Transit

Dear PoP – A Search For Buried Trolley Tracks

By Prince Of Petworth

“PoP,

There’s been construction along 11th St NW between K and P for quite some time now. On my commute home today on the 64 bus I believe I saw the old trolley tracks poking out of the hole they dug. So a few things… first, I thought you might be interested in documenting or commenting on the old 11th st trolley tracks before they’re gone forever. Second, do you or your readers know if it’s a common practice to bury trolley tracks instead of removing them? Is it cheaper? Third, was the terribly uneven and cracked concrete along 11th caused by the paving over the tracks? Fourth, what is the main goal of the construction project?”

Well, this was definitely kinda funny. So I went on a search to document the buried 11th Street Trolley tracks and I’m not so sure I was successful. Maybe this was an elaborate joke played on me. If it was, I give the reader mad kudos. So I’m walking up and down the construction area looking for trolley tracks. I must of looked insane to random pedestrians. I mean I’m staring at the sand. I mean every few steps, I think I may see (imagine) the outline of trolley tracks. But this is the closest that could possibly resemble trolley tracks.

Oh well. Anyway, can anybody answer the readers questions about this project?

DC Parking Meter Rate Increase

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending the news from DDOT:

DC Parking Meter Rate Increase

Most Rates Rise 25 Cents Per Hour

(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is reminding residents and visitors that parking meter rates in the District are increasing. Under legislation passed by the City Council, parking meters that previously charged a rate of $1.00 per hour will now charge $2.00 per hour. The rate at all other parking meters in the District will increase by 25 cents per hour. For example, if it previously cost 25 cents to park at a meter for one hour, the rate at that meter will now be 50 cents per hour.

DDOT is in the process of updated the 15,453 meters in the District to reflect the rate increases. All of the meters are expected to be updated by April 30, 2009.

For those who drive does this sound ridiculous or reasonable?

Photos From PoPville

By Prince Of Petworth

This shot was taken by jsmjr.  I posted this one because I’ve never actually seen a bus look like this in DC.  I think it looks pretty sweet.  Has anyone else seen or ridden one of these new buses?  Are they better than the regular ones?

Submit your photos to the PoPville flickr pool here.

15th Street Traffic Pattern Announced

By Prince Of Petworth

Back in June we discussed whether or not 15th Street should become a two way street. Borderstan has found out what the reconfiguration will look like:

1. 15th Street NW will remain one-way going north, with three lanes of auto traffic.
2. Two bicycle lanes will be added to 15th Street NW.
3. The northbound bicycle lane will be on the east side of 15th, between parked cars and car traffic—just like many of the bicycle lanes we currently see in the city.
4. However, the southbound bicycle lane will be next to the west curb of 15th Street. Bicyclists will ride between the sidewalk and parked cars, protecting them from northbound traffic.

Sound good?

Expanded bus service – 16th St Express and the Circulator in CH?

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Adam Fagen

“I saw this posted in the MPD 3D listserv today…saying that not only will there be a new 16th st express, but also that a Circulator bus would now be on a route b/w “Woodley Park Metro station to McPherson Square Metro station stopping in Adams Morgan, Mount Pleasant, Columbia Heights, U Street, and Logan Circle.

Any tips on what the route might look like? A quick survey of wmata.com for “new circulator route” only came up with press releases concerning the funding but not the route… Any tips on what the route might look like? Do you think it might come past/ north of 14th and Irving?”

From Jim Graham’s Email:

“Beginning March 29, a new DC Circulator route will be added to serve Ward One/Ward Two neighborhoods. This express bus will run from Woodley Park Metro station to McPherson Square Metro station stopping in Adams Morgan, Mount Pleasant, Columbia Heights, U Street, and Logan Circle. I authored the funds for this expansion of the DC Circulator. http://www.grahamwone.com/?q=node/122”

Anyone know the location of the stops?

 

Oh No! Car Crashes into Solly’s

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by BecksAtFlickr

DCist is reporting some terrible news this morning:

At approximately 12:20 a.m. on Saturday morning, a taxi driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into Solly’s Tavern at 11th and U Streets NW, injuring at least six people.

“The building shook,” said bar owner John “Solly” Solomon, who was upstairs when the cab collided with the east side of the building. “The tires were spinning because the driver’s foot was still on the pedal, and it kicked up smoke into the bar.”

This is terribly frightening. And I also feel super bad for Solly who is one of the nicest proprietors in town. This past summer I was sitting with friends on the porch when a car, that must’ve been going over 90 miles an hour, flew by us and eventually crashed into the Children’s hospital building further north on 11th. I wonder if 11th street is particularly susceptible to insane drivers?  Thank God no one was killed in either incident. I’ll try and find out when Solly’s will be able to reopen.

