By Rebecca
‘Perfect Placement’
courtesy of ‘gadgetdude’
At around 4am last night, a truck loaded with bananas overturned on the Northbound portion of Interstate 270. Traffic was briefly closed between the Capital Beltway and Old Georgetown Road and was reopened in time for today’s rush hour. The southbound portion of 270 was unaffected.
If you’re driving by this section of 270, you’ll spot the truck on the shoulder, as the truck and it contents will be removed after rush hour.
By Tom Bridge
‘Killing Time on the Green Line’
courtesy of ‘Bogotron’
Metro this morning announced two safety programs now approved by the board: rollback protection on 5000-series cars, and door control unit repairs to 500+ cars. The former repairs should be done by this summer, but the latter will take until Spring of 2011.
Interestingly, the repairs to the DCUs suggest that it may be awhile longer until we’re back on Automated Train Operations (ATO): “Metro will repair door control units on 546 rail cars, which will enhance passenger safety once Metro resumes automatic train operations”. That suggests they’re either going to wait until we’re back on ATO to do the repairs, or that the repairs can’t be started until we’re back on ATO. Metro has given no public timeline for the return to ATO and has refused all inquiries related to that subject. Dave Stroup from Why I Hate DC yesterday called for a return to ATO sooner rather than later, suggesting that Metro’s current safety regime is more like security theater than actual security. I’m inclined to agree that if Metro wants to justify their fare hike proposals, they’re going to have to return service to something approximating normal more quickly than they had planned.
By Tom Bridge
‘You’re Fired!’
courtesy of ‘bjornmeansbear’
Local blogger Meg of 2birds1blog was this morning dismissed from her workplace for her blog, in which she kept her identity somewhat concealed, and her employer’s identity a mystery. Worse than that, and the worst nightmare of pretty much every blogger is that they’re threatening her with a defamation lawsuit. What a buzzkill. Anyhow, Meg is one of our favorites around these parts and finding out she’s getting Dooced is pretty much unacceptable to us.
Meg’s likely to need a good lawyer in the coming months who’s willing to act on her behalf while these still-as-of-yet-unnamed employers decide to be foolish jerks and threaten her with defamation suits. If you know anyone who fits the bill, make yourself known in the comments and we’ll try to help you out. While we’re not lawyers here at We Love DC, and this next comment shouldn’t be construed as legal advice, posts like this one make me think she might have a good sexual harassment countersuit. Can you help?
While we’re on the subject, it’d be good for everyone both reading this blog, and especially so if they write one, to brush up on your rights at work. It’s not as clear a line as you’d think.
‘Screen on the Green’
courtesy of ‘InspirationDC’
Screen on the Green is in danger for a second year now. HBO has yet to determine their 2010 budget, which means no one has any idea whether or not Screen on the Green will be back this summer.
Want to support the effort and keep Screen on the Green a running DC tradition? Screen on the Green supporter and founder of the Save the Screen on the Green Facebook group Jesse Rauch is asking fans to vote for Screen on the Green as Best Festival in CityPaper’s annual Best of D.C. contest. You can cast your vote at the CityPaper’s webiste.
Want to stay updated on the latest news concerning Screen on the Green? Check out the Facebook group.
By Tom Bridge
‘Newspapers Newspapers Newspapers’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’
Kytja Weir from the Examiner has had a look at the FY2011 WMATA budget, and get ready to bend over, because here it comes again. Look for an increase up to $2.00 for peak rail fare minimums, with the new max at $5.10. There’s also a peak-of-the-peak period during the height of rush hour (7-8:30a and 4:30-6p) which will increase the peak fare by a dime each direction. Metrobus fares face a hike of a quarter each direction. Taking the shuttle to Dulles or BWI? That’ll be $6 instead of $3.10.
The increases are draconian, and will likely affect the commuting rider to the tune of $154 a year, with an additional $110 if they add bus legs each direction. Even worse? With these increases, Metro still has another $40M to make up in shortfall. No idea where that’s going to come from, but I’m hoping it’s not the ridership’s pockets. I suspect that’s a well they’ve gone to too much.
By Tom Bridge
‘EHN @ Artomatic’
courtesy of ‘tbridge’
With the word out that Metro is short another $18M due to lost fares and extra expenses during the Snopocalypse and Snowmaggeddon, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has requested some additional funds from FEMA to offset the loss. Her letter to FEMA director Craig Fugate highlights unique challenges to Metro, including its status as a multi-state agency. She wrote, “I understand that if the president declares Major Disasters or Emergencies that Metro likely will receive assistance separately through each of the states in which they operate. However, considering how unusual it is to be faced with a tri-state local entity under the Stafford Act, I would ask that FEMA provide the greatest flexibility in its administrative requirements so as not to unnecessarily add to the operational burdens that Metro faces.”
