Transit

H Street Now Permanently Energized, Literally, So Don’t Go Climbing After Hitting the Bars

By Prince Of Petworth

IMG_4319

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) today announced that the overhead wires on the H Street/Benning Road line are now permanently energized. The electrical system that powers the streetcar, the Overhead Catenary System (OCS), will stay fully energized as it is tested as part of the safety- and system-integration phase of the project.

The public is reminded that streetcars on the H Street/Benning Road are powered by electricity. These streetcars will get their electricity from three substations along the line. Substations are safe, enclosed systems that send electricity to the streetcars. The western substation is located under the Hopscotch Bridge near Union Station, the midline substation is at the southwest corner of H and 12th Streets and the eastern substation is located on the grounds of the Car Barn Training Center at Benning Road and 26th Street NE.

While powered wires and substations are safe and pose no immediate safety hazards to people, please remember the following safety tips:

· The public, including all District service agencies and utility companies, should use caution around OCS wires and poles.

· The overhead wire or “catenary” is energized at 750v (volts) DC. Do not attempt to climb the poles or touch or through object at the wires.

· Remain 10’ away from live wires at all times.

· Streetcar power substations are prohibited from entry for the public’s protection. Do not attempt to enter a power substation.

The OCS system integration is one of many testing activities now underway as DDOT readies for passenger service. The completed portions of the constructed facility are in the acceptance test, system integration test and certification phase. This multi-step process started last month and will continue as the system achieves significant milestones. It is intended to ensure that the system meets DC Streetcar standards and is certified as safe to carry passengers in mixed use traffic. The system (that is, infrastructure and vehicles) must be certified by the District and accepted by the State Safety Oversight Agency (SOA) before passenger service can begin.”

$75 million pledged by DMV for Metro to “reduce crowding and add system capacity”

By Prince Of Petworth

metro_back_up_chinatown_by_reader_LR

From WMATA:

“Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles today applauded an increased capital commitment of $75 million by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and District of Columbia Mayor Vincent C. Gray, saying that it marked an important down payment towards Metro’s “Momentum” strategic plan to reduce crowding and add system capacity.

The funding announcement was made jointly by the region’s three leaders today following a National Capital Regional Meeting in Arlington.

“Thanks to the strong leadership of Mayor Gray and Governors O’Malley and McAuliffe, we can continue our rebuilding efforts and lay the foundation for all eight-car trains, with power upgrades, Union Station and Gallery Place station expansion designs, and buses for priority corridors.” said Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles.

Momentum is Metro’s vision for the future. Building on the important Metro Forward capital program which is virtually rebuilding the system and making key safety and reliability improvements, the strategic plan addresses growing crowding and outlines near-term goals for 2025 along with the steps that Metro must take to prepare for coming regional population and economic growth. Importantly, the plan ensures that Metro never returns to a time when the system’s tracks, escalators, trains and buses, are not maintained to today’s safety and reliability standards. For riders, Momentum will mean more trains, reduced crowding, faster buses, brighter, safer, easier-to-navigate Metrorail stations, and improved customer information systems.

“We have now crossed the halfway point of our Metro Forward rebuilding effort, improved on-time performance, increased escalator availability, reduced employee injuries and are preparing for the next generation of railcars later this year,” said Metro Board Chair Tom Downs. “None of these successes would be possible without the extraordinary support of our elected leaders, and on behalf of the Metro Board and the riders who depend on the system, I express our appreciation to the Mayor and Governors.”

The Metro Board unanimously approved the Momentum strategic plan in June 2013. Since then, Metro Board members, stakeholders and senior managers, partnering with business community leaders and transit advocates, have been working to inform and build support from riders, organizations, jurisdictions, and regional employers. Today, more than 60 organizations and more than 2,000 individuals have endorsed the Momentum plan. Riders and stakeholders have said overwhelmingly that increasing capacity with eight-car train service is the most important investment priority for Metro.“

Metro to take a 4 Week Break from Track Work During Cherry Blossom Season Starting March 22nd

By Prince Of Petworth

8643306942_ab93446ebc_z
Photo by PoPville flickr user Nikoo’s Photos

From WMATA:

“Metro will take a four-week break from its aggressive rebuilding efforts to accommodate customers traveling during Cherry Blossom season, General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles announced today.

“While the weekend work is necessary to rebuild the system’s infrastructure, we are in a position to take a few weekends off to allow the region’s residents and tourists to enjoy the season,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles. “Taking Metrorail is the best way to get to and from the National Mall during this busy time of year.”

