Breakfast links: Tackling weighty issues

Fatter Americans mean heavier buses

The FTA is proposing new bus safety regulations that increase the average passenger weight assumption from 150 to 175 pounds and increase the floor space required per passenger. (Bloomberg, Alex B.)  (Tip: Alex B.)

Dealing with paratransit

WMATA’s travel training program helps riders with disabilities use the system’s fixed route services, reducing their reliance on MetroAccess, and Metro’s cost burden. (METRO Magazine) … The WMATA Board postponed a decision on MetroAccess’ contract after allegations that former WMATA executive Emeka Moneme lobbied the agency on behalf of current contractor MV Transportation.

MD vehicular manslaughter bill advances

The Maryland House Judiciary Committee yesterday unanimously passed House Bill 363 which would create a new crime of negligent homicide by vehicle or vessel, with a maximum sentence of 3 years. (WABA)

Gilliland becomes manager of CaBi

Former WABA and NACTO head Eric Gilliland will become General Manager of Capital Bikeshare, working for Alta, the company that operates the system on a day to day basis. (TheWashCycle)

Weaver, Biddle top GLAA rankings

DC At-Large Candidates Sekou Biddle and Bryan Weaver received the highest scores from the city’s Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, which rates candidates’ positions on marriage equality, HIV and other issues. (DCist)

Former PG Exec influencing development?

Former Prince George’s County Executive Wayne Curry, who is particularly proud of bringing sprawl-driving FedEx field and National Harbor to the county, is regaining influence in the county’s development with an equity interest in New Carrolton TOD and several former staffers in County jobs. (Post)

Gray will let Brodsky go

Mayor Gray will not reappoint alcohol control board chair Charles Brodsky in light of accusations that Brodsky used his position to gain sponsorships and neighborhood support for his National Marathon event. Gray may actively remove Brodsky pending investigation results. (Examiner)

A developer who believes

A big property owner is revitalizing a small upstate NY town, by providing low rents to small Main Street business, requiring them to leave lights on at night, stay open in the evenings and change the window displays quarterly. (NYT)

And…

Council member Michael A. Brown wants to rename Pennsylvania, Constitution and Independence Avenues in honor of DC’s fight for statehood. (DCist) … A new website hopes to help you avoid another disastrous apartment rental experience. (UrbanTurf) … In Prince George’s County, even the churches are strip malls. (Housing Complex)