Breakfast links: Fray and fate
Metro’s inspection problem
Metro’s latest electrical fire bears striking similarity to the fire that killed a passenger 14 months ago. Officials don’t understand how so many power cable defects went unnoticed, though some suggested that employees have lied about making critical maintenance repairs. For now, Metro will conduct monthly safety inspections. (WAMU, NBC4, Post)
$15 minimum wage?
Both DC and Montgomery County have proposals out to raise the minimum wage to $15. Although it wasn’t planned, shifting the minimum wage at the same time could ease issues with regional competition. (WAMU)
MoCo says no to accessible ride hailing
The Montgomery County Council opposes Metro’s plan to use Lyft and Uber for paratransit service, because they don’t believe the companies can provide adequate service for people with disabilities who rely on MetroAccess. (Post)
DC budget priorities
Mayor Bowser’s proposed budget for 2017 focuses on funding job training, school modernization, better EMS services, and affordable housing initiatives.
Reston revolution
Plans for a huge mixed use development within a half mile of the future Reston Town Center Metro station would bring over 2000 new residential units, office space, retail, and a hotel to Reston in place of two aging office buildings. (RestonNow)
Vision Zero, Waze style?
In DC, Waze now alerts drivers when they are approaching dangerous intersections. The alerts tell drivers to slow down and stay alert at spots with high rates of crashes. (PCMag)
Short on homes
The US is facing a chronic housing shortage, but the market isn’t building the type of housing stock that people can actually afford. (Vox)