This year’s break will take place over four consecutive weekends, beginning Saturday, March 22, and continuing through Sunday, April 13. Trains will run at regular weekend intervals on all lines. During daytime hours, normal weekend intervals are every 6 to 12 minutes. (The only planned weekend work during this time will take place late Sunday evenings, after 10 p.m., when ridership is light.)

In addition, Metro will run more 8-car trains than normal to provide additional capacity. Eight-car trains are the longest possible on the Metrorail system.”

This Weekend’s Metro Track Work – Stations Closed: Potomac Ave, Stadium-Armory, Minnesota Ave & Deanwood

By Prince Of Petworth

12505004934_ae8426a527_z
Photo by PoPville flickr user Beau Finley

From WMATA:

“Red Line 10 p.m. Fri., Feb. 21 through closing Sun., Feb. 23
Trains every 8-16 minutes

Red Line trains will operate as follows:

Between Shady Grove & Glenmont: Every 16 minutes throughout the weekend
Additional trains between Van Ness & Silver Spring about every 8-10 minutes from 9AM-9PM only

Work Performed: Rail fastener renewal, rail joint elimination, and concrete floating slab elimination between Van Ness and Friendship Heights; rail fastener renewal and track joint elimination between Silver Spring and Forest Glen

Orange Line 10 p.m. Fri., Feb. 21 through closing Sun., Feb. 23
Buses replace trains between Eastern Market and Cheverly

Orange Line trains will operate as follows:

Between Vienna & Eastern Market: Every 15 minutes throughout the weekend
Between New Carrollton & Cheverly: Every 15 minutes throughout the weekend

Stations Closed: Potomac Ave, Stadium-Armory, Minnesota Ave & Deanwood

Free shuttle buses will replace Orange Line trains between Eastern Market and Cheverly. Shuttle buses will operate on two routes:

Express Buses will operate non-stop between Eastern Market and Cheverly. Add 45 minutes of travel time.
Local Buses will operate between Eastern Market and Cheverly, making intermediate stops at Potomac Ave, Stadium-Armory, Minnesota Ave and Deanwood. Please allow 10 minutes of travel time for each station stop.

Work Performed: Crews will continue platform rehabilitation work at Minnesota Ave; ceiling rehabilitation work; rail joint elimination and faster renewal

Last Train Time Change: The last Orange Line train of the night from New Carrollton to Cheverly will depart 41 minutes earlier than normal to allow for shuttle bus connections. On Friday and Saturday nights, the last train will leave New Carrollton at 1:55 a.m., and on Sunday, the last train will leave New Carrollton at 10:55 p.m. (more…)

Some Serious Streetcar Security on H Street

By Prince Of Petworth

photo

The District has invested a lot in the coming soon one day streetcar program and since the first streetcar was delivered back in December there has apparently been a 24/7 security watch on the streetcar. Thanks to a reader for sending word.  It’s seems true, every time I’ve walked past it at 3rd and H St, NE by the Hopscotch bridge there has been a car and a driver patiently watching the streetcar.

IMG_4341

Though if stolen the thieves couldn’t stray too far…

IMG_4342

This 3 Day Weekend’s Metro Track Work – Farragut North and Dupont Circle Stations Closed

By Prince Of Petworth

wmata_dc_metro_track_work
Photo by PoPville flickr user nevermindtheend

From WMATA:

Update:

“NOTE: The Red Line shutdown start time has changed to Saturday, February 15 at 12:00 a.m. The last through trainswill depart Glenmont at 11:20 p.m. and Shady Grove at 11:17 p.m. on Friday night, prior to the shutdown.”

“Red Line 10 p.m. Fri, Feb. 14 through closing Mon, Feb. 17
Buses replace trains between Woodley Park and Metro Center

Red Line trains will operate as follows:

Between Shady Grove & Woodley Park every 10 minutes from 9AM-9PM; every 15-20 minutes at other times
Between Glenmont & Metro Center every 15 minutes

Stations Closed: Farragut North and Dupont Circle

Free shuttle buses will replace Red Line trains between Woodley Park and Metro Center. Shuttle buses will operate on two routes:

Express Buses will operate non-stop between Woodley Park and Metro Center. Add 20 minutes of travel time
Local Buses will operate between Woodley Park and Metro Center, making intermediate stops at Dupont Circle and Farragut North. Please allow 10 minutes of travel time for each station stop

Work Performed: Crews will complete switch replacement work outside Dupont Circle and perform third rail replacement, rail joint elimination, grout pad replacement and leak mitigation between Metro Center and Woodley Park

Last Train Time Change: The last Red Line train of the night from Shady Grove to Woodley Park will depart 37 minutes earlier than normal to allow for shuttle bus connections. On Friday and Saturday nights, the last train will leave Shady Grove at 1:53 a.m., and on Sunday and Monday, the last train will leave Shady Grove at 10:53 p.m.

