WHAT:

The Center for Sustainable Transport in Brazil (CTS-Brasil), a member of the World Resources Institute’s EMBARQ Network, the National Confederation of Transport, and the British Embassy will host the 2009 Brazil National Summit on Transport and the Environment. About 60 representatives from government, the private sector and the public will attend the one-day event focusing on policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions from the urban transport sector in Brazil.

WHEN:

Thursday, May 28, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Headquarters of the National Confederation of Transport (CNT)
SAS, Quadra 1, Bloco J
Brasilia - DF BRAZIL

WHO:

Luis Antonio Lindau, director, CTS-Brasil
Rejane D. Fernandes, communications coordinator, CTS-Brasil
Marilei Menezes, special projects coordinator, National Confederation of Transport
Patricia Boson, environment consultant, National Confederation of Transport
Luiz Andrade, climate change program manager, British Embassy
Raissa Ferreira, support officer of climate change program, British Embassy

WHY:

The goals and policy recommendations developed at the summit will be submitted to the federal government when Brazil’s National Plan on Climate Change comes up for revision in 2010.

As American car manufacturers struggle to survive, Ford Motor Company
is producing more sustainable and fuel-efficient vehicles.

But as Jessica Forres reports… convincing local motorists to buy
"green" may not be that easy.



In Virginia, Tom Rolewicz is driving the new Hybrid Fusion. As an
engineer with Ford Motor Company, he’s happy to show off the new
technology...

THERE’S A LOT OF INTEREST IN THE CAR.

-IS THAT SURPRISING ?

- YOU KNOW IT’S GRATIFYING I WILL SAY. I MEAN BECAUSE PEOPLE REALLY
DO WANT THE CAR. I THINK PEOPLE WERE MADE VERY AWARE OF THE PRICE OF
FUEL LAST SUMMER.

Jay Ward…a Ford spokesperson…says the hybrid is just the beginning…
electric and fuel efficient vehicles will be on the market within the
next two years...

THIS IS A CHANCE TO REALLY DISTANCE OURSELVES FROM WHAT’S GOING ON AND
REALLY START PUTTING THE FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR.

Some salesmen and customers at a Ford dealership in Silver Spring,
Maryland, tell a different story. Salesman Kenneth Mitchell waits
outside for potential buyers...

WE DON’T EVEN HAVE ANY EXPEDITIONS ON THE LOT BECAUSE THEY’RE SOLD OUT
YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WAS WHEN GAS PRICES WENT BACK DOWN THREE OR
FOUR MONTHS AGO, EVERYONE RUSHED IN WITH THEIR LITTLE CAR AND BOUGHT
ALL THE BIG CARS, ALL THE EXPLORERS AND ALL THE EXPEDITIONS.

Inside, Warren Romine wants to buy the Mustang Convertible. He’s
excited about the cars extras, such as blue tooth technology and an
upgraded interior...

-WHAT ABOUT THE FUEL ECONOMY OF THE CAR? IS THAT A CONCERN FOR YOU?
-WELL IT’S ALWAYS A CONCERN, BUT I’M NOT BUYING A CAR JUST BASED ON
FUEL ECONOMY.

Ford Motor Company says there’s a waiting list to buy the new Hybrid Fusion.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Hypermilers have hit the streets of Northern Virginia...

And as Jessica Forres reports... these fuel concious motorists are
testing how far they can go on a single tank of gas.



Tom Rolewicz... driving a Fusion Hybrid... turns onto the George
Washington Parkway and switches off the air conditioning. It's a
technique motorists can use to save fuel.

IN TRAFFIC IT CAN KNOCK YOUR FUEL ECONOMY DOWN BY TWENTY, TWENTY FIVE PERCENT.

Rolewicz works for Ford Motor Company. He's one of six eco-drivers
taking part in the Ford Fusion Hybrid 1-thousand Mile Challenge. Jay
Ward is a spokesperson for the company. He says they chose Washington
for the weather, terrain...and politics.

WITH EVERYTHING THAT'S GOING ON IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW.
CLEARLY PART OF WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO SAY HERE IS THAT WE'RE DOING OUR
BIT AND WE'RE WORKING AS FAST AS WE CAN TO BRIGN EXCITING NEW CARS TO
THE MARKET.

The challenge, Ward says, will end when the car runs out of gas.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

When Walter Reed Medical Center closes in 2011... thousands of commuters are expected to relocate to their new facility in Bethesda. The Maryland Department of Transportation has proposed improving roads to accomodate the traffic.

But as Jessica Forres reports… some cyclists feel left out...



