Transit

“Metrobus implements rear-door boarding systemwide, starting Tuesday”

By Prince Of Petworth

From WMATA:

“While emphasizing that bus service is limited to essential trips only, Metro is taking additional action to enhance the safety of its frontline workforce by implementing rear-door boarding across the Metrobus system, effective Tuesday, March 24. Several other U.S. transit systems have already implemented rear-door boarding in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Starting tomorrow, all Metrobus riders are asked to enter and exit the bus using the rear door at all times, except anyone needing the ADA boarding ramp (e.g. people using wheelchairs), or anyone requesting the bus to “kneel” to facilitate their boarding. (more…)

DC National Guard to help enforce Mayor Bowser’s Decision to “extend road closures and take additional measures to restrict access to the Tidal Basin”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“As the District continues working to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Mayor Muriel Bowser is extending road closures and taking additional measures to restrict access to the Tidal Basin. The Mayor has directed the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to work with the DC National Guard to enforce a restricted access zone around the Tidal Basin until further notice to ensure social distancing and prevent further community transmission of COVID-19. Further, pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be restricted in the area of the National Mall. Members of the public will not be able to enter the Jefferson Memorial or the National Mall in the area bounded by 14th Street to 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue to Independence Avenue, SW.

In coordination with the National Park Service, MPD will continue street closures from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. at the following locations: (more…)

Major Street (and Bridge) Closures Today “To help flatten the curve, we strongly discourage any Tidal Basin visits because social distancing has not been possible due to visitor volume.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Map via Deputy Mayor Donahue

From MPD:

“On Sunday, March 21, 2020, in coordination with the National Park Service, the Metropolitan Police Department will make several street closures beginning at 7:00 a.m. through approximately 8:00 p.m at the following locations:

The Memorial Bridge
Lincoln Memorial Circle
Potomac River Freeway (all exits to Ohio Drive and Independence Avenue)
Rock Creek Parkway/Potomac Parkway Drive between Virginia Avenue and Independence Avenue, SW (to include Ohio Drive, SW)
Independence Avenue between Ohio Drive and 14th Street, SW
23rd Street between Constitution Avenue and Lincoln Memorial Circle
Henry Bacon Drive between Constitution Avenue and Lincoln Memorial Circle (more…)

Yeah, Don’t Ride Metro This Weekend (unless you are working)

By Prince Of Petworth

From WMATA:

“BREAKING: Metro makes additional reductions this weekend due to workforce availability challenges; trains every 30 minutes, supplemental bus trips cancelled

Due to workforce availability challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak, Metro is making additional adjustments to this weekend’s service, Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, 2020: (more…)

“DDOT and DPW Announce Parking and Service Adjustments”

By Prince Of Petworth


Silver lining is those God forsaken reversible lanes during rush hour have been suspended

From a press release:

“The District of Columbia Government has modified its operations in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the District Department of Public Works (DPW) have modified several operations, systems and services.

District Department of Transportation (DDOT)

  • All rush hour parking restrictions will be suspended effective Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 a.m.
  • Rush hour reversible lanes operations on Connecticut Avenue and 16th Street NW will be suspended effective Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 a.m. Reversible lanes operations on Independence Avenue and Canal Road will continue to operate as normal during the morning and evening rush hours. DDOT will use dynamic message boards to communicate these changes to the traveling public.
  • Effective immediately, the DC Circulator is suspending fares on all routes during the declared public health emergency. Additionally, effective Thursday, March 19, the DC Circulator will suspend service on the National Mall Route. Suspension of fares allows passengers to board the bus from all doors in support of social distancing practices recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Passengers who require wheelchair access may still use the front door to board.

(more…)

“URGENT: METRO SERVICE FURTHER REDUCED TO SUPPORT “ESSENTIAL TRIPS ONLY” –EFFECTIVE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY)”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Elvert Barnes

From WMATA:

“Metro’s Pandemic Task Force today announced major service reductions during the ongoing pandemic response. The changes further draw-down service to protect frontline employees, while maintaining regional mobility for essential trips taken by hospital staff, government officials, and emergency responders. The reduction takes into account the urgent public guidance from regional leaders, along with emergency orders to cancel events, close schools and offices, and limit social gatherings across the nation.

Our region is speaking with one voice: Stay home. Essential travel only.

Metro ridership was down nearly 70 percent across the board yesterday. (more…)

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