Sadly a reader reports:
“Saw these human feces an hour later after the 5pm post. The train had turned around at Reston and made it all the way too Farragut West. When she alerted the station manager, they weren’t aware of the issue. Why does it take that long (1+ Hour) to clean up after being properly notified? Apparently, WMATA still doesn’t have their shit together.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Beau Finley
From WMATA:
“Metro’s Board of Directors today approved the Rush Hour Promise program, a first-of-its-kind service guarantee for Metro customers. Beginning with tomorrow morning’s rush hour commute, on Friday, January 26, if a Metrorail or Metrobus customer using a registered SmarTrip® card is delayed by 15 minutes or more, Metro will credit the customer’s SmarTrip card for future travel.
The service guarantee comes at a time of improved reliability, demonstrating Metro’s progress getting “back to good.” Nearly 90 percent of customers now arrive at their destination on time as a result of Metro’s investment in new trains, enhanced maintenance programs and renewed track infrastructure. Trips exceeding the 15-minute delay threshold are extremely rare, accounting for less than one percent of trips on many days.
“Rush Hour Promise is our commitment to riders that we are accountable for providing reliable, on-time service,” said Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We want our customers to know that we value their time, and we’re going to do everything we can to keep them moving safely and efficiently.”
For rail customers, the program is automated — a first in the transit industry. During weekday rush hours, if a customer’s trip takes 15 minutes or longer than the expected travel time range, measured from the time the customer “taps in” to the system to the time they “tap out,” Metro will automatically issue a credit to the customer’s SmarTrip card. For customers paying with stored value or using SmartBenefits, the credit will cover the full value of the delayed trip.
Almost all common causes of delays are covered under the Rush Hour Promise, including mechanical issues, track problems, police activity and sick customers. Rail customers eligible for a credit will be notified by email the next business day and a credit will be issued to their SmarTrip card within 5 business days.
The Rush Hour Promise includes Metrobus service, as well, covering delays of 15 minutes or more caused by mechanical problems or “no show” buses. Because bus customers do not “tap out” at the end of their trip, a simple online form is provided where customers can request Rush Hour Promise credit. After confirming the delay, a credit will be applied to the customer’s registered SmarTrip card. To participate in Rush Hour Promise, all a customer needs is a registered SmarTrip card. Registration is free at wmata.com/SmarTrip and has the added benefit of protecting the value on the card in case of loss or theft.
There are a handful of circumstances where the Rush Hour Promise does not apply
: (more…)
I’m not sure if this was an official map, but it’s worth noting that the District and MD/VA county lines are not shown, as they are in the current map.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.
“Dear PoPville,
I take the Green/Yellow lines from Gallery Place up to Petworth to come home from work everyday. And one question I’ve had for years is why there are so many trains whose last stop is Mount Vernon Square.
I’m sure there’s a reason — either the cars get stored there or they get turned around to go another direction or something. Maybe someone knows.
All I know is that it’s incredibly frustrating when there are multiple trains to amount Vernon Square in a row — which can leave you waiting up to 15 minutes for a train in the most extreme cases.
Anyone know why they stop at Mount Vernon Square?”
Photo by Alan Devlin
From WMATA:
“Red Line update (final): All repairs completed, personnel & equipment clear. Inspections and test trains run. At this time, two-track service has resumed between Farragut North & Judiciary Square.”
Photo by DC Fire and EMS
Marcus reported around 8am:
“everyone at metro center was told no red line toward shady grove and put on shuttles. At least 50+ cop cars and ambulances around. What’s going on this early?”
Photo by Alan Devlin
WMATA reported:
“Red Line Incident: Approx 6:40 a.m., a Red Line train carrying 60 passengers derailed outside Farragut North Station. No injuries reported. Emergency personnel on scene. Shuttle buses are running in place of trains, both directions, btwn Dupont Circle & Judiciary Square.”
“Red Line Incident (update 1): All passengers have been safely evacuated from the derailed train. No injuries. Red Line service is operating in two sections: Shady Grove to Dupont, and Glenmont to Judiciary Sq. Shuttle buses run between Dupont and Judiciary Sq.”
From AlertDC 10am: (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Elvert Barnes
“Dear PoPville,
Is there a consensus on the most accurate app to track bus and metro arrivals? I’ve used different apps before but they all periodically seem to stop working. It would be great to have a good schedule so I’m not sitting forever or conversely walking to the stop as the bus whizzes by.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.
From WMATA:
“Metro is reminding customers that, beginning Monday, January 8, SmarTrip® cards will not allow “negative balances” on Metrorail and Metrobus. Customers are reminded to resolve any negative balances on their cards, and ensure that they have adequate funds to pay for their travel.
Customers are encouraged to sign up for Auto Reload through their SmarTrip account to ensure that they always have funds on their SmarTrip card. Auto Reload automatically adds value whenever a card’s balance drops below $10.”
The PA on the Gallery Place / Chinatown Red Line platform is streaming the @iHeartRadio smooth jazz feed. @PoPville @wmata. pic.twitter.com/vdxGnhHodw
— Puck Buddys (@PuckBuddys) January 4, 2018
hahaha awesome or awful?
Photo by PoPville flickr user Beau Finley
From WMATA:
“Blue/Orange Line: Single tracking btwn Smithsonian & McPherson Sq due to a track problem outside McPherson Sq. Delays in both directions.”
Alan Henney reports:
“CRACKED RAIL just now between McPherson Square and Metro Center, DC, expect delays.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Pablo Raw
From WMATA:
“Metro today announced special late-night rail service until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, three hours later than normal Sunday closing hours, to provide customers a safe transportation alternative.
In addition, there will be no scheduled maintenance on New Year’s Eve after 6 p.m. or on New Year’s Day. (more…)