Angela Atwood-Moore and fellow members of her Cycling Club are at MDOT’s community meeting.They are concerned about what ISN'T being talked about in plans to improve four intersections near Bethesda Naval Medical Center...

WE WALK IN AND THERE ARE BIKE MAPS ON THE TABLE BUT WE’RE NOT ANYWHERE IN THESE PLANS.

The Naval Hospital is expecting about 25-hundred employees and 4-thousand patients to relocate there in a few years ...as part of the military base closure plan.

Atwood Moore says the new design widens and extends sidewalks, but doesnt include bike lanes....

IF THE WHOLE GOAL OF THIS PROJECT IS TO MOVE TRAFFIC THAN I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY WE’RE PENALIZING THE VERY PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO GET OUT OF THEIR CARS AND DO THE MOST TO REDUCE TRAFFIC FLOW. I MEAN YOU CAN’T SAY YOU WANT TO MOVE PEOPLE AND THEN PENALIZE WHO AREN’T TAKING UP ROAD SPACE WITH THE CAR.

Mike Haley represents MDOT and says the agency will evaluate public comments when deciding how to use their limited resources..

SO PART OF THE EFFORT IS TO GET SOME FEEDBACK ON WHERE PEOPLE THINK THE MOST VALUE IS. SO THAT WE CAN MAKE SOME DECISIONS GOING FORWARD ABOUT WHAT TO DO WITH THE MONEY WE DO HAVE.

The proposed intersection improvements are at West Cedar Lane and Jones Bridge Road.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

In a few years, thousands of new commuters will inundate downtown Bethesda when the Army relocates Walter Reed Medical Center from D-C to Maryland.

And as Jessica Forres reports.... some homeowners don't think their neighborhood can handle all the cars.



Sheila and Tom Barrett’s house is a stones throw from Jones Bridge Road....across the street from Bethesda Naval Medical Center. They can see the four lane highway from their dining room window.

STARTING AT LEAST FROM 5:30 TO 6 IN THE MORNING, IT’S BACKED UP. BECAUSE OF NAVY. ENTRANCE INTO NAVY BECAUSE OF SECURITY.

IT’S RIDICULOUS…THE TRAFFIC IS INCREDIBLE NOW AND THEN WITH THE CLOSING OF WALTER REED AND MOVING ALL THE EMPLOYEES OVER HERE…

According to plans proposed by the Maryland Department of Transportation, improvements are slated at four major intersections that they say will be most affected by the move.

[NAT: GYM

Inside Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, Mike Haley is representing MDOT at a community workshop. As he points to a large map of Cedar Lane and Wisconsin Avenue, he says the improvements won't do much to relieve the traffic.

-IT’S STILL F
- HUH?
-IT REMAINS F
-WHAT’S F
-FAILING LEVEL OF SERVICE
- EVEN AFTER THE IMPROVEMENTS?
-WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO MAKE IT AN A
-A IS NOT ON THE TABLE

Haley also says fewer than half of the improvements are funded.

In Bethesda Maryland, runners and walkers hit the Capital Crescent trail to protest against the proposed Purple Line…

Jessica Forres was there…



[NAT: THREE-TWO-ONE GO]

John Hay of Chevy Chase and more than 450 runners and walkers are taking part in the “No Rail on the Trail” 10K race.

I CAN’T IMAGINE HOW WE CAN HAVE A TRAIN AND RUNNERS AND BIKERS ON THE TRAIL AT THE SAME TIME.

They want County Officials to re-evaluate their plans for a purple line transit way between Bethesda and Silver Spring. Pam Browning helped organize the race.

THE TREES OF THE RIGHT OF WAY ARE ALL GOING TO BE CUT DOWN

Web Smedley…with Purple Line Now…runs on the trail frequently.

WE’RE VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT THE RUNNING COMPANY SPONSPORED A RACE BETWEEN BETHESDA AND GEORGETOWN AND WE’D LOVE TO SEE THEM SPONSOR A RACE WHEN THE CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL IS COMPLETED WITH THE PURPLE LINE.

The Montgomery County Council voted unanimously in favor of the Purple transit line.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

_____________________________________

Although the Montgomery County Council has voted unanimously in favor of the so-called Purple line linking Bethesda and Silver Spring… many residents remain strongly opposed.

Jessica Forres reports...

In Bethesda, Maryland more than 450 runners and walkers are participating in a 10K race. Most of them sport “No Rail on the Trail” stickers.

[NAT: and they're off]

Pam Browning is with the Petition to Save the Trail organization. She wants County officials to re-evaluate their plans for a Purple Line.

