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30 Jul 2010 21:17

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Tech, U.S.: Finally, the NYC Subway will be getting wireless connectivity

  • $200 million the amount the wi-fi and mobile endeavor will cost
  • three years the delay the major undertaking has already faced source

13 May 2010 10:57

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U.S.: The new housing trend? Walkable neighborhoods, not suburbs

  • Ten years ago, conventional large-lot housing in wealthy suburbs was the highest-priced housing, per square foot, in nearly all metropolitan areas. Today, housing in walkable neighborhoods is typically the most expensive; the lines crossed in the 2000s.
  • The Atlantic writer Christopher B. Leinberger • Noting the evolution in housing from the suburb back to the city. As housing values have gone down significantly, cities have started to come out back on top again. In particular, Leinberger notes the example of the D.C. metro area: The Metro system largely paid for many of its stations by having property owners pay more in taxes for a handful of years, then watched as their neighborhoods flourished. As a result, housing values in those areas have decreased at a much lower rate than that of the suburban areas which used to cost more. This should be a major hint for even mid-sized cities that they should invest in mass transit. (Hat tip to The Awl, which focused on the auto end of this argument.) source

15 Feb 2010 08:36

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World: A massive train crash in Belgium leaves many dead, dozens injured

  • 25+ were killed in the rush-hour train collision in Buizingen, outside of Brussels
  • 150+ were injured in the crash, which may have been due to poor weather conditions source

19 Jul 2009 10:58

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U.S.: None died, many hurt in yesterday’s San Francisco rail crash

  • 48 number of people who had to go to the hospital after the light rail crash
  • four number of people seriously injured; authorities are investigating source

22 Jun 2009 21:20

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U.S.: Post-crash, why being a commuter in D.C. will suck tomorrow

  • one As opposed to the automated computer controls the trains usually use, all trains will be operating in manual mode tomorrow.
  • two The crash happened on the Red Line, by far the busiest line and the main downtown line, ensuring that commutes will be a pain.
  • three Those who use Maryland’s MARC commuter rail lines will also be in trouble, as the Brunswick Line is suspended indefinitely.
  • four Sure, buses will be running to replace the trains, but Red Line trains hold up to 1,000 people. Your average Metro bus holds 50-60.
  • five And finally, the intangible. Anytime a major crash like this happens, fear sets in. Tensions flare. Careful tomorrow, guys. source

16 Apr 2009 18:50

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U.S.: The Obama administration wants to fix our sucky rail system

See those red lines? They go faster than the grey ones. If they do it right, Amtrak might finally have a better rep than Amway. source