Traffic in the Washington metropolitan area is a sensitive beast — the slightest stir and it all goes to hell. Well, to hell it has gone. Breaking news finds that two separate incidents along I-95 by Springfield, Va. involving three tractor-trailers have left five injured and forced southbound traffic onto the HOV lanes, as of 2:00 p.m. No word yet on whether the lanes will re-open by rush hour, but for those who travel this route home, keep your eyes peeled for updates and detour information.

In today’s installment, we have news and analysis on gas prices, bus shelters, and safe cycling. And to provoke discussion, we offer the following question based on recent observations: Why doesn’t the civility of Metrorail carry over onto Metro buses? Discuss.