WE’RE JUST GOING TO KEEP ON RAISING AWARENESS. WE HAVE YEARS TO THAT. THERE’S NO IMINENT PURPLE LINE COMING. THERE’S NO MONEY FOR THIS.

Web Smedley…with Purple Line Now…runs the trail frequently. He’s disappointed by the race.

WE’RE CERTAINLY TRYING TO REACH ACROSS THE AISLE AND COME TOGETHER TO COMPLETE IT…A TRAIL THAT MEETS THE GOALS OF THE BIKERS AND HIKERS AND RACERS.

The proposed 16-mile transit line is expected to cost 1.2 billion dollars.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Local residents often move to remote suburbs for affordable homes… But as Jessica Forres reports the cost of commuting to work may offset those savings...



Peter Haas...with the Center for Neighborhood and Technology... demonstrates how to use an online calculator that lets local residents compare their transportation and housing costs when planning where to live. He computes the cost of living in DC's Takoma Park and Frederick, Maryland.

YOU CAN SEE DOWN HERE, WHERE WE SHOW YOU THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD. THERE'S NOT A LOT OF TRANSIT CONNECTIVITY OUT THERE. ZERO BUSES OR TRAINS IN WALKING DISTANCE

The online calculator is part of a report released by Haas's organization, the Urban Land Institute and the Center for Housing Policy. It measures the combined housing and transportation costs for 22 areas within the Washington region. Jeffrey Lubell is with the Center for Housing Policy.

THE FURTHER YOU MOVE FROM YOUR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, THE HOUSING COST SAVINGS ARE LESS THAN THE TRANSPORTATION COST INCREASES IN OTHER WORDS, YOUR TRANSPORTATION COSTS KEEP GOING UP, YOUR HOUSING COST GO DOWN, BUT AT SOME POINT YOUR NOT COMING OUT AHEAD BECAUSE YOUR SPENDING MORE ON TRANSPORTATION THAN YOUR SAVING ON HOUSING.

The report says region-wide households spend an average of 23-thousand on housing and 13-thousand on transportation annually…
Jessica Forres WAMU 885 news


______


Those who live in outer Washington suburbs pay more on average for housing and transportation than those in inner suburbs.

Jessica Forres has the story...

The median household income is 78-thousand dollars in the D-C region. Though that number seems high, so is the cost of renting or owning a home. Jeffrey Lubell is with the Center for Housing Policy.

He says residents who move to remote suburbs for affordable homes often save less if they live 15 miles or more away from their jobs. That's because of transporation costs.

THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM THAT'S ONLY FACED BY THE POOR ALTHOUGH THEY DO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS FACED PEOPLE AT THE MEDIAN INCOME LEVEL, 78-THOUSAND DOLLARS, THIS IS A PROBLEM WE ALL FACE.

A report released by Lubell's group, the Urban Land Istitute and the Center for Neighborhood Technology, measures the combined housing and transportation costs for 22 areas in the region. Virginia's outer suburbs such as Clark and Fauquier Counties are in the study.

THE HOUSEHOLDS SPEND ON AVERAGE ABOUT 19-THOUSAND 778 DOLLARS PER YEAR ON HOUSING COSTS. THAT'S ABOUT THE SAME AS THEY SPEND IN CENTRAL JURISDICTIONS LIKE WASHINGTON, DC BUT THEY SPEND MORE THAN 6-THOUSAND DOLLARS MORE ON THEIR TRANSPORATION COSTS.

Peter Haas with the Center for Neighborhood and Technology…says local residents can now estimate their transportation costs when planning where to live. His group created an online calculator.

YOU CAN DECIDE WELL THE AMOUNT OF MONEY I'M GOING TO HAVE TO SPEND ON TRANSPORTATION. IS IT WORTH OR NOT WORTH IT TO ME

The report says about 60 percent of households have either high housing or transportation costs, or both.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

As Congress looks at ways to revive the auto industry, car makers from around the world are here in D-C to show off their latest innovations.

Jessica Forres got behind the wheel of one of the "Green" rides.



NAT: DOOR SHUT]
-TURN THE KEY TO ON
-HOW DO YOU DO IT?
-OH
- THAT'S IT, THAT WAS IT, THOSE COUPLE CLICKS, IT'S ON
- IT'S ON?
-IT'S ON

Silence…that's what you hear when you turn the ignition key of the Ford Focus. That's because it's fueled by electricity. Bob Storc is with Magna…the company that manufactures the electric battery for the car.

Outside, he points to the gas cap.

INSTEAD OF A GAS CAP WE HAVE A PLUG. YOU JUST PULL OFF A RUBBER BOOT
-HOOK IN A PLUG AND YOU'RE READY TO GO.

