Photo by PoPville flickr user jlgriffiths
From @DDOTDC:
“PLAN AHEAD FOR REDSKINS HOME GAME ON MON. SEPT. 9 – Drivers Should Prepare for Extended Evening Commute”
Kickoff is at 6:55 PM tonight. Here’s to hoping we see a healthy RG3!!
Transit
From WMATA:
“Red Line 10 p.m. Fri., Sept. 6 through closing Sun., Sept. 8
Buses replace trains between Rhode Island Ave & Judiciary Square
Red Line trains will operate:
Between Shady Grove & Judiciary Square: Every 10 minutes 9AM-9PM and at regular weekend intervals at other times.
Between Glenmont & Rhode Island Ave: Every 10 minutes 9AM-9PM and at regular weekend intervals at other times.
Free shuttle buses will replace Red Line trains between Rhode Island Ave and Judiciary Square to allow for reconstruction. Shuttle buses will operate on two routes:
Express Buses will operate non-stop between Rhode Island Ave and Judiciary Square. Add about 15 minutes of travel time.
Local Buses will operate between Rhode Island Ave and Judiciary Square, making intermediate stops at NoMa-Gallaudet and Union Station. Please allow 10 minutes of travel time for each station stop. For example, a rider traveling between NoMa and Judiciary Square should allow 20 minutes of travel time, because the bus makes two stops.
Stations Closed: NoMa-Gallaudet, Union Station
Work Performed: Crews will replace wooden ties, renew third-rail infrastructure, rehabilitate concrete structures, and begin winter weather preparations.
Change to Last Train Times: The last Red Line train of the night from Glenmont to Rhode Island Ave will depart 30 minutes earlier than normal to allow for shuttle bus connections. On Friday and Saturday nights, the last train will leave Glenmont at 2:07 a.m., and on Sunday, the last train will leave Glenmont at 11:07 p.m. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC
From MPD:
“The Metropolitan Police Department and the Department of Transportation would like to inform the public of street closures for the Beat the Deadline 5K on Saturday, September 7, 2013 and the Nation’s Triathlon and the Adams Morgan Day Festival scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2013. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC
Thought you’d enjoy this bit of news from MPD:
“Based upon the fact that this particular camera [at 7th and Franklin NE] has been knocked down several times, MPD determined that we could not risk it being damaged. We had to permanently remove it and we will augment with mobile enforcement vehicles.”
A member of the listserv responds:
“I appreciate the MPD answers but it hardly speaks well for policing that the response to a vandalized speed camera is to remove it. If my house is broken into, am I supposed to remove myself from the city in order to be safe?”
MPD telling it like it is:
“Sir, the speed camera was not vandalized, it had been struck a number of times by vehicles. Based upon the cost associated with the repairs and maintenance, it was determined that it could be positioned elsewhere and we would augment that area with mobile and fixed vehicle enforcement units.
Should vehicles continue to strike your home or other buildings on your property, I am certain that you would evaluate the position of these dwellings and fortify the property boundaries and/or you may in fact elect to move.
If your house was broken into, most would take proactive steps to fortify and secure your home in an attempt to eliminate break ins from occurring again. Should you be victimized repeatedly, you may in deed elect to move from the city in order to be/feel safe.
To maximize our flexibility and impact, the Metropolitan Police Department is using both non-fixed speed enforcement cameras and fixed-location cameras to monitor aggressive speeding. Speed camera enforcement zones are selected by the MPD based on recent incidents of speeding-related fatalities and crashes, proximity to school zones and other places where children or other vulnerable populations may be present, and known sites of chronic speeding. The deployment of the non-fixed speed camera units is at the sole discretion of MPD traffic safety experts.
Some like the fact that speed cameras are permanently placed and they see a noticeable reduction in speed by most motorists. We also hear the down side. Motorists that exceed the posted speed limit are faced with no discretion in receiving notices of infraction. All that violate are issued notices of infraction, even your police, fire and EMS vehicles.
Some still like the visibility that a traffic patrol officer brings. That traffic patrol officer has discretion in issuing verbal and written warnings but also has the authority to issue multiple citations during a one traffic stop. The down size is that you are stopped and detained roadside for a period that may exceed 10 minutes and experience that uncomfortable feeling of not knowing if the traffic patrol officer will cite you or not. Traffic stops by mobile enforcement units also have a calming effect on traffic and serve as an immediate deterrent to actually slow down other commuters.
