day weekend, closing Farragut West and McPherson Square entirely. Many area employers don’t close for Columbus Day, which could inconvenience some riders. (WMATA, Adam F., BJN)  (Tip: BJN)

Still on fire

A bus fire on the Beltway yesterday morning has prompted WMATA to pull 99 Orion VI buses out of service for precautionary repairs.  This after another a RideOn VanGo cut-away bus caught fire in Silver Spring Wednesday. (TBD, Dr. Gridlock)  (Tip: Erik W)

ICC foot race

The first stretch of the ICC will host a 5k walk/run in mid-October.  Soon after it will open to cars and close to pedestrians forever. (Dr. Gridlock, Stephen Miller)  (Tip: Stephen Miller)

Driver in Wednesday night crash charged

The driver of the car that Wednesday night hit two pedestrians at 18th and U Streets, has been charged with aggravated assault. It was later determined her BAC was more than twice the legal limit in DC. One of the victims remains in critical condition. (TBD.com, Eileen)  (Tip: Erik W)

Bike rules of the road

In anticipation of Capital Bikeshare’s launch and the expected growth in casual cycling, WABA ask cyclists what rules of the road they follow, and why.  (Tip: Erik W)

More harping on parking

UCLA’s Donald Shoup and Cato’s Randall O’Toole continue to spar over parking policy. Shoup suggests Cato try some libertarian principles at its DC headquarters by letting employees cash out the value of their free parking. (Streetsblog)

NYC improving service change signage

NYC Transit is experimenting with new signage to inform riders about service changes. A large poster will replace the current mess of confusing flyers to announce track work reroutes. (2nd Ave. Sagas, Rob Pitingolo)  (Tip: Rob Pitingolo)

Highway deaths lowest in 60 years

With the release of NHTSA’s 2009 traffic fatality report yesterday, the US saw the lowest rate of highway deaths since 1950. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says there’s still work to be done. (Post)