Ready to go a hundred miles after charging it for ten to twelve hours. Storc expects the car to hit the market in 2011.

WE HAVE BEEN TALKING TO FORD FOR OVER TWO YEARS. THINGS GOT VERY SERIOUS IN AUGUST WHEN WE SHOWED THEM THIS CAR.

The Ford Electric Focus is one of 8-hundred vehicles on display at the Convention Center for the Washington Auto Show. Bob Yoffe is the Show's Director.

MOST OF THE AUTOMOBILES THAT ARE IN THE SHOW RIGHT NOW ARE CARS THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME AND THERE ARE MANY PROTOTYPES AND CONCEPT CARS THAT ARE HERE AS WELL.

Several top officials in President Obama's administration are expected to tour the Auto Show this week, which runs until Sunday.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

___________________________________

Automakers from around the world are in Washington to show off their new products...and commitment to building "Green Cars."

Jessica Forres reports…

More than 7-hundred automobiles are parked inside the Washington Convention Center…taking up 750-thousand square feet of exhibit space. They are on display for the Washington Auto Show…an annual event that started in 1921. Bob Yoffe is the Show's Director.

WE'VE BEEN WORKING WITH AUTO MANUFACTURERS FOR A GOOD TWELVE MONTHS FROM THE LAST SHOW TO THIS SHOW TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE HERE TO PARTICIPATE WITH ALL THEIR LATEST PRODUCTS, THE NEWEST PRODUCTS, THE GREEN PRODUCTS, SO THEY CAN HELP SHOWCASE THEM TO THE PUBLIC.

But some of the 42 manufacturers present are mostly concerned with showing off their Green Products...

The Ford Electric Focus and the Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid, are two innovations on display. We test-drove the Ford Focus, a battery-electric vehicle expected to hit the market in 2011. .

Bob Storc is in the passenger seat. His company…Magna….manufactures the electric battery for Ford.

[NAT: DOOR SHUT]
-TURN THE KEY TO ON
-HOW DO YOU DO IT?
-OH
- THAT'S IT, THAT WAS IT, THOSE COUPLE CLICKS, IT'S ON
- IT'S ON?
-IT'S ON

Storc says the car can travel a hundred miles after it charges for about 10 hours.

IT'S A PERFECT SOLUTION FOR A CONGESTED CITY WHERE YOU WANT ZERO EMISSIONS.

The Auto Show starts tomorrow and will run until Sunday.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

As inauguration visitors head home, long lines are causing major back ups at some local airports

Jessica Forres reports...



Inside Reagan National Airport, hundreds of travelers are waiting in lines that snake through terminal C. Stephanie Richardson arrived at 6:30 for her 9am flight to Tampa, Florida..But when she finally made it to the check-in counter they told her the plane was full….

NOBODY SAYS NOTHING, THEY TELL YOU NOTHING, THEY JUST LEFT US IN LINE HERDING US LIKE CATTLE.

For Judi Horrell who is trying to fly to St. Louis…the long lines caused her to miss her flight. She's still waiting and the check- in counter is nowhere in sight.

I TRIED TO CALL AND HE WAS GOING TO CHARGE ME AN ADDITIONAL 6-HUNDRED DOLLARS. IT WOULD BE 150 TO CHANGE THE TICKET BUT THEN THE FAIR HAS GONE UP TO 1-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

Despite missing her flight, Suzanne Magers is still in good spirits…

DIDN'T QUITE EXPECT THIS BUT WHEN PEOPLE ARE SO NEGATIVE, IT'S JUST YOU KNOW. THIS IS A NEW ERA, MARCHING FORWARD. I GUESS I AM STILL A LITTLE SUPERCHARGED FROM OBAMA.

AAA estimates that nearly 2-million people traveled to D-C for the inauguration.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

For many local residents, cycling proved to be the ideal way to get around on Inauguration Day.

Jessica Forres reports…..

In Bethesda, Maryland Jennifer Smith and Anne Gagne are bundled up and riding their bicycles to the National Mall.

BETTER THAN METRO AND THE CAPITAL CRESCENT TRAIL LOOKS PERFECT TODAY, IT'S EMPTY AND IT'S A DOWNHILL RIDE.

The 11 mile trail…which connects Silver Spring, Md to Georgetown in D.C…is one of several routes cyclists used to get into the city yesterday morning. Many of them parked their bikes with one of the two free valets run by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Eric Gilliland…with the group…is working at the one on 16th and K St.

I THINK WE ARE GOING TO BREAK ALL SORTS OF RECORDS. THIS COULD BE A GUINESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS BIKE VALET.

