Breakfast links: More freight trains mean more delays for local rail commuters
A CSX freight rail train by Revise_D licensed under Creative Commons.
Freight rail is causing delays for commuter trains
An increase in the number of CSX freight rail trains operating on the region’s rail lines is causing delays for MARC and VRE commuter trains, who must share some tracks with freight rail. Some say more track capacity is the solution, including a new bridge over the Potomac River. (Luz Lazo / Post)
Did Metro spend over $500K on a self-cleaning toilet?
A Metro Inspector General report found the transit system likely spent over $500,000 on maintenance and repairs for a self-cleaning toilet at Huntington station that’s been broken for two years. Metro purchased the toilet in 2003 partly because existing toilets in stations were off-limits due to post-9/11 security concerns. (Jordan Pascale / WAMU. Tip: Chester B.)
The Bethesda farmers market plan includes more green space but less housing
Developers have proposed swapping out a 70-foot residential tower and 18 townhomes for more green space in the latest update to redevelopment plans for Bethesda Farm Women’s Market. (Caitlynn Peetz / Bethesda Beat)
A District summer job program site is shut down
Following complaints, DC abruptly shut down an organization that participated in a government program that provides summer jobs for teens and young adults. The program’s director allegedly said the program was intended to serve African-American youth, which violates rules against race-based discrimination. (Paul Schwartzman / Post)
A former transit officer was indicted for civil rights violations
In February 2018, a Metro Transit Police officer struck an individual with his baton and choked him without cause. Last week, the Department of Justice charged the former officer with unreasonable force stemming from the incident. (Natalie Delgadillo / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)
MD will study alternatives to Hogan’s highway-widening plan
Maryland state transportation officials have agreed to study an alternative to Governor Larry Hogan’s highway-widening plan, which would include improving MARC service, bus rapid transit, and reversible traffic lanes. (Daniel Schere / Bethesda Beat)
The Capital Crescent Trail will reopen before the Purple Line
A 3.5-mile section of the Capital Crescent Trail that was closed down to accommodate Purple Line construction is set to open a year before the light rail line is finished in 2022 or 2023. The rebuilt trail will be paved and connect to various bike paths. (Dan Schere / Bethesda Beat)
Silverman and Grosso are most likely to vote differently from rest of the council
Members of the DC Council voted unanimously 95% of the time. For all other controversial measures, at-large councilmembers Elissa Silverman and David Grosso were most likely to vote differently from the rest of the council. (DC Geekery)
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