photo by Bill Herndon
From WMATA: “Customers are being reminded that Metro’s oldest SmarTrip cards will no longer be accepted at faregates and fareboxes as of March 1. Those currently riding Metro or who plan to soon will need to replace their cards to travel on Metrorail or Metrobus after the deadline. (more…)
Thanks to Lauren and all who shared the adventures. Helluva ride: (more…)
photo by Beau Finley
From WMATA:
“Metro will increase rail service on the Red Line beginning Tuesday, February 22, building on recent weekday service improvements on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines to provide customers with more frequent and reliable service. (more…)
*This series features any pets in a backpack/bag/vessel. On metro, or not. Corgi, or not, and often NOT a corgi but the series started with corgis and I can be obstinate…send your finds to [email protected]
Thanks to Lisa for sending over the weekend: “Seen on the green line” (more…)
If you missed our look back on commemorative smartrip cards, you can see them here.
From WMATA:
“Metro today announced that Metrobus will return to regular weekday service on Monday, February 7. Metrobus has been operating on a modified Saturday schedule, offering approximately 75 percent of normal weekday service, since January 10 due to covid-related staffing shortages.
While Metro is still experiencing above-average absenteeism, case rates are declining and employees are returning to work following their quarantine requirements.”
and
“Faster, better faregates are making it easier for customers to tap, pay and ride Metro with installation now reaching nearly 50 percent of all stations, one-third of which are complete. This is part of Metro’s fare modernization program to improve the rail system’s faregates and fareboxes on Metrobus, along with other fare technology upgrades, including mobile pay on Apple iOS and Android.
In conjunction with the rollout of the new faregates, and bus fareboxes in late 2022, Metro announced last April that older SmarTrip® cards will be phased out. (more…)
Thanks to Steve for sending yesterday from Columbia Heights: “neat to see that the metro money train is still running, given all the train issues the last few months.”
photo by Master of All Metal
From WMATA:
“The public comment period for Metro’s Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget is officially open, and Metro’s Board of Directors wants the public’s input. Metro is encouraging the public to share feedback before the comment period ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15.
“Dear PoPville,
I’ve been stuck at my transfer station for over 20 minutes — I’m going to miss a meeting because it will take me an hour and fifteen minutes to go less than 5 miles.
I really really want to support public transit but the time tables are wrong, the trains are constantly late, and it’s so unpredictable I don’t know if I can keep using it for work. Are things going to get better? Can anyone talk me out of buying a vehicle?”
Ed. Note: Yesterday we posted about the upcoming retirement of WMATA General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld.
photo by Jeanette.Cook
From WMATA:
“Metro Board Chairman Paul C. Smedberg announced that General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld, age 66, gave notice today that he will retire from Metro in six months, after more than six years at the helm of the regional transit agency.
“Forty plus years in transportation teaches you that there is no set mile marker for this decision, but given the seismic shifts happening in transit and the region, Metro needs a leader who can commit to several years of service and set a new course.” Wiedefeld said. (more…)
photo by Eric P.
From WMATA:
“Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld said today he will not resume the placement of 7000-series trains into passenger service for about 90 days to allow Metro engineering and mechanical experts time to focus on root cause analysis and acquire technology to measure 7000-series wheelsets.
During the 90-day period, Metro will accelerate efforts to restore 6000-series railcars to increase the availability of newer cars in the fleet and improve reliability for customers. (more…)