Cyclist Gaby Hoof is happy with the service.

WE'RE FROM THE NETHERLANDS SO WE ARE USED TO BIKING AROUND. THIS IS A LUXURY FOR US BIKING IN THE STREETS AND HAVING A PLACE TO PARK YOUR BIKE. IT'S ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.

Gilliland says his group parked a total of 2,100 bikes on inauguration day.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Metro coped with record ridership on both trains and buses today, starting early -- 4am for the first trains.

Jonathan Wilson and Jessica Forres report...



ANCHOR TAG
As of 3:20 this afternoon-- Metro reported more than 733,000 people had ridden their trains today -- more than doubling the previous one day record.RUNS 1:25

It couldn't compare to the crowds downtown later in the day -- but near the top of the escalator at the Tenleytown station a full half-hour before the stationed opened at four, a line of nearly 200 people developed -- at times breaking out into a good natured cheer.

OPEN the GATE, OPEN THE GATE.

Busier still was Shady Grove -- at the north end of the red line. The crowd there had people, like Jeff Eberhart, from Detroit, wishing he had gotten up even earlier.

I KNOW THEY EXPECTED A LARGE CROWD BUT I DIDN'T KNOW THEY EXPECTED THIS MANY, THIS EARLY.

Crowds picked up even more once everyday commuters joined the flock -- but it wasn't until later in the morning that an incident at Gallery Place had Metro officials holding their breath.

Jessica Forres has more on that...

Jon Doe, a vendor, has been standing outside the metro station all morning. He says the festive atmosphere dulled when Metro closed the station after a 68-year old woman fell on the red line tracks.

THEY STOPPED PEOPLE FROM COMING OUT OF THE METRO FOR A WHILE. EVERYBODY WAS A LITTLE HUSH HUSH FOR A MOMENT.

[NAT: AT THIS TIME]

The incident caused lengthy delays on the red line for nearly an hour.

Taryn McNeil is a spokesperson for Metro.

APPARENTLY SHE FELL ONTO THE TRACKS AND SOME PEOPLE TRIED TO HELP HER AND THEY COULDN'T GET HER UP SO SHE WENT UP UNDER THE LEDGE AREA AND WAS REMOVED AFTER THE TRAIN HAD COME INTO THE STATION.

The woman was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials are still investigating the cause of the fall.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

The Metropolitan Transit Authority says debris on the track may have been the cause of a fire underneath a train during the morning rush.

Jessica Forres reports...



Shortly before 7am, an outbound, redline train caught on fire before arriving at the Friendship Heights Metro Station.

John Alston...passing out the Express newspaper...describes what he saw...

SEVERAL PEOPLE CAME UP THE STEPS. THERE WERE EIGHT FIRE TRUCKS UP AND DOWN WISCONSIN AVENUE.

Steven Taubenkibble with Metro says two people were taken to the hospital, the train operator complaining of asthma symptoms and a passenger with chest pains.

Officials believe a piece of debris on the track, such as a newspaper, caused the fire, he says...

WE BELIEVE A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT FROM THE TRAIN MAY HAVE MADE CONTACT WITH SOMETHING ELSE ON THE TRACK

The incident closed the metro station, delaying trains during the morning rush. Nichele Rhonn is a passenger...

I'M JUST A LITTLE PISSED BUT THAT'S SOMETHING YOU COME TO GRIPS WITH WHEN YOU DECIDE TO RIDE THE METRO THAT IT'S PRETTY MUCH GOING TO ALWAYS BE LATE.

But will the million's of people expected to visit during the inauguration be as forgiving as Rhonn? Spokesperson Taubenkibble...

HOPEFULLY IT WON'T HAPPEN. INAUGURATION DAY ALL OUR PERSONNEL WILL BE WORKING AND HOPEFULlY IF AN INCIDENT LIKE THAT DOES HAPPEN THEN WE WILL TRY TO WORK AS QUICKLY WE CAN TO REMIDIATE THE SITUATION BUT THAT IS THE TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENT THAT WE ARE IN.

Meanwhile, Metro officials are still investigating an incident earlier this week when an escalator at the Gallery Place station malfunctioned, suddenly going backward and sending two people to the hospital.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Drunk driving numbers are down throughout the Washington region.
But as Jessica Forres reports this holiday season...police aren't letting down their guard.



At Fairfax County's police training facility, Officer John Lamper hands me so-called "drunk driving goggles." He says they are meant to simulate driving with a blood alcohol content level of point 17. That's the equivalent of about six beers in under an hour.

YOU ARE GOING TO PUT THE GOGGLES ON AND DRIVE THAT CAR AND I'M GOING TO BE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T RUN OFF THE ROAD HIT ANYTHING.

