14422713153_dc1754540e_z
Photo by PoPville flickr user JEO Photography

From WMATA:

Red Line
Trains every 12-24 minutes

Red Line trains will operate as follows throughout the weekend:

Between Shady Grove & Glenmont every 24 minutes
Between Grosvenor & Judiciary Square: every 12 minutes Saturday & Sunday from 9AM-9PM only

Work Performed: Rail, tie and insulator renewal between Shady Grove and Twinbrook; insulator, fastener, fence and light pole replacement between Judiciary Square and Rhode Island Avenue (more…)


From DDOT:

“There will be a new two-way traffic pattern implemented on New Hampshire Avenue, between M Street and Washington Circle, starting on or about Tuesday, June 17, 2014.

This traffic pattern change is a key milestone as DDOT moves toward the completion of its New Hampshire Avenue Streetscape Project. The new two-way traffic pattern will help facilitate bike travel on the two new bike lanes along the corridor and improve connections for motorists and local businesses.

Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be in place to advise drivers, cyclists and pedestrians about the change on this corridor from a one-way to two-way traffic pattern. Travelers who frequent this section of New Hampshire Avenue NW are urged to stay alert and use caution in the area.”


metro_random_searches
Notice from 2010

“Dear PoPville,

My brother was stopped by authorities at Eastern Market metro station yesterday for a random security check before getting onto the platform. His bag was searched, sniffing dogs roamed, and this hands wiped for gun powder residue, much like what we experience at security lines in airports.

Have you or your readers seen or heard of this before? Will this become the norm?”

Ed. Note: Metro Transit Police have been doing random searches since at least 2008. We also spoke about random inspections in 2010.


dc_streetcar_plans

From DDOT:
“If you can’t make our meetings but have opinions on the North-South options, email us at [email protected].”

“The North-South study phase is wrapping up! Please join us for our third series of public meetings to see what analysis has been done and to provide feedback. We’ll be analyzing four remaining alternatives in detail.

DC Streetcar June2014-Four Alternatives (PDF)

Thursday, June12, 2014; 3:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Presentations at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Emery Recreation Center
5701 Georgia Ave NW

And thank you to everyone who came to our previous series of public meetings! We appreciate your time and feedback. Summaries from Public Meeting Series 1 and 2 are posted online.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is continuing to conduct a planning study to examine opportunities for public transportation improvements in the North-South corridor from the Takoma/Silver Spring area to the Buzzard Point/Southwest area.

The study area is focused on a 9-mile corridor that includes most of the inner Southwest, crosses the National Mall, and in generally bound by 14th Street and 5th Street NW. For evaluation purposes, the study area will be divided into three different areas:

North: Takoma/Silver Spring generally to Georgia Avenue/Petworth Metro station area;
Central: Georgia Avenue/Petworth Metro Station area to the Downtown; and
South: Downtown to the SW Waterfront/Buzzard Point area.

Study Process

Over the next year, DDOT will be conducting a Phase 1: Planning study, in collaboration with the community, area businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders to identify and analyze alternatives to improve transit service and capacity in the corridor.

At the end of the study, DDOT will identify alternatives for further evaluation in the Phase 2: Environmental review process.

Check out our Project Library for more information and materials!”

Of course if the proposed 2015 budget moves forward…


dc_metro_track_work
Photo by PoPville flickr user jiconoclast

From WMATA:

Red Line
Trains every 10-20 minutes

Red Line trains will operate as follows from 10 p.m. Friday through closing Sunday:

Between Shady Grove & Glenmont: Every 20 minutes throughout the weekend
Between Grosvenor & NoMa-Gallaudet: Every 10 minutes from 9AM-9PM on Saturday and 9AM-10PM on Sunday

Work Performed: Insulator and fastener renewal, and fence and light pole replacement between NoMa-Gallaudet and Rhode Island Avenue; switch replacement at Shady Grove. (more…)


Screen Shot 2014-06-06 at 10.20.36 AM

Rock Creek Parkway Afternoon Traffic

Dear PoPville,

Can we stop the line cutting?

Every day, during the afternoon rush hour on Rock Creek Parkway, a line forms from the Mass. Ave. exit up towards the zoo. There’s a long slow line, with many patient drivers trying to get home. However, there are so many people who cut in at the last minute causing a whole lotta horn-honking and angry bitter drivers. Is there anyway to start a campaign, perhaps with a temporary sign that says “Respect your fellow driver. Don’t cut the line.”

I’ve seen police pull people over for cutting in at the last minute, but they aren’t there enough to make an impact. It’s so aggravating.”


6331017350_98698a4506_z
Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99

“Dear PoPville,

Last night, heading North on the Red Line (towards Grosvenor, etc.), I had the best driver I’ve ever had during a Metro problem (the person struck by a train at Bethesda). My driver, who hopefully can be identified by the fact that we were heading north and arrived at Friendship at approximately 6:04 pm, was outstanding in terms of clearly, audibly and regularly telling his passengers what was happening, what would happen and when things changed. He was clear, sufficiently loud, made regular announcements and provided us with the best information I have ever received during an incident. (I ride the Red line twice a day, every week day, so I have had my share of incidents.) I hope hears how much his hard work was appreciated – I’ve submitted a comment to Metro, but wanted to post it here, as well. Thank you.”


hertz_on_demand_dc
Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99

“Dear PoPville,

I went online this morning to reserve a car using Hertz On Demand car sharing service. The system showed every car in DC was booked. I followed up with a call to customer service and was told Hertz On Demand is no longer operating in DC. This service operated much like Zip Cars, but had no annual fee. I thought you might want to make your readers aware of the situation so they could avoid finding out when they need a car.”

Another reader writes:

“I was wondering why I couldn’t find a Hertz 24/7 car all weekend (a zipcar competitor) and after tweeting them, they sent me this email, indicating that they’re closing down in DC. Apparently they didn’t find it important to notify their customers of their closing otherwise…”

I’ll be honest I didn’t even know they were an option. In searching the archives I found this question from the forum:

“I’m curious if anyone out there has actually been able to get a car through Hertz on Demand? I’ve tried to use my membership twice but both times when I’ve shown up the car was nowhere to be found. Hertz on Demand customer service has been a nightmare to deal with – they don’t seem to have anyone local. Do they even really have cars here or just a google map showing where cars might be? Has anyone ever even seen an actual Hertz on Demand Car – I’m beginning to think they are like the Yeti except I think finding a Yeti more likely…”


silver_line_metro_map

“Dear PoPville,

I saw this on the train on my way home from work on Friday. Surprised to see it officially posted already, especially since the Silver Line doesn’t open for a while yet. Any idea why Metro would already be putting these up?”

Readers first started spotting silver line signage back in January. But since they are shooting for a summer opening and last week “Metro took control of the first phase of the Silver Line…Metro has up to 90 days for testing and training prior to opening the line for passenger service this summer.”

So I guess better early than late. Or maybe – if you will it, it is no dream…?


View More Stories