Pretty great news for those of you who regularly travel between D.C. and Baltimore: transportation officials say they've reached an agreement that will allow SmarTrip users to use the cards seamlessly on the Maryland Transit Administration system in and around Baltimore, WTOP reports. more ›

We warned you yesterday about emergency repairs the Maryland Transportation Authority announced for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, starting today. WTOP has a bit of an update on the situation for Labor Day travelers. MTA is assigning extra staff members to help with traffic over the long weekend, and will make sure there are enough EZ-Pass and cash toll booths open to accommodate the heavy traffic, though it's probably still a good idea to find alternate routes to your destination if you can. Asking why the damage to the bolts in the concrete parapet wasn't found earlier, MTA Secretary John Pocani said, "This is something that's not detectable through normal inspection procedures and it's something that has occurred slowly over time," but that the bridge as a whole is structurally sound. more ›

This week, Phillyist saw the waters of a landmark fountain run red for a Showtime marketing stunt, the Phils pull ahead, and some serious nostalgia. They also got a chance to review an awesome tribute album, reminded folks to see the King, and appreciated their beautiful skyline. Chicagoist knows what it's like to like the Cubs. But naming your kid Wrigley Fields? At least they can breathe a little easier now that Grossman's out and... more ›

Londonist are starting to think their city is getting just a little bit too expensive, when even Christian Slater can't afford to go out there. And there's no escaping, as local singer Lily Allen discovered when she was barred entry to the US. The British mapping agency caused further bad karma, by blocking a 3-D representation of London in Google Earth. But the smiles returned to Londonist's faces as they interviewed Baroness von Reichardt,... more ›

Holy smokes! Giant fish on the MTA, Paris Hilton in jail, then out, then in again, Al Gore, goatses, blumpkins, Matt Damon, and baby art critics! It's been a busy week across the Ist-A-Verse, and here's a smattering of what's been going on. In Gothamist's neck of the woods, they found out that many things are possible: A man caught a 40+ pound fish off the Rockaways and took it home on the subway. Graffiti... more ›

All across the Ist-A-Verse (or at least the American parts thereof), writers and editors are in the midst of enjoying their three-day weekend. But after the week we've all had, we feel like the break is not only needed, but deserved. Just look at everything we've been doing! Gothamist headed into the Memorial Day weekend with a number of tasks accomplished. They worried about Long Islanders giving New Yorkers a bad name. They tried... more ›

This week we'd like to congratulate the -ist network's Mother Hen, Gothamist's Jen Chung, who found herself a recipient of Wired Magazine's Wired Rave Award. If that doesn't sound terribly exciting, keep in mind another recipient was J.K. Rowling. Yep, that's right, the -ist network and Harry Potter now have something in common. Go us. Austinist has a chat with the ever-fashionable Golden Girl Rue McClanahan, and managed to catch some local fashionistas making... more ›

Spring is when we get busy here in the Ist-A-Verse. Very busy. But, after staying bundled-up indoors all winter, it's nice for us to be out, about, and collecting things to write about for you. Here's a glimpse at what's been keeping your favorite citybloggers busily away from home and out of bed. For LAist, strong winds attacked LA on the same day the Feds raided the Crips. Not to fear, though: the Japanese version... more ›

Even if today becomes the commuter apocalypse being predicted, at least the heavens won't open up and swallow you whole. After yesterday's violent storms, D.C. can expect a balmy 63 degrees and partly-cloudy skies to ease you into the weekend. So roll up your sleeves and get ready for some fun. Freaky (Freight) Friday: Are you one of the thousands of people are stranded this morning due to the Thursday night derailment of a freight... more ›

Well, D.C. How's your Emergency Tuesday shaping up so far? It looks like there's some more exciting Emergency Legislation on the table for the D.C. City Council this morning. Apart from the pay raises we mentioned yesterday, the council's agenda for the day includes a total of, yes really, 40 emergency bills, including another that would provide for exemptions to the liquor license law that currently prohibits anyone from selling liquor within 400 feet of... more ›

Breaking the law, breaking the law We -ist folks love us some crime, and no misdemeanor is too petty for a post on any of our sites. This week, join us for a rogues' gallery of miscreants major, minor, and alleged. Gothamist gets us started with "Law & Order", muppet style. Oh, you know what isn't a crime? Taking pictures on the MTA. So, why are cops stopping photographers? In other Gotham crime, a... more ›

The repairs could take as long as five years and subway travel between Manhattan and Brooklyn will be severely hampered, with one train, the C, suspended indefinitely. Life along Eighth Avenue will generally suck. more ›

So the MTA in New York is again proposing a photo ban in the city's subway. According to Gothamist, photobloggers are pissed off, perplexed as why their amateur photographic activities are being directly tied to terrorist threats. They even held a protest at Grand Central Terminal. We're a little surprised that WMATA hasn't seriously considered a photo ban in the metrorail system, but perhaps they're all too busy enforcing candy bar bans. more ›

Metrorail riders are very familiar with the distinctive voice of WMATA's police chief, Polly Hanson, telling us over the intercom to ask: "Is that your bag?" when we see unattended items on the train or in stations. Polly has gotten us into the mindset of safety first, and we thank her. Click here for complete WMATA safety and security guidelines. Now we have a new guy to listen to, but you'll be lucky if you... more ›

Last week's Red Line train crash at Woodley Park is sending transit shockwaves all the way to New York. Gothamist reports that a Metropolitan Transportation Authority union is using the metrorail crash in D.C. as a talking point against the MTA converting the L train/14th St.-Canarsie Line to full computerized automation. The union contends that because the metrorail system in D.C. is automated, there is an increased risk of mishaps underground. But we think the... more ›

We all know the Orange Line is crowded. We all hear the many complaints from Virginia commuters about inching beneath the Potomac River between Rosslyn and Foggy Bottom. The Post explains why the Orange Line is getting more crowded and can't handle more trains. And it will get worse, regardless if and when a metrorail spur is built from West Falls Church to Tyson's Corner (and eventually to Dulles International Airport.) The problem is simple.... more ›

We finally found one. After nine months of searching, DCist spied someone wearing a WMATA metrorail shirt this weekend on a Connecticut Avenue sidewalk. (It was a Metro Center shirt, like the the one at left). Since we love to talk about transit issues, DCist has a few thoughts on D.C.’s attempts to enter the world of transit chic. London promotes “Mind the Gap.” Paris glorifies its Art Nouveau Metropolitan signage. And New York has... more ›