[IGNITION]

SERPENTINE BETWEEN THE CONES DOWN THERE, CAN YOU SEE THEM
- UH UH, OOPS (THUMP< THUMP)
-JUST KEEP GOING, JUST KEEP GOING.
-I DON'T THINK I WOULD BE A VERY GOOD DRUNK DRIVER.

Law enforcement officials say drunk driving incidents are on the decline. alcohol related fatalities decreased two and a half percent from the year before.

Kurt Ericson is with the Washington Regional Alcohol Program credits an increase in checkpoints and DUI patrols, especially during the holiday season. Every 45 minutes someone is arrested for drunk driving in the Washington region.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

In Virginia, some local cab drivers will provide free transportation to voters tomorrow.

Jessica Forres talked with one driver who is volunteering his time…

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

[NAT: LET ME HAVE YOUR NUMBER INCASE703- 915]

Mulugeta Yimer, a taxi driver for Union Cooperative Cab, is writing down Tameka McClure's phone number. She's a passenger who says she can't vote on Election Day.

I MOVED FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND I CAN'T VOTE BECAUSE I TRIED TO REGISTER HERE AND I WAS TOLD I'D GET MY INFORMATION AND I'VE NEVER GOTTEN IT.

Yimer is a volunteer for a voter outreach group called Virginia New Majority.

I WISH IF I KNOW HER BEFORE BECAUSE WE WORK WITH A CERTAIN DIFFERENT GROUP SO WE CAN DO THAT MAILING FOR HER IN PERSON.

His group is working with 24 Union cab drivers who will give voters free rides to the polls tomorrow.

I BELIEVE TO HELP PEOPLE. THE AMERICAN COUNTRY DID A LOT OF THINGS FOR US FOR US REFUGEES.

He is orginially from Ethiopia and now a U.S. Citizen...being able to vote is a dream come true.

YOU'RE SCARED TO VOTE, YOU'RE SCARED TO RAISE YOUR VOICE. IN THE UNITED STATES YOU CAN SAY ANYTHING TO THE PRESIDENT YOU'RE STILL ALIVE. THIS IS A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY AND IT'S BUILT ON IMMIGRANTS.

He says voters can call Union Cab on Tuesday for free rides.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

______________________________________________

In Northern Virginia, some taxi drivers are volunteering their time to help voters get to the polls on Election Day.

Jessica Forres reports….

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Driving a mini-van, Mulugeta Yimer, a taxi driver, picks up a passenger at Braddock Metro Station in Alexandria.

[NAT: CAN YOU TAKE ME TO REGAL THEATER-YA]

His meter is on today, but on Tuesday he will turn it off. He and 23 cab drivers with Union Cooperative Cab will provide free transportation to voters on Election Day.

FIRST OF ALL IT'S A CIVIC DUTY, NUMBER TWO WHEN WE COME TO THIS COUNTRY THIS IS A FREEDOM FOR US TO HELP FOR ELECTION SO WE ARE HELPING THE PEOPLE HERE.

Yimer says he's orginally from Ethiopia and now a U.S. citizen.

By giving people free rides to the polls, he says, he can help them take part in the democratic process.

IN MY COUNTRY YOU DON'T HAVE A RIGHT TO VOTE IF YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO VOTE THEY ARE GOING TO ARREST YOU BECAUSE THE SAME PEOPLE WANT TO GET ELECTED EVERY YEAR YOU CANNOT CHANGE..IN THIS IS COUNTRY YOU HAVE FULL FREEDOM TO CHANGE THE PRESIDENT, THE COUNCIL MEMBERS, OR WHOEVER.

He says voters in need of transportation should call Union Cab.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Washington area motorists were in for a pleasant surprise over the weekend with the arrival of gas prices below the three dollar mark.

As Jessica Forres reports the falling prices put smiles on the faces of customers at one gas station in Frederick, Maryland.

Boomp3.com'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

[NAT: MAAM OVER HERE BEHIND THE VAN.]

Wearing a fluorescent, orange safety vest, Kathy Potthof directs traffic at the Costco gas station in Frederick...where the price of regular gasoline is two dollars and ninety two cents.

SINCE FRIDAY IT'S BEEN LIKE THIS UH IT WAS WORSE FRIDAY.

More than thirty cars waited in six lines to fill up Sunday afternoon. Erik Moore…a senior in high school…finally made it to the pump.

[NAT: GAS SOUND]

IT'S USUALLY LOWER THAN EVERYWHERE ELSE BUT I DIDN'T KNOW IT WOULD BE THIS LOW.

