Thanks to Lena for sending: “I saw this on the X1 this morning. Eggshells, salt packets, and a 6 pack of stone ice. Good morning DC?”
Still better than sitting next to someone clipping their nails I say!!
“Dear PoPville,
Wondering if any readers can help me with some good old fashioned sleuthing.
I’ve been cycling in the city for about 6 years now and had my first wreck after a run in with a metro bus. I’m hoping someone onboard witnessed what happened.
On Monday, April 1st around 6:15pm I was biking northbound on Rhode Island Ave NW just past 6th St NW when I noticed the metrobus behind me (likely G9, given the time/place, but I didn’t see the number) was getting pretty close to my rear tire and traveling as a faster speed than I was. The light at New Jersey was green, and I don’t believe the bus driver saw me as they sped up to continue thru the intersection (I was on the right hand side of the right lane since bikes share the road on this part of Rhode Island Ave). Rather than get rear-ended on a bike, I attempted to avoid a crash by entering the driveway of the Valero, but the uneven ground caught my tire and sent me flying. The bus continued on without stopping, and I got a 1-way ticket to the ER, complete with a broken elbow, sprains, and a pretty impressive black eye. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown
From WMATA:
“Metrobuses now get the green light ahead of other traffic at six key intersections in the District of Columbia. New “bus only” traffic signals allow buses to proceed through the intersections before the standard traffic signals turn green, allowing the bus to proceed ahead of other vehicles. The technology, known as “queue jump,” is part of a package of improvements designed to speed bus trips and keep service on time.
The new signal system gives priority to transit vehicles by displaying a short “proceed” indication on the “bus only” signal before providing a green light to other vehicles. The system enhances safety allowing the bus to pull away from the bus stop without relying on other motorists to yield to the bus.
“This is a major step forward to provide faster, safer, and more reliable bus service for thousands of daily Metrobus riders,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld. “I want to thank our partners at the District Department of Transportation for their support of the program, and we look forward to expanding this technology to other intersections in the future.”
“DDOT is committed to improving the transportation network across the District and under Mayor Bowser’s leadership we’ll continue to support more reliable bus service for residents by embracing technology as a way to reduce congestion and improve bus times,” said District Department of Transportation Director Jeff Marootian.
The six locations where the new signals are active are: (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user nevermindtheend
Liz reported yesterday:
“I guess wmata has really stepped up enforcement. Husband put $40 on his SmarTrip card this morning. Card reader on bus just now showed $0.55 on card. Driver let him on bus, but called metro police. $50 ticket later, husband is walking home. WTF? (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.
From the Mayor’s Office:
“Today, while celebrating three years of the DC Streetcar, Mayor Bowser extended free rides on the DC Circulator through March 31, announced a new partnership to give free annual Capital Bikeshare memberships to District veterans, and called on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to restore full rail service.
“When we increase access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options, we give more Washingtonians a fair shot,” said Mayor Bowser. “While the District is doing a fantastic job providing residents and visitors with a range of ways to move around our city, we know we can’t do it alone: we need Metro working at full capacity. We need a world-class Metro system that meets the needs of a world-class city.”
The free Capital Bikeshare memberships for District veterans are made possible through a partnership between Capital Bikeshare’s Community Partner Program and the Mayor’s Office on Veteran’s Affairs (MOVA). (more…)
Massive bus incident on 16th & Columbia?! @PoPville pic.twitter.com/TnEM0jPJHg
— Warren He (@GermanatorDC) February 22, 2019
redacted also reports:
“H1 bus seemingly broken down in the middle of turning from Columbia onto Connecticut. My 42 was tipped off by a delivery driver so we made a very tight detour down a side street and managed to avoid it. None of the other buses were so lucky”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Mathew Friedman
“Dear PoPville,
The last several weeks the next bus arrival website (and apps using Metro’s data) have been WAY off.
1. Bus location and arrival data routinely doesn’t show up–it’s like every other bus is a ghost, totally invisible.
2. When bus arrival data shows up, it bounces around substantially. For example, I checked the website app at 8:10 a.m. and saw the bus was supposed to show up in 15 minutes (8:25 a.m.). When I checked again at 8:15 a.m., the bus was 2 minutes away, arriving at 8:17 a.m. That’s nuts. The ETAs are insanely inaccurate when they are listed.
Fellow bus riders have noticed the same problem (we’ve had plenty of time to compare/vent while waiting for buses). Has anyone else noticed this? What might have caused this (it used to be SO accurate!)? How can we get it fixed?”
“Dear PoPville,
I was walking down Connecticut this morning when I heard a large explosion sound coming from the intersection at Columbia Rd. I turned to see the driver of a 43 bus getting off the bus to examine the bus. Thankfully, another 43 pulled up moments later, and all of the passengers from the first bus offloaded and boarded the much coveted 43.”
A couple jumps into the rear doors of the Circulator bus as the doors closes… they didn’t quite make it.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.
Ed. Note: I will never not use this photo when we speak about the Circulator. Also, sweet.
From the Mayor’s Office on Friday:
“Today, as part of her #FairShotFebruary campaign, Mayor Bowser announced that all rides on the DC Circulator will be free from January 28, 2019 until February 28, 2019. The DC Circulator provides public transportation to many of the District’s main attractions and connects residents and visitors to business, culture, and entertainment corridors. (more…)
