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Given that I had something to do tonight, and therefore missed evening rush hour and got the pleasant experience of waiting for a train but at least being comfortable in it, I'd love to see Metro spend some of the money they spend on things like the rush-minus campaign and anti-eating/drinking ad campaigns on an ad campaign to encourage tourists to take their trips at less-crowded times. Mornings are generally not terrible, although I have noticed a slight uptick in the number of non-commuters on the trains since the all-day pass dropped the 9:30 AM rule, but evenings are unbearable. Maybe a few ads in the entry tunnels saying, in effect, "hey, Metro is really crowded between 4:30 and 6 PM...why don't you check out one of DC's fantastic restaurants and have a more comfortable trip back to your hotel a little later?" Maybe they could even get specific restaurants or other venues open later (Spy Museum, I'm looking at you) to co-sponsor the campaign so it wouldn't cost them so much? I know I'm more sensitive to the needs of commuters being one, but I always avoid public transit during rush hour when I'm on vacation...it just seems like common courtesy to me. Commuters have places to be, my vacation activities are not generally on a strict schedule. But DC tourists just don't seem to get it, so maybe a little encouragement would help? Bonus, more off-peak ridership and revenue, which supports the bottom line and, if profound enough, could support more frequent off-peak service.

by Ms. D on Jul 12, 2012 12:58 am • link • report