John Townsend is a spokesperson for Triple A Mid-Atlantic. He says the price of crude oil has plummeted in the last week…causing gas prices to follow suit.

AND IT'S CONCEIVABLE THAT IF CRUDE KEEPS DROPPING, WE MAY SEE GASOLINE PRICES AT 2.20, 2.30 A GALLON AND MAY BE VERY CLOSE TO TWO DOLLARS A GALLON.

The average price of gasoline in the Washington region is three dollars and thirty nine cents a gallon…down 19 cents since last month.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Louis Palmer…a man from Switzerland...is touring the world by car and has arrived in D.C.

He has driven through nearly 40 countries without spending a penny on gasoline.

Jessica Forres got to ride along with Palmer in his car…powered entirely by the sun.

LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

[NAT: Seat Belt Buckle. ]

Louis Palmer buckles up before driving his DOORLESS, two-seater "SolarTaxi". The tiny, blue and white painted car pulls a 16-foot-long trailer covered with solar cells.

IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO HAVE SOLAR CELLS ON THE CAR. LEAVE THEM ON THE TOP OF YOUR HOUSE WHERE THERE IS SPACE; WHEN YOU ARE AT HOME YOU FEED THE ELECTRICITY INTO YOUR BATTERY.

Palmer has driven more than 30-thousand miles in five continents since the summer of 2007. His mission is to show the world one solution to global warming.

THE TECHNOLOGY IS HERE BUT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW, THE GOVERNMENTS DON'T KNOW. NOBODY REALLY KNOWS ABOUT IT.

[NAT: I'M JUST INDICATING THAT I TURN TO THE RIGHT SO THIS CAR IS ACTUALLY AS SIMPLE AS ANY OTHER CAR; IT'S ACTUALLY EVEN MORE SIMPLE BECAUSE THERE'S NO CLUTCH AND NO GEAR...AND COMPARED TO ANOTHER CAR I HAVE THREE HORNS.]

He says it would cost about 10-thousand dollars to manufacture the car and about 5-thousand dollars for solar cells that would give the car enough power to travel about 15,000 miles a year.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

_______________________________________

Louis Palmer, a man from Switzerland, has driven through nearly five continents without stopping for gas.

He is here in D.C. and Jessica Forres got to ride in his car powered entirely by the sun.

LISTEN TO THE SECOND STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

[NAT: I DON'T THINK I'M GOING TO MAKE IT]

Louis Palmer has trouble reversing his innovative car...that's because it's towing a 16-foot long trailer covered in solar cells.

THE SOLAR PANNELS ARE NOW ON THE TRAILER JUST FOR THE WORLD TOUR THAT I CAN SHOW TO THE PEOPLE THAT IT'S REALLY SOLAR POWERED...BUT IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO HAVE SOLAR CELLS ON THE CAR. LEAVE THEM ON THE TOP OF YOUR HOUSE.

His mission is to teach people about solar technology … and it seems to be working.
Nilufer Oral, a student, gazes at the car.

WHAT IT SHOWED ACTUALLY, NUMBER ONE IF YOU HAVE A VISION YOU CAN DO IT AND YOU HEAR A LOT OF NAYSAYERS ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY BUT CLEARLY IT CAN BE DONE.

His next stop is Philadelphia.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News.

Biking is paying off for some employees in the Washington region.

Jessica Forres reports.

LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

For some, free parking and metro benefits are job perks. But for Angela Atwood-Moore, a biologist, it’s bike bucks…a program she started for commuters who cycle to work at the National Institutes of Health.

PEOPLE ARE SO HAPPY TO GET SOME MONEY BACK IN THEIR POCKET BUT THEY’RE ALSO REALLY HAPPY THAT CYCLING IS GETTING RECOGNIZED BY SOMEBODY.

She says employees get five bike bucks for every 1-hundred miles they commute, which they can cash in at two local bike stores.

[NAT: Bike noise]

At City Bikes in Bethesda, Shawn Blumenfeld says they have a similar program but with a few local companies.

AS A BIKE STORE IT’S WORTH OUR WHILE AT CITY BIKES TO CONTRIBUTE TO THAT KIND OF PROGRAM CUZ IT GETS THOSE COMMUTERSTHOSE EVERYDAY RIDERS INTO THE STORE.

Henry Mesias is with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. He says shower facilities and lockers are some other employee benefits.

LIKE YOU’RE SEEING WITH NIH THEY’RE STARTING TO BECOME MORE PRESENT BUT THEY’RE NOT AT WHAT THEY NEED TO BE YET.

