Breakfast links: More about the Metro budget
WMATA to hire 1000
WMATA’s next budget calls for hiring more than 1000 new workers. Most are needed to run the stations and trains on the Silver Line or perform repairs. (Post)
Bike lockers get cheaper
Metro will lower the annual price of a bike locker from $200 to $120. Officials hope the price change will mean more lockers get rented and more bikers will opt to take Metro. (WashCycle)
Sarles answers only some questions
In yesterday’s hangout, Richard Sarles talked about the fare increase and maintenance, but declined to go into many specifics when asked by the panelists or Twitter users. (Post)
Transit center delayed
The Silver Spring Transit Center will not open until the summer, a year later than scheduled. Part of the reason: the contractor didn’t use enough concrete to protect steel reinforcement bars from the elements. (Examiner)
Fairfax wants FBI
Fairfax County wants the FBI to move near the Franconia-Springfield Metro. Rebuilding on the Hoover Building site, which the FBI has outgrown, would likely be cost prohibitive. (Post)
Grants push a better H Street
Four H Street NE businesses received DC government grants to expand and improve their businesses. Councilmember Wells hopes grants like this will help promote “5-minute living.” (DCist)
Herndon says no to roundabout
Herndon lawmakers reversed their decision to build a roundabout after residents objected and some initial data turned out to be wrong. The town will instead add a median and reduce the number of lanes. (Post)
Poor kids miss play
Though DC has 101 playgrounds, some lower income kids might not be using them if the area is considered violent. Low income parents also tend to have less time to escort their children to these playgrounds. (WAMU)