I have also heard that “speed cameras promote economic fascism, not public safety”. We want you to know that we actively listen to you and those we serve and protect. MPD has brought forth technology, tools and staffing in an attempt to reduce, with a goal of eliminating, speeding vehicles that threaten your safety and our community. Please understand that no one program will fit all.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user beaufinley
Update from WMATA regarding last night’s derailment:
“As of 1:35 p.m., Metro has restored normal Red Line service between Fort Totten and NoMa-Gallaudet stations. No residual delays are expected.
The restoration of service follows hours of repairs and comprehensive testing of equipment following an overnight derailment of a non-passenger train between Rhode Island Ave and Brookland stations. There were no passengers aboard the train and no injuries.”
From WMATA regarding this weekend’s track work:
“Red Line 10 p.m. Fri., Aug. 30 through closing Mon, Sept. 2
Buses replace trains between Forest Glen & Rhode Island Ave
Red Line trains will operate as follows:
Between Shady Grove & Rhode Island Ave: Every 10 minutes 9AM-9PM and at regular weekend intervals at other times.
Between Glenmont & Forest Glen: Every 10 minutes 9AM-9PM and at regular weekend intervals at other times.
Free shuttle buses will replace Red Line trains between Forest Glen and Rhode Island Ave to allow for reconstruction. Shuttle buses will operate on two routes:
Limited Stop Buses will operate between Forest Glen and Rhode Island Ave with a single intermediate stop at Silver Spring. Allow 12 minutes of travel time between Forest Glen and Silver Spring. Allow 25 minutes of travel time between Silver Spring and Rhode Island Ave.
Local Buses will operate between Forest Glen and Rhode Island Ave making stops at all intermediate stations (Silver Spring, Takoma, Fort Totten, Brookland). Please allow 10 minutes of travel time for each station stop. For example, a rider traveling between Silver Spring and Fort Totten should allow 20 minutes of travel time, because the bus makes two stops.
Stations Closed: Silver Spring, Takoma, Brookland (Fort Totten open for Green & Yellow lines only)
Work Performed: Crews will make improvements to third-rail infrastructure, install cable for Emergency Trip Stations, perform concrete repair work and continue platform reconstruction.
Change to Last Train Times: The last Red Line train of the night from Glenmont to Forest Glen will depart 53 minutes earlier than normal to allow for shuttle bus connections. On Friday and Saturday nights, the last train will leave Glenmont at 1:44 a.m., and on Sunday and Monday, the last train will leave Glenmont at 10:44 p.m. (more…)
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Photo by PoPville flickr user Barbara.K
From WMATA:
“Metro is advising Red Line riders of a major service disruption that will impact service Friday, August 30, due to an overnight derailment of a non-revenue train between Rhode Island Avenue and Brookland stations.
Service Information
• There is no Red Line train service between Fort Totten and NoMa-Gallaudet stations until further notice. Customers are advised to avoid the eastern side of the Red Line if possible.
• Riders may experience longer waits for trains and increased crowding on the Red Line today.
• Between Shady Grove and NoMa-Gallaudet, trains will operate every 5 to 10 minutes during the morning rush hour.
• Between Glenmont and Fort Totten, trains will operate every 10 to 15 minutes during the morning rush hour.
• Riders are strongly encouraged to use the Green Line as an alternate route between Fort Totten and Gallery Place (Downtown DC). Passengers arriving via Red Line trains at Fort Totten should transfer to Green Line trains on the lower level.
• Limited shuttle bus service will be available between Fort Totten, Brookland, Rhode Island Ave and NoMa-Gallaudet stations. Passengers using shuttle bus service should expect significantly longer travel times.
• Regular route Metrobus service may be an option for some riders. To check, use Metro’s Trip Planner and select the “bus only” option.
The derailment occurred around midnight as the system was closing. The train involved was being moved from one rail yard to another. It was not carrying passengers, and there were no injuries.
The incident caused damage to track equipment in the area of Rhode Island Station, including the third rail, signal cables and track components.
Metro personnel are working to restore normal service as quickly and safely as possible. However, at this time there is no estimate on when normal service will be restored. The area where the derailment occurred is scheduled to be out of service starting at 10 p.m. Friday, through the Labor Day weekend, for rebuilding work.
The cause of the derailment is under investigation.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99
“Dear PoPville,
As a person though who grew up on the Hill and often depended on cabs to get me home from NW safely, and dealt with cabs refusing to come to Petworth after I moved in 07, this really got my goat! Amazing now getting to Petworth is easier than the Hill.