It would be nice to see FEMA come through with some emergency funding for our beleaguered transit agency, especially with WMATA facing a $189M shortfall for next year, with likely service cuts on the block. Isn’t a great time to ride Metro?
By Kirk
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
For some reason (I still can’t fathom why) the Metro closed at midnight on Friday and Saturday. This meant that for the average person out on the town, taxis were the only option for getting home, and apparently cabbies got wind of this. Instead of turning on their meters and offering their fares the normal rate, drivers would jack prices up two and three times the normal, knowing that cab scarcity and the freezing cold would leave their patrons with little recourse but to accept the gouged prices. This is illegal. But, when the driver says “30 dollars to take you there” and pulls away when you inform him of the law, what can you do? So, as one of those screwed-over patrons from last night, I offer a hearty “burn in hell” to the cabbies of DC. Seriously, die in fire.
By Kirk
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
So, I’m at work. I decided to skip the trains and made it in with little hassle via Metrobus. But, now I’m starting to worry about the commute home. Granted, it’s still five hours off, but thinking about the mess that the Metro has been this morning makes me wonder if I should even bother trying to get out of the city. I might just hunker down with a beer somewhere and wait this whole situation out. Things should be resolved by 8ish, right?
By Kirk
‘Train approaching’
courtesy of ‘brianmka’
As you are all aware, the Fed has finally reopened today after nearly a week of closure. With roads fairly clear and sidewalks mostly shoveled, it seemed like the right call. But I’m beginning to suspect that maybe it wasn’t. Metro appears to be woefully unprepared for the return of the Federal workforce. Trains and buses are running sporadically and we’ve been getting reports of measured chaos at many metro stations. Personally, I want to know what the deal is. According to the WMATA website, all lines are on schedule and Metro has “expanded service for Friday.” Problem is, expanded service apparently means one train every fifteen minutes. In my book, that’s not quite enough for rush hour. So, what do you all think? Was it a good call to open the Fed, or did your commute tell you otherwise?
By Kirk
‘The White House’
courtesy of ‘william couch’
OPM has announced that the Fed is closed for a nearly unprecedented fourth day in a row. The last time the government shut down for more than 2 days was for the blizzard of 1996, when employees were instructed not to report for an entire week (also the record for longest closure). We’ll see if the fed decides to open for business on Friday. I’d like to think that they’ll be able to, but God only knows, at this point.
By Tom Bridge
photo courtesy of Alex of @BYTEatDrink
Hi there! If you’re new to We Love DC, you might want to check out a few of our other posts, like which restaurants are still open in all this snow, or check out what Thundersnow’s all about, or if you’re from DC, check out our great posts on the Building Height Limit Myth or The Palisades. Thanks for coming!
That was the scene at an area Safeway as DC residents are intent on screwing their way out of the snow. I’m just wondering, though: presented with a Birth Control aisle like that, do you buy the Magnums and hope, or do you find other means of making it through the shortage?
Who wants to bet we see a spike in births come November? …or maybe just an uptick in anti-biotic prescriptions in March?
Shelves are showing a good supply of lube, though. Make of that what you will.
The Editors of We Love DC would like to make sure you know that we are all for safe sex and don’t advocate unsafe sex, even under blizzard conditions. STDs suck, AIDS sucks, and unintended pregnancies can suck. Think about that for a second while you’re considering your options, mmkay?
By Tom Bridge
The word for tomorrow is out, and it’s not good:
For Monday morning, Feb. 8, commuters should expect limited underground Metrorail service to start at 7 a.m., and very limited Metrobus service from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., as icy conditions on roadways and Metrorail tracks continue to be a barrier to providing safe service. MetroAccess service for Monday will be suspended for the entire day.
Blowing snow and re-freezing are the culprits currently keeping Metro from restoring above ground rail service. Regarding Metrobus:
Fewer than two dozen Metrobus lines will be in service on Monday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. due to snowy and icy conditions that persist on the region’s roadways. Metrobuses will stick to snow emergency routes to start the day. Customers may want to take advantage of the next bus prediction technology to get an idea when the next bus will be arriving by logging onto Metro’s web site or calling 202-637-7000 and saying, “Next Bus.” Buses are expected to be moving slowly on the roads, which remain slippery.
This is a particularly rough showing for Metro in a time of dire need for the DC Metro area, and it’s not clear when things are going to get better with 4-8″ of additional precip expected this Tuesday night.
By Tom Bridge
‘Under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge #48’
courtesy of ‘andertho’
ABC 7 is saying that the Wilson Bridge has been shutdown due to several stuck trucks on the Maryland side of the Bridge, getting stuck in the snow on the hill that comes up off the Bridge and up toward 295 and 210 into the District. With the trucks unable to move, the traffic situation has rapidly deteriorated, and they’re now closing the eastbound spans of the Bridge until they can get things back up and running.
