Breakfast links: WMATA won’t pay
WMATA will run, not fix transit center
Metro wants to operate the Silver Spring Transit Center, but doesn’t want to be on the hook for ongoing maintenance. (WTOP)
Graham must pay for his lawyers
WMATA will not pay to defend Jim Graham in a lawsuit which alleges Graham improperly quashed a land deal between a developer and Metro while he served on WMATA’s board. (Examiner)
Wrong escalator parts
Nine escalators won’t get repaired as scheduled thanks to a contractor ordering the wrong parts. But Metro officials wouldn’t or couldn’t identify the contractor to the board. (Post)
A shifty shift of funds?
Muriel Bowser and the committee she chairs pulled funding for relocating DC Water to make way for a Capitol Riverfront mixed-use project. Instead, the money will pay for three projects in Bowser’s Ward 4. (WBJ)
In Purple’s path
Maryland prepares to tell 110 residents and businesses that the Purple Line may force them to move, though some may ultimately be able to stay. (Post)
BIDs get real-time
Screens showing real-time transit information are likely on the way for Ballston and Georgetown. Both areas’ BIDs have agreed to fund the screens to help visitors find transit and reduce pedestrian crowding. (Elevation DC)
Less flooding, but other problems
To deal with Bloomingdale flooding, DC Water will build a giant tunnel under some streets, but residents of those streets are upset at the plans, which could close their streets for 2-3 years and destroy trees. (City Paper)
DC IDs 150 food truck spots
DC officials will identify 150 spots for food trucks in the most popular locations, but that likely won’t be enough to satisfy truck owners. (Post)
Bike lanes breed safety, profits
A New York study found that bike lanes made streets safer and even helped increase local businesses’ sales up to 50%. (Taking the Lane)
And…
Construction starts on First St. NE, including a 2-way cycletrack. (NoMa BID) … Dupont’s ANC opposes the U Street moratorium and new food truck rules. (Borderstan) … HPRB is still iffy on McMillan. (Bloomingdale)