Breakfast links: Lots of hot air

Operation Cool Breeze not so cool

According allegations from unnamed employees, WMATA isn’t doing too hot implementing its cleverly named “Operation Cool Breeze” to inspect and repair all of the air conditioners in its rail fleet. (Unsuck DC Metro)

You can photograph the Baltimore light rail

Officers of the Maryland MTA have repeatedly harassed amateur photographers for taking pictures. After trying to resolve this “amicably” for 5 years, the ACLU is now gearing up to sue. (Baltimore Sun)

Can Stessel unsuck Metro communications?

New chief spokesman Dan Stessel wants to improve the transparency, frequency and directness of Metro’s communications, aiming to make Unsuck DC Metro obsolete in a few years. (City Paper)

When jurisdictions vie for federal agencies

The National Science Foundation is mulling a move out of its headquarters in Ballston. Alexandria wants the 2,100-employee agency, but Arlington’s congressional delegation is lobbying the GSA to keep the NSF where they are. (ARLnow)

Induce and reduce the same thing?

Fairfax/Loudoun County delegate Jim LeMunyon has requested money from the Commonwealth Transportation Board for “congestion reduction” projects such as widening highways and building new expressway bridges.

Chinatown bus crashes, killing 4

A bus traveling from Greensboro, North Carolina to New York City’s Chinatown veered off the road and crashed, killing 4 and injuring more than 50. The company and the driver have numerous safety violations, leading USDOT to shut the company down. (Post, WAMU)

Longer commute, shorter life

A growing body of research documents the pernicious effects of long commutes, including higher risk of divorce, obesity, sleep deprivation, insufficient exercise, neck and back problems, social isolation… (Slate, Moose)  (Tip: Moose)

Former officials do the darndest things

After avoiding subpoenas for weeks, former appointee Sulaimon Brown will finally testify before the Council. (WAMU) … Former DC ABC Board chair Charles Brodsky was arrested for impersonating an officer after he claimed to be an Alexandria police officer to avoid a parking ticket. (Examiner)

And…

Portland TriMet is abandoning its audible bus turn warnings, a program WMATA implemented in the fall. (BikePortland) … Mixed-use development dramatically reduces VMT of its residents, compared to their counterparts in sprawling suburbia. (New Urban Network) … Density also leads to economically strong regions. (Grist)