Breakfast links: Metro ponders service increases and fare decreases to entice more riders to use transit
Escalator at Capitol South Metro Station in DC by Daniel Kelly licensed under Creative Commons.
Metro is discussing more trains and lower fares
The Metro board is looking at a proposal to increase train and bus frequency, increase late-night service hours, and institute some fare decreases including a flat $2 weekend fare and getting rid of the transfer fee between bus and rail. (Justin George / Post. Tip: Chester B.)
Alexandria’s mayor publishes eviction numbers
Mayor Justin Wilson sent a newsletter stating that 514 people were evicted from their homes between July 2020 and this April and that 3,458 households got some kind of emergency rent or mortgage assistance. The CDC eviction ban continues through June, but does not cover all homes. (Vernon Miles / ALX Now)
Hans Riemer enters Montgomery County race
Montgomery County Councilman Hans Riemer of Takoma Park announced that he will run against incumbent Marc Elrich for the County Executive seat in 2022. David Blair is also running after facing Elrich in the very narrow 2018 Democratic primary for the same role. (Steve Bohnel / Bethesda Beat)
Will we keep streateries?
Mayor Bowser has proposed extending streateries in DC through 2021 and into summers beyond. 89% of participating restaurants and 73% of DC residents approve of them, but as the District continues reopening the city has to figure out how to handle the outdoor dining expansion. (Chelsea Cirruzzo / City Paper)
DC asks to keep Beach Drive car free
The DC Council voted 9-4 to request that the National Park Service continue closing Beach Drive to car traffic so it can be used to walk and bike. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton has already made the same request and the Montgomery County Council will vote on the question later this month. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
A new glimpse at the future of Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard
JBG Smith released new renderings showing what they expect the neighborhood will look like after the construction of Amazon’s HQ2, the installation of the new Crystal City Metro entrance, the redesign of Route 1, and the addition of over 3,000 new housing units across five new buildings. (Jo DeVoe / ARL Now)
Governor Hogan will end additional unemployment benefits
After July 3, Marylanders will not get the supplemental $300 from the federal pandemic unemployment fund or the extra $100 mixed-earner payment as Governor Hogan joins other Republican governors in ending extra unemployment benefits. (Bruce DePuyt / Maryland Matters)
FBI agent charged in December Metro shooting
FBI Agent Eddie Valdivia was charged with attempted murder and other counts for shooting a fellow passenger on a Red Line train after they got into an argument. The man was unarmed and was hospitalized, but survived the shooting. (Dan Morse / Post. Tip: Chester B.)
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