Transit

What’s Up with the X2 Delays Lately?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’m wondering if you can help shed some light on what’s going on with the X2 bus line. For the entire week, buses have been running about 45 minute delays during evening rush hour, and the tracking app has been completely inaccurate. The WMATA page indicates only that buses will be detouring around H St and 1st NW, although the X2 and X9 buses have already been doing this for over a month.

I understand the X2 is known as one of the worst lines in the city (demonstrated by the recent urine incident and violent threat to a driver), but it’s also one of the busiest routes. If a recent traffic pattern change is resulting in the delays, WMATA needs to find an alternative immediately and restore service to the normal timetable.”

Side note: From Metro Transit police yesterday:

“A suspect arrested overnight by Metro Transit Police detectives for assaulting an X2 Metrobus operator with a Sterno can yesterday also is being charged in connection with two more serious cases.

Aric Lewis Holmes, 19, of Southeast DC was arrested by MTPD detectives and Crime Suppression Team members shortly after 10:30 p.m. yesterday in the area of Minnesota Avenue Metrorail Station. Detectives also arrested his associate John Webb McPhaul, 21, of Northeast DC.”

“WMATA reports delays on the red line at Farragut North subway station due to fire activity.”

By Prince Of Petworth

It had been 35 days since our last heads up…

From AlertDC:

“WMATA reports delays on the red line at Farragut North (1705 K St NW) subway station due to fire activity. FEMS is on scene investigating and track inspections are being conducted.”

WMATA reports:

“Red Line: Expect residual delays in both directions due to an earlier track problem outside Farragut North.”

“The new parking program is designed to address traffic and pedestrian safety concerns generated by the growing late-night activity at area restaurants and bars.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today announced plans to launch a nightlife parking demonstration on Connecticut Avenue NW beginning Thursday, October 19, 2017.

The new parking program is designed to address traffic and pedestrian safety concerns generated by the growing late-night activity at area restaurants and bars.

Under the parking demonstration project, DDOT will create part-time pick up and drop off zones during the nightlife hours. To accommodate this project, DDOT will prohibit parking from 10 pm Thursday night through 7 am Sunday morning on Connecticut Avenue NW from Rhode Island to DuPont Circle.

DDOT has worked in concert with the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Department of Public Works to implement the project. The program will be evaluated after one year.”

“approached the operator while the bus was moving and sprayed him in the face and body with Sunny Delight from a squeeze bottle”

By Prince Of Petworth

Rough run for WMATA bus drivers continues with this odd assault.

From WMATA:

“Metro Transit Police today arrested Allison Thomas, 24, of Northwest DC, for allegedly assaulting a Metrobus operator by spraying him with an orange beverage.

The incident began shortly after 5 p.m. aboard a W1-route Metrobus in the 4300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SW.

At the bus stop, a female, later identified as Thomas, boarded the bus with two children and began walking toward the rear of the vehicle. The bus operator pulled away from the stop, and Thomas immediately confronted the operator demanding to know why he pulled off before she was in her seat. (more…)

“Metro advises customers to expect fewer trains, possible crowding as safety concern is reviewed”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user nevermindtheend

So much for stopping the bleeding.

UPDATE:

“Metro has completed its review of a safety concern raised by ATU Local 689 regarding inspection procedures for an electrical component on 7000-series railcars. The review, conducted with Metro engineers and engineers from the railcar manufacturer, found that the inspection procedures currently in place are appropriate and consistent with manufacturer guidelines. As such, mechanical inspections of 7000-series railcars will resume this afternoon following additional safety briefings with employees to reinforce these procedures.

“Part of creating a safety culture means taking immediate action to address concerns raised by employees. If a concern cannot be immediately resolved or requires further investigation, sometimes additional steps–such as a safety stand-down–must be taken in an abundance of caution,” said Metro Chief Safety Officer Patrick Lavin. “We encourage the reporting of safety concerns, and thank our customers for their understanding as we place safety first.”

Overnight, consistent with Metro’s position that “safety trumps service,” the transit agency voluntarily initiated a “safety stand-down,” temporarily suspending mechanical inspections of 7000-series cars until the union’s concern could be reviewed. The action resulted in about 18 percent fewer trainsets being available for service this morning.

The resolution of this matter means approximately 20 additional 7000-series trains will be available for the afternoon rush hour, and customers can expect a relatively normal afternoon commute. (The proportion of six-car trains versus eight-car trains may be slightly higher than normal this afternoon as Metro works to resolve the inspection backlog and place more cars in service.)” (more…)

MPD Announces Street Closures around the Mall for the Insanity that Awaits us this Weekend

By Prince Of Petworth

From MPD:

“On Saturday, September 16, 2017, the District of Columbia will be hosting numerous special events in and around the National Mall. In conjunction with these events, there will be several street closures that motorists should take into consideration:
Street Closures

The following streets will be closed from 6 am to approximately 11 pm: (more…)

Today in People Driving Poorly

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Rebecca for sending this classic:

“This is on Independance and 12 at about 7pm on a weekday. People were going on the other side of the road to turn left………..”

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