Breakfast links: CaBi lives
CaBi moving forward
The Capital Bikeshare system will continue to expand, despite issues with equipment suppliers. DDOT is planning locations for ten new stations, and the system’s software manufacturer is producing a new station design that will work with the old ones. (d.ish)
Arlington soulless?
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called Arlington a “soulless suburb” in her new memoir. She and her husband moved to Capitol Hill and found it a better fit. Gillibrand has now apologized in response to criticism from Arlingtonians. (ArlNow)
Metro fares by phone
Metro will soon launch a pilot of a new fare and parking payment system at ten Metro stations. The new system will allow riders to pay using their smartphones and contactless credit cards. (City Paper)
Greenbelt redevelopment
Metro is planning to redevelop Greenbelt station, although the site could still host the new FBI headquarters. Metro is working with its development partner to build a parking garage with new bus bays and kiss-and-ride spaces. (WBJ)
Children’s National at Walter Reed?
Children’s National Health System could get a chunk of land at Walter Reed. Thirteen acres would come out of land set aside for the State Department and would host a new research facility. (WBJ)
DC rail safety scrutinized
DC’s first responders haven’t conducted any rail emergency exercises recently, and DDOT doesn’t have authority to oversee railroads in the city. DC Council members criticized city officials during a hearing about the Virginia Avenue Tunnel, focusing on rail safety. (Post)
New Communities needs overhaul
DC’s New Communities program has largely failed to produce new affordable housing, according to a new report. It was not fully planned out, and building housing for displaced residents proved challenging. (City Paper)
No more polystyrene
Montgomery County could follow DC’s lead and ban polystyrene food containers, as well as packing peanuts. Under a proposed law, county restaurants and cafeterias would have to use recyclable containers, trays, and cups. (Post)
Wheelchair-accessible cabs in Arlington?
A new taxi company will aim to have a have a completely wheelchair-accessible fleet. Located in Arlington, All Access Taxi still needs to obtain the necessary licenses, which the county may not issue. (ArlNow)
A better Memorial Circle
The Memorial Circle area could soon get safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers as the Park Service kicks off a new study. (WABA)