Public transportation in Washington DC - Page 2

ADqtPiMel · #16 08-31-2006, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shinerbock

Tip for grocery buying your first couple times...I was only there for a couple of months, so I didn't have to do it consistantly. However, I used a couple of those delivery grocery companies, many of which have free delivery for your first time or two. I also found a discount online (maybe amazon or something), so every time I used it I got free shipping, and a couple times I even got a discount beyond that. It was a lot cheaper than taking a cab both ways, and the quality was quite good. I think I used Peapod.

Yea, we use Peapod. It's really convenient. We also have a little pushcart for when we actually have time to go to the store.

alum · #17 08-31-2006, 09:03 PM

Peopod is run through Giant Supermarkets. I think some of the other local food chains have something similar.

I have taken the Metro exactly 1x in my near decade of living in the area. However, my teenage D used it for her internships the past 2 summers as well as running up to her board meetings in NW from VA. Even as an over-protective mother, I really never worried about her Metroing during the daytime or rush hour.

GEN Alum loves the Metro commute as opposed to driving himself. He can read the paper, do unclass. work etc when he's a passenger. From what I understand, all federal agencies and many NGOs give public transportation vouchers that can be used on Metro, VRE, MARC....

There are a couple of difficulties regarding Metro:
First is the fact that it doesn't go out all the way to the Dulles Airport. It goes to Reagan but that is a smaller airport. The battle over public transportation to Dulles is being waged as I write.

2nd is not really a difficulty but more of a heads-up. ABSOLUTELY no food, drinks are allowed on the Metro. This keeps the trains and stations clean. A couple of years ago a big brouhaha erupted because of a 12 year old bring arrested for chewing gum or eating french fries in a station.

OtterXO · #18 09-01-2006, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alum

There are a couple of difficulties regarding Metro:
First is the fact that it doesn't go out all the way to the Dulles Airport. It goes to Reagan but that is a smaller airport. The battle over public transportation to Dulles is being waged as I write.

I seem to recall taking the metro to Falls Church and then taking a shuttle to Dulles. It wasn't too hard....just more difficult than it would be if you flew out of Reagan. Although the good deals were always out of Dulles!

alum · #19 09-01-2006, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OtterXO

I seem to recall taking the metro to Falls Church and then taking a shuttle to Dulles. It wasn't too hard....just more difficult than it would be if you flew out of Reagan. Although the good deals were always out of Dulles!

VDOT and Metro are trying come up with a solution to extend direct Metro rail service to Dulles. The shuttle from West Falls Church is apparently not as reliable as it should be...

OtterXO · #20 09-01-2006, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alum

VDOT and Metro are trying come up with a solution to extend direct Metro rail service to Dulles. The shuttle from West Falls Church is apparently not as reliable as it should be...

I remember waiting for it a few times, but I always planned accordingly. This was a couple years ago though....things definitely could have changed!

jessikay1922 · #21 09-01-2006, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alum

A couple of years ago a big brouhaha erupted because of a 12 year old bring arrested for chewing gum or eating french fries in a station.

It was fries.. you can chew gum on the Metro, just keep it in your mouth!

Another difference between our Metro system and other subway systems is that the Metrorail closes at night. There are extended hours on the weekend. This also helps keep the system clean.

OtterXO · #22 09-01-2006, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessikay1922

Another difference between our Metro system and other subway systems is that the Metrorail closes at night. There are extended hours on the weekend. This also helps keep the system clean.

I have fond memories of friday night happy hours that went too long and a big group of us trying to catch the last train!

PiKA2001 · #23 10-02-2006, 03:43 PM

Thanks everyone for the insight, I'm leaving tomorrow for D.C. Should be a cool time.

adpiucf · #24 10-02-2006, 04:35 PM

Have fun! The Metro stops at every stop and it announces the stop before it stops, again when it stops, and again once it gets going again-- it's pretty idiot proof and there are maps everywhere with good signage!

Jill1228 · #25 10-02-2006, 04:45 PM

Ahhh I miss living in the DC area. I used to live in Alexandria. Even though I had a car the last year of my living there, I still took the bus and/or Metro to work

Metro is the shit!

Have fun...you are making me homesick