Metro and Metrobus feeling the Pain in Public Affairs

Not a good summer for Metro and Metrobus Public Affairs - take a look at these sites and news items.

http://unsuckdcmetro.blogspot.com/

http://dcist.com/2009/08/two_metrobus_operators_fired_a_thir.php

I also heard a rumor that DC DMV closed down the Brentwood Branch - this calls for a big long blog post in memorial to the worst DMV location on earth. Does anyone remember that parking lot where they did the driving test? Worst location ever.

TOO BAD, SO SAD!!! But oh the memories.

Metro Plays Guessing Game with Riders

Taken from the WMATA site:
June 19 is Dump the Pump Day, a great time to try Metro, the affordable alternative to skyrocketing gas prices. We know you'll be on board, but just how many of your fellow commuters will join you? Give us your best guess. If your number is right (or closest), we'll give you a SmarTrip® card loaded with $100 in value. If more than one person has the winning number, we'll draw randomly from the closest ones.
My thoughts: The last thing I need is more people trying Metro. Yes, I agree that metro is the affordable alternative to exorbitant gas prices, but only when trains run on time, don't derail and are not overwhelmed with crowds during rush hour. Okay, so despite my complaining...I took a guess. I think I entered 825,287 passengers on 6/19. Here is to hoping I win. I could use the extra 100 bucks on my SmarTrip card.

Who Decides The Code Red?

Do you ever wonder who gets the decision authority to declare a code orange or code red day in the Nation's Capital? Is it the weather man? Is it the mayor? Is it a health official? I just want to know who I can send a thank you note to when I get a free ride on the bus or a free ride on the metro. Of course, a free ride on the bus comes with drawbacks - namely everyone takes the bus. Thank goodness I get a seat early in the commute, because otherwise I wouldn't not be happy about standing face to armpit with someone trying desperately not to fall with every touch of the break pedal. No, instead I get there early, get a seat and read the paper all the way home while people fight their way to the back of the bus - "Can you please move down?"

Although the other day, there was this guy who had a huge umbrella. You know the type that look like jousting sticks. He was listening to his iPod and with every beat of his music he would pound the tip of his umbrella on the floor of the bus. Well, it drove me absolutely batty! I turned around and shot him several looks that said, "Cut it out!" He was clueless and had no idea. He continued to do it until the bus driver got pissed and stopped the bus to ask him to stop. Of course, the man did not hear him because he had his iPod earbuds in his head. Finally some woman tapped him and got his attention. The bus driver explained to him that every time he would pound his umbrella on the floor, the driver would think there was something wrong with the bus and it was making that noise. So, the idiot stopped. I was able to enjoy the rest of my code red bus trip all the way to NW D.C.