I don't ride the 38B that much anymore, but when I do (sorry, sounds like a beer commerical..)

There has definetly been a change in passengers in the last two years. A lot more women, espcially during rush hours (4-7). It still can be a rough experience -- homeless people love the 38B for the nice AC.

I'd say we are seeing the deayed effects of NextBus. I dont't they built it with smartphones in mind (the idiotic text a random 12 digit code is stupid) but for those wth smartphones - and that is easily 75% of Washington --it is a very easy way and makes buses far more accessible.

I believe andrew had a link to a GPS enabled next bus site -- WAMTA doesn't promote it at all -- that works brilliantly.

by charlie on Jun 6, 2012 8:25 am • link • report

As opposed to IZ rentals, IZ condos are a dead duck anyway regardless of mortgage ability.

Upon selling you're not allowed any profit.

This is encouraging developers who would have trouble selling an IZ condo to go totally rental instead and costing DC a lot of lost transfer taxes.

DC needs to modify the IZ law so condos can do the IZ units as rentals. Otherwise developers are stuck with these lemons.

by Tom Coumaris on Jun 6, 2012 8:57 am • link • report

No link for the Walter Reed article on urban turf

by Paul C on Jun 6, 2012 9:05 am • link • report

Metrobus surpassed the national average for bus systems

I see a lot of new riders on my (circuitous but extended) Fairfax Connector line.

Memorial Circle still dangerous

Interesting how the article fails to mention by what the bicyclist was hit, and how it explains how bicyclists should behave at that intersection, but not how the invisible things that hit bicycles should behave.

cyclists and pedestrians are “required to stop and make sure the roadway is clear before crossing”

The road way should be clear of what? Birds? Smog? Dirt?

BTW, a traffic light will not help. That will only be a nuisance and stop traffic.

by Jasper on Jun 6, 2012 9:11 am • link • report

Paul C: Oops, my fault. Fixed.

by David Alpert on Jun 6, 2012 9:13 am • link • report

@Paul C

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/updates_on_the_timeline_for_walter_reed_redevelopment/5617

by Tyler on Jun 6, 2012 9:13 am • link • report

Memorial Circle isn't just bad for bikes and peds, that whole mess of roadways is confusing as hell for drivers, too.

They could eliminate a huge number of those ramps and turns and make it a win-win-win; better for bikes and peds, simpler for drivers, and regain some useable park space that's not just a glorified highway median.

by Alex B. on Jun 6, 2012 9:16 am • link • report

On Memorial Circle again, let me give a shout out to GGW commenter Froggie, who came up with this idea for how to fix it:

http://ajfroggie.blogspot.com/2011/11/permanent-fix-for-problematic-spot.html

I think there could be a few ways to tweak that, but that's the kind of improvement that could help.

Also, just make Memorial Circle function like a real traffic circle, or signalize it. It's got to be one of the few circles in the world where traffic in the circle has to yield to traffic outside of the circle (on and off of Memorial Bridge).

by Alex B. on Jun 6, 2012 9:24 am • link • report

@ David & Tyler

Thanks!

by Paul C on Jun 6, 2012 9:25 am • link • report

Memorial Circle really isn't that bad for bicycles. You just need to be sure to use the northside sidewalks of Memorial Bridge and then avail yourself of the marked crosswalk just west of the circle. (You need to get off your bike and walk it across in order to get the right of way as a pedestrian.) Alternatively, just plan your riding for the weekends and other off traffic times. At those times you can actually ride in the roadway itself since the traffic is light. And doing your bike riding in off peak traffic times is probably best for everyone anyways.

by Lance on Jun 6, 2012 9:27 am • link • report

@Lance; it isn't the Circle, it is actually one of the exit ramps bypasing the circle where the accidents take place.

by charlie on Jun 6, 2012 9:44 am • link • report

@Lance At those times you can actually ride in the roadway itself since the traffic is light.

No you can't, because NPS has made bicycling on GW parkway illegal.

And doing your bike riding in off peak traffic times is probably best for everyone anyways.

I'm not sure who you think it's best for, but it's certainly not best for the thousands of people in the DC area who use bikes as transportation (e.g., to get to work), not as toys.

by Jacques on Jun 6, 2012 9:44 am • link • report

People in cars should be planning their driving for weekends and off-traffic times so that there isn't as much traffic. Driving during peak periods is just inconsiderate.

by MLD on Jun 6, 2012 9:53 am • link • report

but for those wth smartphones - and that is easily 75% of Washington --it is a very easy way and makes buses far more accessible.

It's certainly made the bus more accessible for me and I definately ride them more than the train.

BTW, what's the difference between NextBus and WMATA's "next bus"

by HogWash on Jun 6, 2012 9:53 am • link • report

@Lance,
You need to get off your bike and walk it across in order to get the right of way as a pedestrian.

