Breakfast links: Metro’s new hours hurt service industry and hospitality workers
Image by Dan Reed licensed under Creative Commons.
With Metro’s shorter hours, a new reality sets in for workers
Metro's shorter opening hours mean those who work late at night will be in a bind. Some are using Uber more often, a pricier alternative that they may not be able to afford or sleeping in the back room until the system opens again. (Martin Di Caro / WAMU)
Fewer zoning restrictions could create better housing and job opportunities
Ilya Somin, a GMU law professor, discussed the increasing agreement between libertarians and progressives that onerous zoning is harmful to the economy, citing research that reductions in zoning might increase the country's GDP by 9.5%. (Ilya Somin / Post. Tip: Steve S.)
Live free and ride hard: Montgomery County extends trail hours
To encourage bike commuting, Montgomery County will be changing the long-standing hours of “sunrise-sunset” for their trails to 5 am to midnight, with the option to modify the hours at specific trails as it deems necessary. (WashCycle)
Driver-focused changes coming to Uber
Uber is taking steps to address long-standing complaints from their drivers. Chief among them, tips will now officially be part of the app by the end of July, and customers will have a shorter window to cancel trips. (Jay Barmann / SFist)
Arlington gets a new ride-hailing app: Sprynt
A new ride-hailing service that uses large electric golf carts to ferry its passengers began operating in Arlington on Wednesday. Though small (its current fleet has only four vehicles). the company does plan to expand throughout the area. (Sara Gilgore / WBJ)
Capital Bikeshare is seeking a sponsor
Capital Bikeshare is looking for an official corporate sponsor to help fund the bikeshare program. CaBi will likely choose the sponsor by early next year, with initial estimates of around $750,000 in funding for the program. (Patricia Sullivan / Post)
This Kmart blocks an entire street in Minneapolis
Back in the 1970s Minneapolis made a desperate deal that allowed Kmart to build a shopping center right in the middle of a busy thoroughfare. Now the city is finally fighting to get it moved, but may not have the legal right to do so until 2053. (Laura Northrop / Consumerist)
Uber’s CEO steps down, but will still have a role in the company
Uber's CEO Travis Kalanick has stepped down from his position after being asked to do so by several key investors in the company. The investors are now seeking new leadership to move the company forward. He will remain on the board of directors. (Jay Barmann / SFist)
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