Breakfast links: Transit tactics
Service saved?
The WMATA Board rejected a fare increase and most proposed service cuts, but kept some cuts to bus service. Instead, WMATA will cut some administrative costs and use capital funds for operations to address the budget shortfall. (Post)
Addicted to Koch
Maryland lawmakers questioned new MDOT chief Pete Rahn on a suspicious highway contract he awarded to Koch Industries. Rahn later backed out of speaking at a Purple Line debate with Koch-funded Randal O’Toole. (Streetsblog)
Landlords make the rules
Marijuana possession and use is now legal in DC, but that doesn’t mean your landlord has to allow it. Landlords can set their own policies on marijuana use and cultivation in their buildings. (WBJ)
Local progress, national setback
Nationally, the number of pedestrians killed in car crashes is holding steady even as the total number of crash deaths decreases. In the region, pedestrian deaths fell marginally from 2013 to 2014. (Post)
Uber strikes a deal
Uber and Maryland reached an agreement to allow the company to continue operating its black car and SUV services. Uber will now be subject to state regulations for sedans and limousines. (Post)
On the patrol
Amtrak’s Ice Patrol knocks down icicles in New York tunnels to keep commuter trains running smoothly. The icicles can fall and knock out power. (NYT)
Ancient cities
Cities today are surprisingly similar to ancient cities. Populations tend to cluster in dense areas, and productivity often outpaces population growth, suggesting that density has always been the driver of success. (Smithsonian)
And…
Residents want to see improvements on the Palisades Trolley Trail. (TheWashCycle) … New sidewalks that are coming to Upper Marlboro should improve safety and walkability. (Gazette) … This map shows where llamas live in the US. (Post)