News Roundup: The Case for the Subway

• The subway built New York; now it must be repaired at any price ($). Jonathan Mahler's survey of the history and present of the New York subway is a tour de force. If you read only one thing this week, make it this.
• Transit riders in Wenatchee ($) can now use their smartphone to buy a bus pass.
• Tim Eyman initiative ($) to toss Sound Transit car-tab tax fails to collect enough signatures.
• Philly begins phasing out use of transit system token coins.
• Nearly one-third of Toronto's older streetcars were unable to leave yard due to frigid weather.
• DC is mulling a Houston-style revamp ($) of their bus system. Having used it as a visitor, I support this idea.
• Did Trump kill the plan for a Hudson rail tunnel? ($) Its backers hope not.
• Stick a fork in it, it's done: Tim Eyman's latest initiative to gut Sound Transit fails to qualify. NW Progressive gets their dunk on.
• Straightening of curve at Amtrak derailment site in Dupont ($) had not been state priority.
• Spokane responds to hot real estate market with housing infill. More of this, please.
• Seattle's Neighborhood Parking Reform - reduced requirements, unbundling of costs, shared parking. More of this, too.
• Another Danny Westneat column spent bellyaching about a transportation problem without offering a serious alternative ($).
• Seattle Bike Blog gives a departed SDOT Director Scott Kubly a glowing send-off.
• Colman Ferry Dock reconstruction underway, ferry schedule changes ahead.
• 28 story residential tower (eventually) coming to 8th & Cherry.
• At last, you can hail a rideshare from Pasco airport.
• Daily Hive Vancouver has a wide-ranging, meaty interview with Translink (and former Metro) CEO Kevin Desmond.

This is an open thread.