Here’s a look at some of the transportation headlines gathered by the Metro Library. The full list of headlines is posted on the library’s blog.

Good neighborhoods have lots of intersections (Grist)

A new study reveals that “intersection density” is the key to getting people to drive less.  Makes sense when you think about it – an intersection represents a choice and opportunity, so the more the better. Anyone who’s walked down a long lonely stretch of suburban street versus a city street divided into numerous small blocks can immediately recognize this to be true. The article features a nice visual comparing the scale of streets in Venice (Italy), Los Angeles and Irvine.

Small intersection is the big concern for Expo light-rail system (L.A. Times)

Here’s an intersection that’s become rather infamous in Los Angeles: Farmdale Avenue and Exposition Boulevard. As we probably all know by now, the Expo Line tracks were planned to pass the intersection at grade but opponents who cite safety concerns want the tracks grade separated – a proposition that could add $30 million to $100 million to the nearly $900 million project. The L.A. Times article takes a closer look at the issue.

Trader Joe’s sets a TOD Standard – Bike Parking! (SoapBoxLA)

Livable streets advocate Stephen Box was put into action when he discovered that Hollywood’s new Trader Joe’s, part of the new Hollywood/Vine transit oriented development project, would lack an essential transportation component – bike racks. Twitter and Facebook were used to bring attention the issue which resulted in TJ’s being bombarded with phone calls and a boycott of the popular market. Guess what? Two weeks after opening, Trader Joe’s has gone ahead and installed some bike racks.

Chinese Concept: The Train that Never Stops (Walyou)

Wouldn’t it be great if trains didn’t have to make all those darn stops? Well this conceptual idea from China proposes just that. The train keeps moving and a detachable compartment slides on and off at various stations. Click the link and watch the video – it’s pretty clever.