Breakfast links: Suggestions paying off

Metro going express around single tracking

Apparently Metro has started strategically sending some trains on express routes (2nd letter) to avoid significant bottlenecks when single-tracking situations arise. We recommended this approach back in 2009. (Dr. Gridlock)

New building skirts parking requirements

Donatelli Development has skirted the minimum parking requirements for a new residential building in Columbia Heights by billing it as an extension of the existing Highland Park development next door. (DCmud)

Carpooling is in decline

Despite offering the most immediate remedy for increasing capacity of highways, car pools have been in steady decline since the 1970s. Despite the incentives of HOV lanes, carpooling has dropped in the DC area due to the decentralization of employers and higher telework rates. (NY Times)

VA legislator wants no more red light cameras

Virginia Delegate Scott Lingamfelter of Woodbridge has introduced a bill that would prevent any more red-light cameras from being installed after July of this year. He cites cameras not having been widely deployed as proof of their ineffectiveness. (WTOP)

Pepco continues to disappoint

When last week’s storm started wreaking havoc on residents’ power, Pepco didn’t call for reinforcements until hours after other area utilities did to help restore service to stricken areas. Governor O’Malley wants state authorities to be able to fine utilities for poor performance. (WAMU, WTOP)

Clean snow off your car!

Virginia considered a bill that would impose a fine on drivers who don’t clean the snow off the roof of their cars, but has instead asked VDOT to develop a campaign encouraging drivers to do it voluntarily. (WTOP)

Road salt turns into river salt

All that salt area DOTs put down in advance of snow or predicted snow is, not surprisingly, not good for the rivers. An environmentally safer alternative is significantly more expensive. (City Paper)

And…

Sekou Biddle affirmed his support for streetcars at a Happy Hour last week on H Street. (Streetcars 4 DC) … Political unrest in the Middle East may soon make your daily drive a little more expensive. (WTOP) … Portlandia has a send-up of the Oregon city’s more militant bike riders. Will cyclists have a sense of humor about it? (My Damn Channel)