Transit

BREAKING: “Metro is reducing service beginning Monday.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Bill Herndon

From WMATA:

“Metro and its Pandemic Task Force continue to work around the clock to support the region and slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Today, Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld directed his team to implement several new measures to strike an appropriate balance for Metro’s workforce and their families, our customers, and the region as a whole.

As of 2 p.m., Friday, March 13, Metro has further escalated its response to Phase 3 of its Pandemic Flu Plan. Phase 3 is the highest level of response and will include all subsequent mitigation steps required during the public health emergency. Metro expects to be at Phase 3 until further notice. Phase 4 is the “recovery phase” of the plan that involves Metro’s return to normal operations after the situation is under control.

Consistent with action taken by regional jurisdictions, Metro is implementing mandatory telework for administrative employees, combined with remote work assignments for selected employees whose job functions are not essential to operate trains and buses. This action is taken to maximize social distancing, a required mitigation to slow the spread of the disease. Members of Metro’s Pandemic Task Force are equipped with the latest technology tools to allow for full collaboration over secure video conferencing platforms.

To help protect employees and customers, and recognizing that many of Metro’s frontline employees are faced with tough choices as they balance work with their family priorities, including caring for children who are home from area schools, Metro is reducing service beginning Monday, as follows: (more…)

People have officially lost it

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader reports 12:45pm: “Someone on the tracks of the red line between Judy square and union station. He’s walking.
Just shut down third rail power. The train stopped for a minute or so when he got on the rail, and the conductor starting shouting through the PA system to get off the rail. Before that they had the lights on in the tunnel and were following him at a walking pace as he walked along the rail. I didn’t see him on the platform, and he disappeared like 100 yards before getting to union station. It turns out he got out on the platform and went up and out onto Mass ave.

“Metro is a ghost town”

By Prince Of Petworth

Kristin reports at 8:44am: “I mean traffic is always a little lighter on Fridays but never like this. First picture is Court House platform at 8:30am.

Next the 3rd car of the DC bound train, which even on Friday should be standing room only.

Then, Metro Center at 8:40am, taken from the Glenmont side. It’s really eerie.

On the plus side it means there’s seats or places to lean so no one has to touch the bars.”

Meanwhile on the bus: (more…)

“I would be curious to know what “service changes” could/would be put in place…”

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader writes in about a WMATA announcement, “A message to our customers regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)” they received this morning:

“I would be curious to know what “service changes” could/would be put in place… just not run the Metro at all? Not run certain lines or portions of lines? Yikes!”

The announcement says:

“Dear Metro Customer:

We know that Coronavirus is a profound concern for many people in our region, and I want to take a moment to let you know what Metro is doing to combat community spread of the virus.

Metro’s Pandemic Task Force has been working closely since January with public health officials and jurisdictional partners, as well as with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), whose guidance we are following. Their current advice is to stay close to home if you are over 60, or are not feeling well; and to wash your hands often. Also, people who are sick are asked not to take public transportation at this time.

In addition to the measures Metro takes every day, we’ve stepped up deep cleaning and disinfecting railcars, stations, bathrooms, buses, and MetroAccess vehicles. Our staged pandemic response plan includes preparing for any service changes that may be required based on the CDC’s guidance and regional public health requirements for our employees and customers. (more…)

“Top 10 Lost Items in DC Uber Rides” (Spoiler they’re exactly what you think they’d be but I need a break from crime and coronavirus)

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo completely unrelated to items lost by PoPville flickr user John Cochrane

From Uber:

“Top 10 Lost Items in DC Uber Rides:

  1. Phone/camera

  2. Wallet/purse

  3. Keys

  4. Backpack/bag/folders/box/luggage

  5. Clothing

  6. headphones/speakers

  7. Glasses

  8. Vape/e-cig

  9. Umbrella

  10. ID/license

Unique Items Forgotten in DC (more…)

Meanwhile at Union Station

By Prince Of Petworth

Alex sends just before 9am.

From WMATA: “Red Line Delay: Expect delays in both directions due a track problem outside Judiciary Square.

UPDATED: Red Line Delay: Expect residual delays in both directions due to an earlier track problem outside Judiciary Square.”

“Metro extends public comment period for FY2021 budget”

By Prince Of Petworth

From WMATA:

“Metro has extended the public comment period on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 budget for one week. Public feedback will be accepted online at wmata.com/budget or by mail through 9 a.m. on Monday, March 9.

The extension allows extra time for individuals to review the full 290-page budget book, parts of which have been updated to ensure full compatibility with screen reader technology for the visually impaired. The accessibility updates do not affect the content of the budget book, which has not changed.

The Board considers public comment prior to making key decisions about the budget, along with fare and service changes. Any Board-approved fare or service changes will begin on or around July 1, 2020. (more…)

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