You have a citation for that? Every regulation I've ever seen makes no distinction between cyclists and pedestrians in the crosswalk.

by jeffb on Jun 6, 2012 9:55 am • link • report

@HogWash
BTW, what's the difference between NextBus and WMATA's "next bus"

They are the same company - WMATA's arrival information is provided by NextBus. Nextbus has a separate website that has information for all the transit agencies that they have contracts with.

If you go to nextbus.com on your phone you should see their mobile site and it should automatically detect your location and give nearby bus stops.

by MLD on Jun 6, 2012 10:00 am • link • report

@ Lance:Memorial Circle really isn't that bad for bicycles.

Yes it is. And it's a mess for pedestrians as well. The main problems are that:
* there is no way to cross from the north to the south (this is true on the Lincoln side of the bridge as well)
* there is no connection from the north end to the Mt Vernon trail.

You just need to be sure to use the northside sidewalks of Memorial Bridge and then avail yourself of the marked crosswalk just west of the circle.

And how would unsuspecting tourists know this?

(You need to get off your bike and walk it across in order to get the right of way as a pedestrian.)

No you don't. Under DC (and VA) law, bikers on the side way have the same rights (and duties) as pedestrians.

Alternatively, just plan your riding for the weekends and other off traffic times.

Yeah, I'm sure all those Pentagon employees that bike, walk and run to and from work will appreciate that.

At those times you can actually ride in the roadway itself since the traffic is light. And doing your bike riding in off peak traffic times is probably best for everyone anyways.

It is at no point in time safe to ride a bike or walk in the road there. That place is a madhouse.

I'd like to propose to you to come walk or bike with me there, but I will refrain seeing as how my proposals to you are sometimes misinterpreted.

by Jasper on Jun 6, 2012 10:06 am • link • report

Forgot a few word: Under DC (and VA) law, bikers on the side way have the same rights (and duties) as pedestrians when on the side-walk.

by Jasper on Jun 6, 2012 10:07 am • link • report

Rather important news that just broke:

http://wamu.org/news/morning_edition/12/06/06/pro_labor_agreement_dropped_from_dulles_rail_plan

by Tyler on Jun 6, 2012 10:16 am • link • report

I'm fairly certain the driving speed limit was recently upped on the outbound Memorial Bridge approach to the Circle, so it's pretty clear whose side the Park Service is on when it comes to this.

by aaa on Jun 6, 2012 10:27 am • link • report

Poor Metro Bus, can't get any love. Ridership growth surpasses the national average increase and the assumption is it must be because Metro rail is just so bad.

I agree with other commenters, Next Bus has made riding the bus an exponentially more attractive option.

by Chad on Jun 6, 2012 10:29 am • link • report

I agree with @Chad. The bus system, including Circulator, is a very easy and effective way to get around the city. I almost always choose bus over Metro, not just because of NextBus (although it is great!) but because I can stay on the surface, can be flexible, and it's cheaper. Metro seems more of a commitment and costlier and I prefer it only for longer trips or trips to the burbs where bus service sometimes decline.

by dc denizen on Jun 6, 2012 10:35 am • link • report

Alternatively, just plan your riding for the weekends and other off traffic times.

Not sure if this is intended to be a serious suggestion, or just classic Lance nest-poking. Either way, touché.

(In a similar spirit, I'd like to request that DC's drivers plan their driving on the weekends and other off traffic times. The number of them that selfishly clog the roads during "rush hour" makes it difficult to get to and from work on my bicycle.)

by oboe on Jun 6, 2012 10:37 am • link • report

@oboe

of course shifting drive times is a standard practice for dealing with congestion - its called flex time. Its one of the ways that life in the autocentric burbs has remained liveable for many.

wrt to metrobus - it could be a lot of things - improvements in bus service (including nextbus), issues with rail (not only service issues, but congestion) and it could also be population growth in areas not well served by metro. Also of course, with gas prices increasing, some of the transit growth is low income people for whom the gas prices are very big relative to income, and in the suburbs at least, many of them live in areas not served by rail, and their employment destinations are not conducive to rail.

wrt to MWAA, the PLA, and Dulles - so does this mean the game is up, and the Loudoun BOS and Richmond will get on board?

by AWalkerInTheCity on Jun 6, 2012 10:46 am • link • report

of course shifting drive times is a standard practice for dealing with congestion - its called flex time.

We're not talking about congestion, we're talking about safety.

by Alex B. on Jun 6, 2012 10:52 am • link • report

@alex

"The number of them that selfishly clog the roads during "rush hour" makes it difficult to get to and from work on my bicycle.)"

Clog, is a reference to congestion, though auto congestion has safety implications for cyclists. Of course I'm not disputing that Lance's suggestion is unreasonable (and as Oboe states, likely not serious) - just pointing out that time shifting as a response to traffic conditions is hardly unknown. Of course leaving for work an hour or two earlier for an easier drive is not the same as avoiding cycling on weekdays.

by AWalkerInTheCity on Jun 6, 2012 11:02 am • link • report

+1 Silver Line PLA dropped!

