Breakfast links: The day the Metro stood still
No Metrorail
Metro is shut down all day while crews inspect 600 electric cables. Peter Dovak made a map of today’s Metro service pattern:
Take your pick
Stephen Repetski summarized the other transit options still available, including Metrobus. The DC Circulator is free, and running extra service; ART is also adding service, and MARC is running extra cars on its trains.
Schools are open
DC public schools remained open, but will excuse all student absences and tardiness. A few charter schools did close for the day. (Post)
Will you bike to work?
Many people will also be biking to work today. If you can do it today, you also can on May 20, Bike to Work Day. The first 15,000 people to register will get a free T-shirt. Last year, nearly 18,000 people took part. (DCist)
Try Bikeshare if you can
Capital Bikeshare is offering free 24-hour memberships Wednesday. There will also be corrals downtown so everyone can drop off bikes… at least, those who can get a bike, as demand should be very high. (Washingtonian)
Uber picks up slack
During Monday’s snafu, Uber transported thousands of riders (at surge pricing) and 20% of riders tried UberPool for the first time. Wednesday, Uber is capping surge pricing at 3.9x normal and adding UberPool cars. And don’t forget about Lyft, Split, and other ride options. (Post)
Shutdown letdown
Elected officials did not hide their disappointment about the Metrorail shutdown. Senator Mark Warner and Congresspeople Barbara Comstock, John Delaney, and Gerry Connolly all bemoaned the “sad” state of Metro. (WBJ)
Imagine no transit
Back in 2011, a planning study imagined what the region would be like without any transit (including buses). Will today be similar? (Citylab)
In non-Metro news
Baltimore will announce a contract for bike sharing; it could include electrically assisted bikes. (BBJ) … Montgomery County may see a big tax increase. (Post) … Reston Town Center’s parking won’t be free any more weekdays. (RestonNow) … A new grant will fund public art to fight street harassment. (DCist) (Tip: Max)