Transit

“Later this month, Metro will begin work to install a specially designed canopy over the north entrance of Dupont Circle station”

By Prince Of Petworth


via WMATA

From WMATA:

“Later this month, Metro will begin work to install a specially designed canopy over the north entrance of Dupont Circle station, the transit authority announced today. The canopy will enhance safety and convenience by protecting riders from precipitation on the system’s sixth longest escalators, which are 190 feet long and rise 95 vertical feet from the station mezzanine to street level.

When installation is complete early next year, the canopy will protect customers and the escalators themselves from the negative impacts of rain, ice, and snow, which have fallen into the original escalators since the station opened in 1977. Current escalator regulations require that any new escalators be covered from the elements, so installation of a canopy will allow for the eventual replacement of the escalators when they reach the end of their useful current service life.

Dupont Circle’s north entrance’s unique size and shape posed an engineering and design challenge because it is significantly larger than other Metro station entrances. (more…)

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are proactively removing the electric bikes from service for the time being.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

From Capital Bikeshare:

“Since Capital Bikeshare first deployed electric bikes last year, riders have taken thousands of rides and shared with us incredibly helpful and overwhelmingly positive feedback.

However, we recently received a small number of reports from riders who experienced stronger than expected braking force on the front wheel. (more…)

“Capital Bikeshare customer service is now supported by Lyft”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Not sure if you are aware of this, capital bike share is now supported by lyft. Try finding a phone number for support in the app. I’m not a big fan of this new relationship, can we expect random price increases similar to Jump? Perhaps is this the reasoning for the $1 surcharge for ebikes?”

Ed. Note: Lyft posted in July 2018:

“We are excited to announce that Lyft has reached a transformative agreement to acquire Motivate [who runs Capital bikeshare], the largest bikeshare operator in North America. Together Lyft and Motivate will revolutionize urban transportation and put bikeshare systems across the country on a path toward growth and innovation.”

Has anyone noticed a difference since then?

Starting Tonight Get A Free Drink and 20% off your Lyft home from 8 Hilton Brothers (and co.) Bars Every Thursday through July 4th

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Mackenzie for passing on from Lyft:

“We’ve teamed up with eight of DC’s most popular bars to offer you exclusive access to curated drinks and discounted rides!

Enjoy a free speciality drink and 20% off your ride home from these participating locations, every Thursday night starting April 11: (more…)

“Wondering if you know anything about the coming Rock Creek Parkway closures?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Wondering if you know anything about the Rock Creek Parkway closure? The sign says “Parkway Closed April 19-20 and May 9-16th. Oh DR to VA Ave Follow Detour” (Sorry, when I tried just taking a picture the letters were weird like taking a photo of a computer screen.)

Not sure how big of a stretch will be closed, but there’s nothing I can find online. That is already a traffic nightmare over there by the Kennedy Center in the mornings from construction.”

Anyone know what’s up? Just construction related? Whatever the reason, be sure to steer clear!

“Dangerous encounter at Columbia Heights station near closing”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Wanted to alert you and others about an individual (see red shirt) that accosted my girlfriend and I as we tried to enter the Columbia Heights metro station after an otherwise nice night out. Official reports filed with WMATA too, of course. It was near closing so the gates were partially up and thus limited egress into station. Individual in question blocked our way at the bottom of the escalator and menacingly stared us down while mumbling and grunting. (more…)

Starting Thursday JUMP Bikes and Scooters will be the same price

By Prince Of Petworth

Yesterday we learned that JUMP (and Uber) was launching their scooters in D.C.

Marco writes this morning:

“We can’t take these companies seriously as they insinuate themselves into our cities as viable transportation options and then double their prices with one day’s notice.”

Ed. Note: For bikes it used to be $2 ride for 30 minutes and then .07/minute. I asked Marco to do the math on that, because I was told there would be no math today, and he replied:

“I guess from a customer perspective the “break even” is 13 minutes, so it’s a net loss to customers if the average rides are above that. But my bigger issue is the one day notice over email as it pertains to the city treating them as a transportation asset.”

“Uber announces the launch of dockless electric scooter service JUMP in Washington, D.C.”

By Prince Of Petworth


courtesy UBER

From a press release:

“Today, Uber announces the launch of dockless electric scooter service JUMP in Washington, D.C. The addition of e-scooters brings another transportation option to the Uber app and helps create a one-stop-shop for riders, whether their destination is a few blocks, a few miles, or across town. JUMP scooters are electric, making it easier for riders to get around the city without breaking a sweat this spring.

The expansion of JUMP in the city is part of Uber’s commitment to bringing together multiple modes of transportation choices – offering safe, affordable options for first and last mile solutions. Free helmets will be distributed through Gearin’ Up Bicycles until May 7. (more…)

View More Stories