I'm sure the pro-PLA folks will spin this as disastrous for someone (I'm not even sure whom) but this is a clear win for the Silver Line. Now we just need to hold McDonnell's feet to the fire on giving the promised $150M and hope for the best from Loudoun's board.

by Falls Church on Jun 6, 2012 11:03 am • link • report

Re: DC Budget

Could anyone provide a link that explains the major changes from last year's budget to this year's? Particularly, I'm wondering if the Council listened to Police Chief Lanier (one of the most respected chiefs in the country) and provided the number of officers she requested. The Council did not provide that last year and it contributed to a crime spike.

by Falls Church on Jun 6, 2012 11:09 am • link • report

@falls church

if the contract winner ends up voluntarily adopting a PLA, as many (including WaPo yesterday, I think) suggest is likely, of course no one will suffer - the benefits of the PLA will accrue anyway.

Of course it seems pointless to have prevented the MWAA from encouraging a practice that will benefit the project and most folks think will be adopted anyway - but then ideological wars are often pointless.

by AWalkerInTheCity on Jun 6, 2012 11:11 am • link • report

@AWITC

Absolutely, most wars (particularly ideological ones) are pointless and bad for both sides. If you face an irrational counterparty (like McDonnell), its better to throw him a bone and move on than to stand your ground and escalate.

It's like if I'm at a bar and I encounter some a-hole who wants to start a fight for no reason. I just move over to the other side of the bar.

by Falls Church on Jun 6, 2012 11:18 am • link • report

of course that incents folks who are quite rational to attempt to appear irrational in order to get their way.

The best counter to that is to publicize the abuse of power that represents, and to punish those who use that strategy (by poltical unpopularity, losing elections, etc) Sometimes to do that, its worthwhile to not give in too soon, and sometimes its worthwhile to call the bully's bluff. While MWAA's cost benefit is more towards completing the Silver Line than exposing the Tea Party, the negatives of constantly deferring to the bullies need to be understood (and it seems some people who work in downtown DC on Pennsylvania have begun to understand that, though it took them long enough)

by AWalkerInTheCity on Jun 6, 2012 11:40 am • link • report

The fun thing about that NextBus site is that it works in any jurisdiction where NextBus has a contract, so you can use the same shortcut on your home screen for Boston, DC, and San Francisco.

I actually found it, because SF MUNI promotes it heavily, and for kicks I opened it up in DC to see where the "nearest" bus would be (and to my surprise, it was an X2 right on my doorstep)

by andrew on Jun 6, 2012 12:15 pm • link • report

@AWalker

Clog, is a reference to congestion, though auto congestion has safety implications for cyclists. Of course I'm not disputing that Lance's suggestion is unreasonable (and as Oboe states, likely not serious) - just pointing out that time shifting as a response to traffic conditions is hardly unknown. Of course leaving for work an hour or two earlier for an easier drive is not the same as avoiding cycling on weekdays.

What you say is fine, correct, but largely irrelevant to the story at hand, the one linked in the blog post.

Oboe made a nice joke about Lance's absurd deflection, but I just want to highlight again: the reason we're talking about this at all is because of safety.

by Alex B. on Jun 6, 2012 12:20 pm • link • report

Note: if you want to use NextBus on a smartphone simply point your phone's web browser to www.nextbus.com and the system will automatically show you predictions for the nearest stops. No need to enter the really long stop ID.

by Michael Smith on Jun 6, 2012 12:59 pm • link • report

the negatives of constantly deferring to the bullies need to be understood

Yes, when we're talking about appeasing Hitler, I agree it's better not to (and I lose this argument for bringing up Hitler). But, if we're talking about getting rid of a meaningless PLA preference (and we all agree that its likely meaningless since the contractor will likely have a PLA anyway), then there's no need for high stakes brinkmanship. Pick your battles.

And, while McDonnell's actions are irrational in the sense that they're not in VA's interest, they're very rational from a political standpoint. He wins politically if the PLA preference is not dropped because the Silver Line will get built anyway and he'll get to take an anti-union stance which is a political winner in VA. He also wins if the PLA is dropped because then he's been effective at moving forward the conservative anti-union agenda.

by Falls Church on Jun 6, 2012 1:20 pm • link • report

yeah, goodwins law - the Tea Party at a national level is a pretty serious phenom, and several years of concessions to the right seem (IMO) to have been a worse path than standing up and calling their bluff. But yeah, the PLA is not in the same class as revising the Bush tax cuts, say. Though Im not sure it was completely risk free for the Gov - if Phase 2 had gone through with no Comm $$, he could be attacked over the higher (than otherwise) DTR tolls, and had it not gone through (I think a nonzero possibility) he wuold be on the hook for the entire failure of the project. However he decided that the risk to MWAA (and to the interests in NoVa with a stake in the Silver Line) were greater, and as he expected, they folded first.

by AWalkerInTheCity on Jun 6, 2012 1:39 pm • link • report