Orange Line Regular weekend service

Blue Line Regular weekend service
Yellow Line
Regular weekend service between Huntington & Fort Totten

Green Line Regular weekend service”

Street Closures for Cupid’s Undie Run on Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth

6860739139_c32885e907_z
Photo by PoPville flickr user Rukasu1

From MPD:

“On Saturday, February 15, 2014, the 2014 Cupid’s Undie Run will take place in the District of Columbia. The event kicks off with a party at 12:00 pm followed by the race. In conjunction with this event, there will be several street closures that motorists should take into consideration.

Race Route

The race start time will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at which time the roadways mentioned below will be closed to traffic.

Pennsylvania Avenue from 4th Street to Independence Avenue, SE
2nd Street from Constitution Avenue, SE to C Street, SE
3rd Street from C Street, SE to Independence Avenue, SE
2nd Street and East Capitol Street, NE/SE
2nd and Independence Avenue, SE (Northbound)
2nd and Independence Avenue, SE (Southbound)
2nd and C Street, SE
1st and Independence Avenue, SE
Washington and Independence Avenue, SW
1st and East Capitol Street, NE/SE
1st and Maryland Avenue, NE
1st and Constitution Avenue, NE”

Metrobus to restore service to additional routes starting at 10:30 a.m.

By Prince Of Petworth

12505244773_1dee5d38ba_z
Photo by PoPville flickr user bajidc

From WMATA:

“Metrobus service will transition from the current “severe” snow plan to a “moderate” snow service plan, starting at 10:30 a.m. today.  The moderate service level means that buses will operate more frequently and on more routes.

Only bus routes listed as part of the moderate snow plan will operate EXCEPT:

  • B8, H6, R1, 26A and 29K routes continue to be suspended until further notice due to road conditions.
  • Commuter bus routes Z11, Z13, 17-Line, 18-Line, 21A, 29C, 29E, 29X will not operate at all today.

Under the moderate snow plan, many routes have established detours that keep buses off of hilly terrain, narrow side streets and other problem areas.  Riders can get details and check maps showing the planned detours by using the links below:

Bus routes not listed in the moderate snow plan will not operate.“

Metro Begins Limited Bus Service Starting at 2pm

By Prince Of Petworth

12503525903_2bb60c0ccc_z
Photo by PoPville flickr user evegophotos

From WMATA:

“Limited Metrobus service will be restored on certain major arterial roadways only beginning at 2 p.m. today.

Only those routes included in Metro’s severe snow plan will operate, with the exception of the Z8 route in Maryland and REX and 23A routes in Virginia.

The following routes will have limited service restored as of 2 p.m.:

• District of Columbia: 32, 36, 52, 54, 70, 90, 92, A6/A8, S2, X2

• Maryland: 81, A12, C4, C21, D12, F4, J2, K6, P12, Q1, T18, Y9, Z8

• Virginia: 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 7A, 9A, 10B, 16A, 22A/25A, 23A, 28A, 29N and shuttle service between Pentagon & Rosslyn stations

Bus riders are advised that even after limited service is restored, delays and detours are possible due to local road conditions.

Metro expects to continue operating limited service only on these routes for the remainder of the day Thursday through 1 a.m. or connections with last Metrorail trains. Additional service information for Friday will be provided this evening.”

$15 Snow Charge for Taxis Extended Until Noon Today

By Prince Of Petworth

12501287833_1d6c12a2d7_z
Photo by PoPville flickr user number7cloud

From the DC Taxi Commission:

“The Snow Emergency Fare has been extended through 12 noon on February 13. The extension follows an initial 12-hour period that began with the declaration by the Mayor of a snow emergency on February 12. This fare authorizes taxis to add a flat fee of $15 to the metered charge. Drivers are advised to monitor the web site for possible further extensions.”

View More Stories