Breakfast links: Ride hailing has likely increased congestion and hurt transit
Image by mosley.brian used with permission.
Ride hailing increased DC car trips and killed its taxi market
Although DC doesn't know exactly how many trips Uber makes, there are more vehicles on the road, suggests preliminary data. Analysts also found that 15-30% of riders who used ride-hailing apps would have otherwise taken transit. (Faiz Siddiqui / Post)
Metro rush hour refunds are mostly going to rail riders
In the first few months of the Metro's promise to refund delayed transit during rush hour, approximately 1,900 rail rides per day were refunded compared to only three bus rides per day. Rail riders' refunds happen automatically, whereas bus riders have to submit an online form. (Max Smith / WTOP)
Should the city incentivize turning vacant downtown offices into housing?
A markup to the Mixed Use Neighborhood Conversion Incentive Act would encourage developers to turn downtown office space into housing. With flashy new office buildings adding to the vacancy problem, it may be time for the council to intervene. (Ally Schweitzer / WAMU)
A cyclist hits and injures another cyclist in Loudoun county
A cyclist riding their bike west on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail in Loudoun County was struck by another cyclist who held out their arm and hit the other rider's helmet. The cyclist is in serious but stable condition. (Kristi King / WTOP)
What are DC’s rules for e-scooters?
You can't ride on the sidewalk, except where the national park service has oversight. E-scooters traveling up to 15 mph follow the city's regulations on personal mobility devices, which don't require you to wear a helmet, carry insurance, or have a license. (Mimi Montgomery / Washingtonian)
Maryland’s transportation secretary favors highways, Hodge says
Maryland Secretary of Transportation Pete Rahn favors highway-building to fix congestion while ignoring transit, argues Gary Hodge, who has been pushing for light rail in the state. Hodge says Rahn's actions lack accountability and transparency. (Gary Hodge / Maryland Matters)
The DC Council won’t censure White after his donation
There will be no immediate consequences for Trayon White after three councilmembers called for reprimand for his $500 donation to a National of Islam event where the group's leader delivered anti-Semitic remarks. (Fenit Nirappil and Pete Jamison / Post)
The old Red Cross Headquarters will be turned into housing
Ninety seven affordable housing units will replace the old Red Cross headquarters about a mile from the Ballston metro station. Townhouses will be built first, followed by multi-family homes. (Bridget Reed Morawski / ARLnow)
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