“Dear PoPville,

As rush hour commuters may know, the recent construction at the Kennedy Center has caused mammoth headaches for those of us using Rock Creek Parkway. The morning rush in the past few weeks has been particularly bad — Thursday morning, the two lanes headed south toward Memorial Bridge/Independence were backed up almost to P Street.

Most of this seems to stem from confusion about the adjusted rush hour traffic pattern configuration, in which the right southbound lane is closed once you reach the edge of the Kennedy Center. To make up for this, cars in that right lane are supposed to merge into the left southbound lane, while cars driving in the left southbound lane are supposed to cross through an opening in median into the unused northbound lane and continue on their merry way. (more…)



Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

From WMATA:

“Metrobuses now get the green light ahead of other traffic at six key intersections in the District of Columbia. New “bus only” traffic signals allow buses to proceed through the intersections before the standard traffic signals turn green, allowing the bus to proceed ahead of other vehicles. The technology, known as “queue jump,” is part of a package of improvements designed to speed bus trips and keep service on time.

The new signal system gives priority to transit vehicles by displaying a short “proceed” indication on the “bus only” signal before providing a green light to other vehicles. The system enhances safety allowing the bus to pull away from the bus stop without relying on other motorists to yield to the bus.

“This is a major step forward to provide faster, safer, and more reliable bus service for thousands of daily Metrobus riders,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld. “I want to thank our partners at the District Department of Transportation for their support of the program, and we look forward to expanding this technology to other intersections in the future.”

“DDOT is committed to improving the transportation network across the District and under Mayor Bowser’s leadership we’ll continue to support more reliable bus service for residents by embracing technology as a way to reduce congestion and improve bus times,” said District Department of Transportation Director Jeff Marootian.

The six locations where the new signals are active are: (more…)



Photo by PoPville flickr user Jordan Barab

From MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in reference to a Fourth Degree Sexual Abuse offense that occurred on Sunday, March 17, 2019, in the 1600 block of Irving Street, Northwest.

At approximately 1:15 am, the victim entered what she believed was a vehicle for hire in the 900 block of U Street Northwest. While inside of the suspect’s vehicle, the suspect inappropriately touched the victim in the 1600 block of Irving Street Northwest. The victim exited the vehicle and the suspect fled the scene.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a white four door sedan.

Anyone who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.”



Photo by PoPville flickr user Beau Finley

From WMATA:

“Metro has issued a request for proposals to provide discounted on-demand transportation for late-night employees during hours when Metrorail is closed. Under a one-year pilot program, Metro would subsidize trips taken with ride-hailing or taxi companies during late-night hours to support more cost-effective options for eligible workers, primarily in the hospitality and health care industries.

The on-demand service will be offered seven days a week for trips within Metro’s service area between midnight and 4 a.m. Metro would pay the first $3 of the fare, up to a maximum of 10 trips per week per registered rider. The budget for the one-year pilot will be capped at $1 million. (more…)



via Capital Bikeshare

From a press release:

“Capital Bikeshare announced today that it will expand its fleet of electric Capital Bikeshare Plus bikes to 500 under the pilot program which began in September 2018. The original pilot had 85 electric bikes. The ebikes – which are pedal-assist – provide an electric boost up to speeds of 18 mph and make it easier than ever to climb hills and travel longer distances. Early results from the program have shown the bikes to be very popular and will help riders get around the DC Metro area quickly and easily.

The additional ebikes will be added to the system beginning March 18 and gradually increased over several weeks. Because the ebikes have a higher cost than classic bikes and in order to support this new product and related operations, Capital Bikeshare is introducing a $1 unlock fee per ebike ride for riders beginning April 15. Riders who are eligible for Financial Assistance Programs will not be charged the fee. (more…)



Photo by PoPville flickr user wolfpackWX

Ed. Note: Peak bloom was announced for April 3rd-6th.

From WMATA:

“Metro is planning to welcome area residents and visitors traveling during the busy Cherry Blossom season with a four-week suspension of almost all weekend track work beginning Saturday, March 23. Many of Metro’s highest ridership days occur during Cherry Blossom season when weekend ridership can nearly double. (more…)


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