I am so mad at DC’s taxi system. I sent this complaint to the DC Taxi Commission tonight. After the following event occurred, I told my own driver that this is exactly why Uber is thriving in this city. Terrible!
This evening, my friend hailed two cabs seeking transportation to Eastern Market from Belmont and Columbia Road NW. The first didn’t accept her after we informed the driver she was going to the Hill. We decided to not inform the second driver since we knew it was illegal for the cab to refuse, so better for her to enter the cab. She got in and I thought departed for her destination. After getting into my own cab going to Petworth, I discovered her on the next corner. She reported the driver had refused to take her to the Hill, and asked her to leave the cab. This is illegal. She deserves a safe ride home in a taxi if she able to pay the fare.
The DC Taxi Commission reinforces the incredibly poor, antiquated taxi service in the city. This type of behavior in addition to the resistance of drivers to incorporate credit card payment options makes our city a laughingstock.”
Response to the OP from the DC Taxicab Commission:
“The DCTC is aggressively enforcing what we consider to be one of the most egregious violations of our regulations: Failure to Haul which carries a $500 fine. We appreciate your bringing this to our attention. If the individual who experienced this violation will email or call David Person ([email protected].; 202 645-6008) and provide him with the information necessary to identify the driver we will initiate an action against the driver. Ordering a passenger from a vehicle is a violation called “abusive conduct” and would be an additional $500 fine. We also endeavor to see that users of taxies in The District know their passenger rights. Passengers have the right to enter a taxi that stops for them, enter it, close the door and then inform the driver where they want to go. The driver then is obligated to serve that passenger. Any passenger who a driver physically attempts to eject should immediately summon the Metropolitan Police Department. Thank you for your assistance.
Ron M. Linton
Chairman
DC Taxicab Commission”
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Map via WMATA
Travel Information for March on Washington Anniversary – Wed. Aug. 28 from WMATA:
“Wednesday, August 28
General Information
Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight (normal hours).
Trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule throughout the day.
Getting There
For the Assembly Location at 600 New Jersey Ave NW, take Metrorail to:
Union Station Red
Judiciary Square Red
For the National Mall, take Metrorail to:
Foggy Bottom
Farragut West
Farragut North Red
Archives
Arlington Cemetery is not a recommended station, because Memorial Bridge will be closed to pedestrian traffic by US Park Police.
Smithsonian Station is not a recommended station due to the potential for crowding.”
From the Mayor’s office:
“After an immensely successful Statehood Rally this past Saturday, which attracted over 5,000 participants, we have another opportunity tomorrow Wednesday to support our Mayor and your City.
Please join the closing ceremony of the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington at the Lincoln Memorial at 11:00am on Wednesday, August 28, 2013
. Bring your DC flags and T-shirts.
The Mayor will speak approximately at 11:10am. President Barack H. Obama is also going to be among the guest speakers.”
Complete site and road closures from MPD after the jump. (more…)
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Photo by PoPville flickr user pablo.raw
“Dear PoPville,
On Friday (8/23), I was inside the Columbia Heights metro station at 11:30pm, and waiting for the next metro train (green/yellow line) to arrive. I was sitting on a bench on the platform, and the sign said “10 minutes” until the next train arrived. So I took out my cell phone and started reading. The next thing I knew, someone from behind me reached out and grabbed my iPhone. At first I thought it was a friend playing a joke. I had heard about the cell phone thefts but I didn’t realize the thieves were approaching women who were actually USING their phones with lots of people around. Unlike the picture in the WMATA released on August 16th, these guys did not have hoods on. I was chasing them up the escalator steps and saw that they were black teenagers (but never got a good look at their faces, since they came up from behind me to steal my iPhone).
Anyway, my advice is (A) not sit down on a bench while waiting for a metro. By the time I had stood up and grabbed all my grocery bags, the teenagers already had a 45 second lead on me; and (B) don’t check your iPhone while on the metro platform.
I ran up screaming behind the kids but the station manager ignored my screams and ignored the fact that the kids jumped over the exit turnstile without paying. The station managers called the police and I filed a police report. Since the guys did not have hoods on, I am sure the cameras on the platform or at the turnstile got a good picture of them.”
NBC Washington reports Metro Could Close Portion of Red Line for Up to Six Weeks:
“Structural and maintenance problems at the Friendship Heights and Medical Center stations may force a complete closure of a busy stretch of the Red Line for weeks, News4 has learned.
One Metro source said the repair process — and the corresponding shutdown — could take a month and a half.”
God help us if this is true…