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Just pointing out that there's an Android app for Metro that covers next bus information for WMATA, Circulator, Fairfax Cue, The Bus, and the UMD Shuttle. It's not everything, and you do have to switch screens to get info for different systems. For example, if I'm trying to determine the fastest way to get home, it won't display Circulators as "other nearby routes" when I select a stop (it shows the next 3 times for the selected bus plus one arrival time for up to 3 nearby routes), and if I want to switch to Circulator after looking up a WMATA route, I have to do more clicking. But they're all at least in the same app.

The source of any reduced operating costs should be examined. It could be lower overhead/management costs (Circulator doesn't do nearly the amount of advertising Metro does; the company that runs it probably does not have 57,000 layers of management trying to run a somewhat unwieldy system; the company is probably better about managing overtime, job duplication, project down time, etc.). But it could also be either what you said - the newness of the system generates savings that cannot be realized longer-term - or skimping on something necessary - safety, maintenance, adequate staffing, etc. If a private company can generate savings while providing a high-quality product and operating in a respectable manner (respecting their employees and properly prioritizing safety), then okay...we should go for it where possible. Like most people, I love the Circulator. There is a reason why people clamor for a Circulator route in their neighborhood.

by Ms. D on Jun 27, 2012 12:03 pm • link • report