Breakfast links: Going underground
Chicago asks residents for suggestions
The CTA is asking Chicagoans to “Give a Minute” and tell them what would make them walk, bike and ride transit more. After Chicago, the project will move to New York, Memphis and San Jose. (CEOs for Cities)
More cell service coming to Metro
Metro is rolling out cell service in tunnels, but is slowed by track work. Some riders fear the extra noise uninterrupted service will bring and the Post asks readers what the current cell service is throughout the system. (Post)
Can the new Dupont Underground succeed?
Are the old streetcar tunnels under Dupont Circle doomed to failure? While underground retail is risky business, Richard Layman fails to note that the new galleries may position themselves as destination retail. (RPUS, Eric Fidler) (Tip: Eric Fidler)
Metro aims to reduce ridership, costs of MetroAccess
MetroAccess will implement higher fares and stricter qualifications for paratransit rides, as part of the plan in this year’s budget to restrain the high growth of the service. (TBD)
Hispanics thrive in DC region
The DC region’s Hispanics have incomes and education level well above the national average for their ethnic group. At least one of the reasons is the federal government’s strict rules on minority-owned business contracting. (Post)
White Flint runs into issues
There’s been a rough start to the implementation of the White Flint Plan, as Ike Leggett refused to approve a coordinator for the area and the council still being cautious about financing. (The Friends of White Flint)
With Oberstar gone, who will be top Dem on House T&I?
Who will replace staunch transit advocate Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN) as top Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, now that Oberstar lost his election? The WSJ speculates, and one surprising name is DC’s own Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton. (Streetsblog Capitol Hill)
Why salmon create trouble for cyclists and planners
Felix Salmon analyzes the different types of interactions between modes and why cities are having such struggle integrating cyclists. Part of the responsibility is on cyclists, especially NYC’s ubiquitous “bike salmon,” riders who go the wrong way on a busy one-way street. (Reuters via Baltimore Sun)
And…
While most jurisdictions give out generic “I voted” stickers, Arlington makes sure everybody knows who its residents are. (Snoburbia, Cavan) … A giant dumbell outside the Farragut West metro entrance is causing traffic flow issues when people stop to gawk. (TBD) … A GGW reader has some extensive photos of the Dulles Metrorail Phase I construction. (Cambronj) (Tip: Cavan)