Make sure to check out this post by former DCist editor Rob Goodspeed over at Goodspeed Update about the costs of a Metrorail trip per mile. Contrary to the claims of former WMATA Board Member T. Dana Kauffman that the new Metro fare structure is a “raw deal” for suburban commuters, Goodspeed finds that most suburban Metro commuters “continue to enjoy costs substantially lower than driving” and shows that commuters with longer trips actually…
Happy Thanksgiving, Washington. The streets are quiet this morning in the capital; one cab driver remarked to this writer that it was his favorite day to drive in the city — no traffic, no tourists, and everyone he picks up tends to be cheery and a big tipper. The forecast in D.C. today is calling for an unseasonably warm high of 72 degrees, with a solid chance of afternoon showers and gastrointestinal distress. What’s the…
These days, if you haven’t seen Butterstick in the flesh, well, you may as well not even be alive. Ever since the District’s favorite new celebrity was born just over six months ago, residents from across the region have watched as Butterstick grew from grotesque rat-looking thing to the mound of cuteness we see today. And ever since the National Zoo started handing out free tickets to see the ‘stick, attendance at the Woodley Park…
In response to allegations that existing state law banning gay marriage hasn’t gone far enough in protecting traditional marriages from corrosive homosexual influences, Virginia is now considering further defining marriage as only being between a man and a woman, reports WJLA. We thought that Virginia had made their opposition to gay marriage clear enough last year with their endorsement of “Traditional Marriage” license plates, but it’s always good to err on the side of excess….
During those desperate times on late weekend nights (see: peeternity), have you ever wondered where are the restrooms in metrorail stations? Or why they don’t have any? Turns out they do, though they are hidden in the depths of the stations next to the mechanical nitty-gritties, and it seems station managers are rather selective as to who uses them. Selective, about bathroom usage? The Washington Examiner looks at the issue in today’s paper. According to…
We can see the ad already: Detail-oriented and independent-minded individual sought for position in troubled regional transit agency. Five years experience required, seven preferred, in auditing or whistle-blowing. Long hours expected. Good pay, generous benefits, free travel to and from work.Yes, Metro needs an inspector general. Well, so thinks Rep. Albert Wynn (D-Md.), who asked that Metro board Chairman Dana Kauffman consider the idea. To be honest, we’re surprised that Metro has never had one….
With ridership levels at an all time high, how do we ensure that metrorail gets commuters to and from work safely and efficiently? That was the million-dollar question last night as public officials faced anxious and sometimes irate commuters, pictured here, over the current state of the metrorail system. The townhall-style meeting was sponsored by Rep. James Moran (D-Va.) and featured brief presentations by WMATA Chief Richard White, Board Chairman Dana Kauffman, and Board Member…
New WMATA Chairman Wants Rider Input: We can hear applause somewhere. WMATA’s new board chairman, Dana Kauffman, says that he wants the system to be accountable to the riders who use it and is proposing many new external relations efforts that will boost the weight of rider’s input into upper-level decisions regarding the transit system. The Post reports that these efforts will include a riders’ advisory board, public comments at WMATA board meetings, regular town…
