Breakfast links: A fire hits Metro’s HQ building
The Jackson Graham building by Bossi licensed under Creative Commons.
Metro HQ damaged in a two-alarm fire
On Wednesday a two-alarm fire ripped through the top floor of the Metro headquarters in downtown DC. The cause of the fire is being investigated and no one was injured. (Dana Hedgpeth and Justin George / Post)
DC to lift stay-at-home order on Friday
DC will officially begin Phase 1 of reopening on Friday but Mayor Bowser emphasized that COVID-19 is still a public health emergency. However, DC is able to accommodate, localize, and isolate cases in order to stop the spread of the virus. (Will Vitka / WTOP)
Will contactless payment methods leave some people out?
As the region begins to reopen a key question will be how people pay the bill at places like bars and restaurants. Many establishments are moving toward contactless payment methods, which leave out both the unbanked/credit invisible population as well as people who don’t have smartphones and data plans. (Laura Hayes / City Paper)
E-bikes are being recycled for scrap while there’s a bike shortage
Can the micromobility industry do more to expand bike access even after its product reaches the end of its commercial life? This question is being asked more after a recycling factory employee anonymously took a video of working JUMP bikes being destroyed. (Kea Wilson / Streetsblog)
Racism and public spaces
Urbanists often promote the need for green space, open streets, and encourage walking and biking; however, racism can prevent black and brown people from enjoying and utilizing public spaces. (Brentin Mock / CityLab)
Megabus to resume routes that connect to DC with NY
On June 1, Megabus will resume routes between New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC on a limited schedule. Megabus will follow CDC guidelines by reducing the seats available per trip. (Jose Umana / WTOP)
Sen Cardin speaks on infrastructure and the Purple Line
Senator Ben Cardin spoke about the need to improve water and sewer infrastructure and about the Purple Line during a briefing with the Montgomery County Council. Sen Cardin warned the council that the controversy surrounding the Purple Line dose does not look good considering the competition for federal transportation funding. (Kate Ryan / WTOP)
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