Tysons. Photo by mindgutter.

Inside the Tysons tunnel

The Silver Line won’t run in a tunnel through Tysons as many wish, but there will be a tunnel: a half-mile segment where the line makes the turn from Route 123 to Route 7. The Post looks at the engineering involved in building this tunnel while keeping nearby roads and businesses open. (Nick J.)  (Tip: Nick J.)  

New Tysons buses, VRE operator

A new bus service from Woodbridge to Tysons is launching, complete with new Wi-Fi enabled buses. It’s free for the first six months week, rising to $2.40 and then $4.50

$4.75 after six months (more without SmarTrip). (Inside NoVA) … The VRE Board voted to replace Amtrak as the operator with French company Keolis Railroad Services America. The change should save $1 million a year. (WBJ, Gavin Baker, Arslan J)  (Tip: Gavin Baker)  

Idaho stop or a wink?

“Vehicular” cyclists want to train cyclists to operate as cars. “Facilitators” want better bike infrastructure. Both generally agree on the Idaho Stop, but is it feasible? Or is a simple agreement not to enforce stop signs for bikes except in unsafe situations more realistic? DC cyclist Christopher Beam ponders the stop-sign running debate. (Slate)  (Tip: Michael P)  

Where should the Google trike go?

As part of adding bike routes and pedestrian paths to Google Maps, Google will drive a Street View trike around no-car areas like parks, university campuses, and even zoos to capture images from those areas. Nominate your favorite locations and Google will run a public poll to pick some. (DC Downshift)  (Tip: Michael P)  

Toronto may look to alley density

Toronto could add density without building higher by adding more alley dwellings in its many “laneways,” argues Christopher Hume. But some oppose the idea, saying it will stress the existing infrastructure like water and sewers. Richard Layman says, then build better infrastructure. (Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space, Michael P)  (Tip: Michael P)  

NJ Transit site snazzier but not more transparent

New Jersey Transit has an improved Web site, but includes little budget information. Mobilizing the Region wishes they could be more like WMATA, which does post substantial budget data. (Mobilizing the Region, Michael P)  (Tip: Michael P)  

Less frequent service, less TOD?

Montgomery County’s (Red Line) Metro stations all have more service than any of the Prince George’s County (Green, Blue, Orange) stations because those lines share tracks in the core while the Red Line doesn’t. Could this contribute to the relative lack of development at those stations versus Montgomery’s? (Imagine, DC)  (Tip: Imagine, DC)