“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.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user John M
“Dear PoPville,
‘Buses shouldn’t be standing room only at 6:50am. Bring back the accordion buses.’
I asked WMATA to bring back the accordion buses that disappeared around the time of the shutdown. I thought this response was interesting.” (more…)
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…)
Thanks to Mark for sending:
“A new LED billboard has been turned on in the tunnel at the 11th and G Street entrance at Metro Center. It joins the two billboards that were installed several months ago at the street level of the entrance.”
In other metro ad news a few readers report:
“Heard my first audio ad (for Some school/program at GWU and Megabus ads) on an S bus this morning–I vaguely remember hearing something about this a while ago, but had yet to encounter one until now. Was weird.”
Photo from Brookland by Keegan Bursaw
From DCPS:
“Due to weather conditions, all DCPS schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 14, 2019”
Photo by Svectacular
From Alert DC:
“WMATA / Metro reports bus service has been suspended until further notice due to hazardous road conditions. Buses already en route will continue to the end of the line and go out of service. For more information please visit the link here.
Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.
Update from Alert DC:
“DC Public Schools and Government will be closed tomorrow, January 14, 2019 due to the snow emergency.”
Update from OPM:
ONLY IN DC MOE🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/WNMAWiy5Xm
— One Love. (@RastaTahj) December 11, 2018
You think they put the X there by accident. Don’t even try to top the X2. No, never mind trying don’t even think about trying!! X2=C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S. Period.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Beau Finley
Alan Henney with another gem last night:
“METROBUS DISABLED AFTER STEERING WHEEL DETACHES– Massachusetts Ave at Ward Cir NW-DC. NO injuries. Need WMATA mechanic to respond.”
Jeff noted: “This backed up Massachusetts all the way to Macomb”
But Tony knows what’s up:
Glad to hear no injuries. God bless Keanu. pic.twitter.com/o3HjTwrnNW
— Tony Kowaleski (@Akowdc) November 15, 2018
“Dear PoPville,
A little kid left his stuffed turtle on the L2 bus and I’d like to try and get it back to him! At around 6:30pm Thursday 10/25 I was on the L2 bus traveling south toward Farragut square. I was sitting in the very back of the bus and a little boy (around age 3 or 4) got on the bus with his mother around the Van Ness area, they sat on the other side of the back of the bus. They got off at the stop right in front the Cleveland park library. A few stops later I noticed a little green stuffed turtle, which looked well loved, sitting on the seat.”
If its your child’s turtle please email [email protected] and I’ll put you in touch with OP.
Photo by PoPville Flickr user nevermindtheend
From WMATA:
“Metro is encouraging customers to participate in the 2018 Bus Passenger Survey, which begins today. Because Metro’s funding from local jurisdiction is based in part on jurisdiction of residence, the survey is used to determine how transit funding is allocated based among the cities and counties that Metro services. The survey also provides data on ridership and travel characteristics to help support Metro’s planning efforts and collects general demographic information as required by federal regulations.
Over the next four months, surveys will be distributed and collected aboard buses by trained research contractors throughout the Metrobus service area. (more…)
From WMATA:
“Metro is working to provide faster, better bus service by going cash-free on selected limited-stop MetroExtra routes and is seeking feedback from the public before implementing the change.
Passenger boarding and fare payment can take up to 25 percent of a bus route’s travel time. Research shows that cash payments take significantly longer than SmarTrip® taps, and takes even longer when customers add value to a SmarTrip card at the farebox. These transactions cause the bus to hold longer at the bus stop, resulting in a longer trip for all riders.
On designated cash-free routes, customers pay fare with a pre-loaded SmarTrip® card only. Cash and coins are not accepted and customers cannot add value to their SmarTrip card at the farebox. This makes boarding quicker because customers simply tap their card and board, instead of conducting more time-consuming transactions.
Metro is currently conducting a cash-free pilot program on a single route, the 79 MetroExtra along Georgia Ave/7th Street NW. The six-month pilot project runs through December 2018.
Metro is considering going cash-free on the following limited-stop routes: (more…)