Mesias says federal legislation allowing incentives for bikers has passed in the House. It still has to be approved by the Senate.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

What started off as one firefighter helping a friend has grown into a national cause.

Jessica Forres met up with local firefighters who are helping to raise money for muscular dystrophy.

LISTEN TO STORY 1 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

[NAT: AFTER THIS WE ARE GOING TO JUMP OVER ON THE CURB. FOOTSTEPS. WE ARE ALL GOING TO TAKE A LANE AND UH FILL THE BOOT.]

A driver...stopped at a red light on Wisconsin Avenue...drops a bill into the rubber boot Bethesda Firefighter Ty Dement is carrying.

[NAT: THANK YOU
YOU'RE WELCOME]

Jaime Lareau is with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She says firefighters across the U.S. have been collecting money for MDA since 1954...when a firefighter in Boston wanted to help his friend’s two crippled sons.

THAT FIREFIGHTER WHOSE NAME WAS GEORGE CRANEY ACTUALLY TOOK UP A CANISTER COLLECTION AND THEY WENT DOOR TO DOOR AND JUST COLLECTED THAT WAY AND MADE 5,000 DOLLARS. AND THEY REALIZED WHAT A HUGE IMPACT THEY COULD HAVE.

Last year, Fairfax County raised the most money nationwide, which is why Montgomery County is out in full force. Chevy Chase Firefighter Tony Bencosmy.

WE ALWAYS TRY TO COLLECT MORE MONEY THAN FAIRFAX. MAYBE IT’S A LITTLE BIT COMPETITIVE BUT IT’S FOR THE KIDS BUT WE ARE MOTIVATED BY THAT.

MDA’s Lareau says the campaign brings in about 35 million a year.

________________________________________________________

Local firefighters are hitting the streets to raise money for muscular dystrophy.

Jessica Forres reports…

LISTEN TO STORY 2 THAT AIRED ON WAMU RADIO

Michael Cohen lives in Prince William County….nine years ago he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.

MY MUSCLES ARE A LITTLE BIT WEAKER THAN THE KIDS MY AGE LIKE WHEN KIDS MY AGE WERE ALREADY WALKING, I WAS STILL CRAWLING.

This week, firefighters will be at intersections throughout the area collecting money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

I HAVE OTHER FRIENDS THAT ARE ALREADY IN WHEEL CHAIRS AND WITHOUT THEIR SUPPORT THEY WOULDN’T HAVE THE WHEEL CHAIRS BECAUSE THE WHEEL CHAIRS FOR THEM ARE 16,000 FOR ONE AND THEY NEED TWO.

Ron Mastin is Fairfax County’s Fire Chief.

WE COLLECTED MORE THAN ANY OTHER DEPARTMENT IN THE NATION SO OBVIOUSLY WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THAT. OF COURSE THAT SETS THE GOAL, THE TARGET FOR US AGAIN THIS YEAR

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

Metrorail is trying to accommodate shorter passengers by installing overhead handles on some trains.

Jessica Forres reports...

Metro’s Senior Program manager Jeff Pringle tours one of nearly 300 metro cars where new overhead handles will be installed and tested.

PRINGLE: IT’S EXCITING BECAUSE WE ARE GOING TO TRY AND GIVE SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE VERTICALLY CHALLENGED ANOTHER LOCATION TO HOLD ON TO.

It’s hard to believe Pringle….whose head grazes the ceiling when he walks down the metro car…is so passionate about the three handle designs made of nylon fabric, vinyl and spring-loaded stainless steel.

PRINGLE: WELL I THINK IT WAS NEEDED WE HEARD FROM PEOPLE WHEN WE REMOVED THE CENTER POLE FROM THE 6,000 SERIES THEY WANTED MORE HAND HOLDS.

But one metro rider Rosa Zulu...who is 5’3…says the hanging straps could be dangerous.

IT’S NOT A GOOD IDEA NO NOT AT ALL… JUST IN CASE DURING RUSH HOUR IT’S ALL PACKED AND THE TRAIN BREAKS AND PEOPLE USUALLY MOVE FORWARD BUT IT’S EASIER AND THE STRAPS MAY BREAK AND SOMEBODY FALLS.

Pringle says the new handles will cost about $500 dollars per rail car.

LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 NEWS

The District is holding a final meeting tonight on its plan to improve pedestrian safety, such as, marking crosswalks more clearly and extending sidewalks.

But some pedestrians think improvements will have a small impact on their safety.

Listen to the story

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DC's Department of Transportation has proposed to spend nearly 18 million dollars over the next ten years to improve pedestrian safety.

But some pedestrians and motorists are still unsure about current pedestrian safety laws

Listen to Story Two