Photo by PoPville flickr user Lorie Shaull
“Dear PoPville,
Anyone else having difficulty with the 52 and 54 northbound? There have been people of all ages here at 14th and Irving waiting on either a 52 or 54 since 2:10 (it’s currently 2:50).
Checking my Metro app – all of us here have been ghosted by 3 buses.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Phil
“Dear PoPville,
I am writing to find out whether any of your readers have any advice on the most effective way to petition WMATA to change its policy regarding strollers on its buses. I recently had a horrible experience on a bus with my stroller and would like to find out why WMATA does not allow unfolded strollers on its buses, as many other metropolitan cities do. I understand from a September 2018 GGW article that WMATA may have considered changing its policy for umbrella strollers but either has not yet, or decided not to. Any advice? See my complaint to WMATA below. (more…)
Photo by Tom Lalley
Tom writes:
“A festering problem in DC: idling tour buses, often parked illegally, often in residential neighborhoods. The driver of this bus said the road was blocked (it wasn’t) and there was nowhere else to park.”
I also noticed the below near the zoo: (more…)
Photo by Andrew Bailey
D’oh! While there were reports of enforcement witnessed this is quite the picture. Thanks to Andrew for sending at 9am this morning:
“I don’t think this is how these new red bus lanes on I St. NW are supposed to work…
Seems to still be some confusion…the sign says right-turns are OK, but how about when there are bus stops at the same corner? Then again, DC isn’t known for having the clearest signage…”
Ed. Note: These dedicated bus lanes are set for AM Peak: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM
PM Peak: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM. Since this was the first day hopefully continued enforcement will help work out the kinks. If this is indeed a kink.
Thanks to D for sending yesterday from “H street, rush hour.”
Ed. Note: We checked out the new H and I Street bus lanes yesterday.
All the info about the bus lanes from DDOT: (more…)
Photo by Raka Choudhury
Raka reported over the weekend:
“In case you’re wondering what’s going on here, we’re installing bus lanes in downtown Washington, DC today! H & I (Street) Bus Lanes” (more…)
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…)