Report a Comment

In real-world use, many Metro trips will be delayed because of track work, sick customers holding up a train, congestion at the Rosslyn tunnel between Blue and Orange line trains, packed trains requiring a rider to wait for the next train, etc. At the same time, a CaBi rider may find the destination station to be full. This requires riding to a nearby station (if available), docking the bike there, and walking back to the area of the other station.

Buses can be delayed by traffic or malfunctions. Same thing for those driving themselves.

I generally assume that for short trips, CaBi is approximately as fast as transit or driving. For longer trips, transit will usually be much faster. At peak hours, CaBi might see more of a time advantage, although there are bike rush hours on the local trails.

One thing is for certain: A CaBi ride is usually more pleasant than taking transit or driving (excluding bad weather days).

Capital Bikeshare is a great supplement to the transportation network but I'd never rely on it as a sole means of transport. I'm glad it's here but I'm also glad to have Metro (despite their problems).

by Michael H. on Jun 13, 2012 5:44 pm • link • report