By Kirk
”
courtesy of ‘Hoffmann’
Yes, that’s right, a blizzard warning. The National Weather Service has issued a statement going into effect at 10pm warning of blizzard conditions in the District. Earlier today, a similar warning was issued for Baltimore and Southern Maryland, but it seems the effects are projected to be further south than originally expected. So, look for 2 feet of snow on the ground by the time you wake up tomorrow, and in excess of 20 inches when all is said and done. Welcome to the true Snowpocalypse. December’s got nothing on February.
By Kirk
‘MTV’s “Real World” House in DC for 2010’
courtesy of ‘dbking’
Are you an art collector searching for a few “as seen on realty TV” pieces? Do you love MTV’s sense of interior design so much that you wish to emulate it in your own home? Well, you’re in luck, because Gallery Plan B is hosting a two day event during which you can purchase some of the artwork displayed in the Real World DC house! Starting Staurday, the pieces are on sale at Plan B’s 14th St. location. They’re even hosting a reception with the artists on the 6th. So, if anything jumped out at you during your religious watching on the RWDC, get yourself to Plan B to lay your hands on it.
By Tom Bridge
‘Vanishing point’
courtesy of ‘Pianoman75’
Friend of We Love DC Logan Johnson, Senior Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, was kind enough to provide us with a specially updated forecast for the DC Area:
Snow lovers can rejoice (yet again!) as another winter storm has set its sights on the DC Metro area. This one looks like it may very well rival or even exceed the historic storm of December 19th. Low pressure taking shape over the Gulf of Mexico will visit the southern states with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and windy conditions. As the low takes a northward turn Friday night…it will strengthen off the Georgia coast and send precipitation towards the Mid-Atlantic. A cold area of high pressure will already be in place, and this will allow for the precipitation to fall as snow as the low pressure continues to strengthen and lift north to just off the Delmarva peninsula by early Saturday. Read on for the complete coverage Continue reading
By Kirk
‘day144 :: year three’
courtesy of ‘erin*carly’
People cause me great consternation on my commutes in and out of the city. I have this vision in my mind of how everyone should behave on the metro in order to make a perfect commute. People would be kind and considerate, they would move briskly, no one would tote rolly book bags, and those two teenagers at the end of the car would stop their shouting. But no, it’s not like that. Maybe I’m just growing cynical, but the longer I take the metro, the more it seems like a virulent trap of obnoxious types intent on making commute as unpleasant an experience as possible. It’s gotten to point where I’ve started grouping people into certain personalities. There’s the “stand in the doorway” guy, the “pole dancer“, the “I’m sorry my bag is sitting here” guy, and so on and so forth. It’s really been weighing on me for the past few days. I’m sure this is something that you rehash this with your peers every so often, but let’s share: who is your least favorite metro personality? Mine: rolly book bag person, without equivocation.
By Kirk
‘damn the snow — full speed ahead!’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
After a second snowpocalypse, do we stop getting excited about them? This question is not abstract; I really mean it. It looks like we’re in for yet another snow storm, perhaps larger than any we’ve had so far this year. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch, calling for up to 20 inches for the DC area. Who’s ready to be snowed in for yet another weekend? Not this guy. Still, it seems inevitable. So, make a run on milk and bread and find some sweet board games, or something. I don’t think you’ll be going anywhere this weekend. And stick with WLDC for all of your Snowpocalypse 2.0 coverage.
By Tom Bridge
Good has an incredibly sexy graphic comparing WMATA to other large transit systems including CTA, BART, MBTA and MTA, including length of commute averages and other sweet statistics. This is nothing short of sweet, sweet infoporn. How does Metro compare? Right in the middle of the big five transit systems for average commute length, percent active vehicles, ridership and speed.
Like porn, though, I’m not sure if the graphic is representative of reality: how are there really 1M riders on Metrorail + Metrobus on an average day, when an average day has 1.2M trips (not riders) between the two systems and likely a total passenger total of much less than half that number. But hey, we’re probably still ahead of Boston and SF. That counts for something, right?
By Kirk
‘Goodbye, snowman’
courtesy of ‘erin m’
Despite the hype and my most fervent prayers, the District came out on the winning end of its bout with snow. This was due largely to getting considerably less precipitation than was predicted. Most of the DC area reported less than 3 inches of accumulation, but this was enough to close Montgomery and Fairfax county schools and to put the Fed into unscheduled leave. Still, the roads were little more than wet, this morning, and my commute wasn’t harried in the least. It was kind of a let down, to be honest. We’ll see if mother nature throws something more challenging our way, this weekend. Considering that there won’t be any work to miss, I’m guessing that she will.
By