This is how Metrobus drivers are supposed to pull up to stops: flush with the sidewalk, and out of other lanes of traffic. But as anyone who either regularly rides city buses or drives in this city well knows, many, many times, Metrobus drivers instead just pull the front of the bus in to a stop, leaving the tail end blocking traffic from going forward behind them.

WTOP reports on Metro General Manager John Catoe’s recent memo to drivers reminding them that this practice is against WMATA policy. After a caller on the news radio station’s April 15 Ask Metro program complained to Catoe about the persistent problem, Catoe said he heard about it from a lot more people, and is attempting to crack down on bus drivers who leave their tails sticking out.

“I understand that habit because it makes it easier for that driver to merge back into traffic,” he said. “But when we are notified that drivers [are not pulling in], we will take the appropriate action.”

Catoe’s even going so far as asking bus riders to report drivers who block traffic in this manner. When you see one, you can call (202) 637-7000 to report the offending bus.

Photo by furcafe