H St NE Gets New Free Shuttle

By Prince Of Petworth

And the Phillies won the World Series! Yeah, I’m a little late on this one but I was waiting to see if could get a photo of one of the new shuttles. Anyway, the blog Frozen Tropics: Shuttle Info posted all about this:

“H Street Northeast business leaders launched the new H Street Shuttle Wednesday, January 14th in front of the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street, NE. Noting concern about transportation during the multi-year H Street “Great Streets” streetscape project, and the need for improved connections for H Street businesses, Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells worked with the DC Department of Transportation to identify funds to create a shuttle service for the corridor. The shuttle service will provide express services connecting the Gallery Place and Minnesota Avenue Metro Stations, with a limited number of stops on H Street, NE and run on an approximate 30 minute headway schedule.”

A reader also wrote me saying:

“As a resident of Columbia Heights, I’m pumped I can get to H Street in a more efficient manner (hopping the Green Line then shuttling). Hopefully, it will be timely, convenient, etc. Just thought your readers would be interested.”

I think this is fantastic news. I have a buddy who lives down there and I really enjoy the Pug, Rock and Roll Hotel and the Argonaut. However, it always has been a bit of pain getting there. Hmm, I guess this would be a good time to ask – what’s your favorite bar/destination on H Street, NE? Will the shuttle from the Chinatown metro increase your trips there?

Metro’s Flora by Matt

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: The following was written by a guest poster – Matt. Have you also noticed any flora growing in the metro system?

I was standing just a few feet from the elevator on the platform of the Woodley Park Metro this morning doing my usual thing: looking to see which of the incredibly attractive women pouring in for a lift to work were looking at me so I could beat myself up for not going over and striking up as charming of a conversation as I know how. As fun as that is, there was a break in the arrivals and I happened to look across the tracks from my perch on the platform and notice water pouring out of the wall. It was a pretty steady stream. I wasn’t in danger of having to swim to safety anytime soon, but the water coming out could have topped off a nice bath in 10 or 15 minutes, though I doubt it would be warm. There was also a small amount of smoke coming up from where the water was pouring into the thin grate that lines the far wall of the track bed. I imagine it was just the water hitting the lighting below. No big deal.

What did really get my attention were the plants growing all along that wall. I realized just then that I see them everyday and that, in the back of my head, they are a little feeling of something good (life, hope, lottery wins) in the gray dungeon of the Metro. I am pretty sure that they are Maidenhair Ferns, which are really nice plants. I bought a few of those for my place not long ago and completely blew it when they all shriveled and died despite my best efforts. You can imagine my surprise when I really started to think about all this and wonder how they are lush, growing at the bottom of a Metro stop when my thumbs did nothing for them topside.Continues after the jump. (more…)

Transit union offers tips for riding Metro Inauguration Day

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Lauren Ashley

Never say PoP doesn’t support the Unions! It seems these tips may be a bit obvious but you tell me. Number 4 is my favorite. Personally, I’d say if you are within 5 miles from your destination it’d be easier to just take a nice walk. From an email:

ATU Local 689, the transit union comprising of more than 10,000 Metro bus drivers, rail operators, administrators and technicians, is encouraging DC residents and Metro riders to become travel ambassadors during this historic Inaugural event come January 20th.

ATU Local 689’s Nine Tips for Inaugural Metro Travel

1. Begin your travel day with a smile and a positive attitude! You’re about to witness history!
2. Expect crowds and crowded trains. The District is expected to host between 2-4 million people for the inaugural celebration. Be patient, as there will be delays.
3. Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes and pack lightly. Even if you decide to take the Metro to inaugural activities, be prepared to walk. Also, the warmer and more comfortable you are, the more helpful and friendly you can be to visitors.
4. A simple and polite “excuse me” always works. Try these friendly phrases – “Excuse me, please stand to the right on the escalator” or “Excuse me, I’m attempting to board the train.”
5. Be as helpful as possible. We are residents and Metro riders that know how things work. Let’s share the knowledge to keep things moving smoothly!
6. Be aware of your surroundings by keeping the ear buds of your music player at a level where you can hear announcements and you won’t disturb your fellow passengers.
7. Buy your Metro cards or load up your SmartTrip before January 20th. You’ll be glad you planned ahead!
8. Local ATU members are at your service to help in any way possible. Feel free to direct tourists to the Metro kiosks for any problems or concerns.
9. There will be an unusually high number of riders so please move quickly into the Metro car when the Metro stops and into the center of the car to allow more people to safely board the train.

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