They can’t say “don’t forget to tap.” Yet. Photo by Megan Coughlin, via Flickr creative commons.

Things to read/watch whilst transiting: Elephants can now talk — one can repeat five words in Korean. Attentive Source readers know that while I think apes are more likely to topple humanity as top dog on the planet, it appears that elephants may be poised to make a run. Interesting.

Bike share coming to DTLA (LAT)

Bike share begins July 7 and Pasadena gets it next year. Here’s our news release, which including pricing for membership or pay-as-you-ride.

Real estate developers: all board Expo (LAObserved) 

Good piece by Bill Boyarsky, former city editor at the LAT who lives near Expo and was very happy to get to finally ride it to Santa Monica:

The Los Angeles city planning department has outlined a somewhat different future for the area in a series of planning documents. The department proposes increased density near transit stations. New buildings in the area would have to be “pedestrian oriented.” Presumably, that means fewer parking spaces. And city planners envision wider sidewalks, a reduction in vehicle lanes and more room for bicycles. In addition, the planning department sees more residents and jobs around the new Expo stations in LA–Palms, Westwood-Rancho Park, Sepulveda and Bundy. There would be housing for 4,000 to 6,000 more residents by 2035 and 12,000 to 17,000 more jobs.

This will provoke intense debate on the Westside, just as it is doing in Koreatown, Hollywood, East Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, all areas where developers are seeking opportunity as Metro expands.

Why subways in the Northeast are so troubled (NYT)

Excerpt 1:

The subways in New York City and Boston, both more than half a century older than the system in Washington, need billions of dollars to replace aging infrastructure and to meet rising demand. All three cities, home to most of the nation’s busiest subways, are growing and attracting young people, who prefer mass transit but have become frustrated by delays.

Excerpt 2:

“You either pay now or pay later,” Richard A. White, acting president of the American Public Transportation Association, said. “The more you stick your head in the sand on this issue, the worse the problems are going to become.”

Everyone seems to agree there’s a need for more infrastructure funding. But no one seems to agree on what to about it. FWIW, Metro’s potential ballot measure would set aside two percent of sales tax revenues (more than $2 billion, according to estimates) for State of Good Repair projects.

How cities are paying for local infrastructure (PublicCEO)

Long story short: more local taxes — often sales taxes or fuel taxes.

China to test bus that glides over roadways (Next City)

That looks like fun.