Breakfast links: Planning the deets

Getting into the Purple Line details

The MTA is slowly narrowing its Purple Line planning to focus on smaller details, such as at-grade versus elevated crossings, soundwall barriers and the specifics of a Campus Drive alignment through the University of Maryland’s campus. (Post, Cavan)  (Tip: Cavan)

Finalizing connections to Tysons stations

With construction underway the time is running out to finalize arrangements for building connections from the new Tysons Metro stations to adjacent developments, some of which are being scaled back due to unanticipatedly high costs. (Post)

Fairfax may limit parking near Metro

Fairfax County is drafting rules to limit parking in new developments built close to Metro stations.  The proposed rules are similar to the rules already adopted for parking close to the new Tysons stations. (Post)

Alexandria needs an add-on tax

Alexandria Vice Mayor Kerry Donley argues the City should levy a commerical real estate add-on tax to fund new transportation projects. The projects identified for funding are focused around developing high capacity transit and improving regional connectivity. (Alexandria Times)

Congress needs a dorm

How about turning the giant parking lot at Capitol South Metro into a Congressional dorm for interns, lower-level staffers, and also giving Congresspeople who don’t want the symbolism or expense of getting a residence in the DC area an alternative to sleeping in their offices? (Yglesias)

Will political shooting raise security?

A crazy man shot Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona, killing six including a 9-year-old student councilmember. In the wake of the shooting, many wonder if security around Congress will increase even more, both in DC and in individual communities. (Guardian, NPR, Huffington Post)

Listen to the riders

Dr. Gridlock explains why riders’ reaction to bag searches matters. While we should listen to what the police say, riders know an unreasonable search when they see one, and this is one.

Jamieson knows what WMATA PR should say

WMATA has a notoriously bad relationship with the press. Maybe they should consider hiring TBD’s Dave Jamieson, who suggested some things WMATA could say about the disturbing recent youth attacks at L’Enfant Plaza. (TBD)

“War on drivers” is nonsense

The Economist thinks the whole “war on drivers” motif, which is a major political argument in Britain right now (only they call it “war on the motorist”) is ridiculous; instead, “the motorist never had it so good.”

And…

The Guardian Angels will increase patrols in Metro stations to try to stop crime, because the MTPD are too busy inspecting your bags. (TBD) … A pedestrian was killed in Severna Park where he was struck by two vehicles. The man, possibly intoxicated, was crossing outside of the area’s single crosswalk. (WTOP) … Each year DCPS partners with embassies around the city to expose school children to a variety of cultures. (WAMU)