Greyhound Moves to Union Station

Greyhound Lines finally completed its move into Union Station. The site of the old Greyhound bus station at 1005 1st St NE was sold over one year ago, precipitating the move. The ubiquitous national bus company completes the relocation of several intercity bus carries into Union Station. 

Megabus, Washington Deluxe, DC2NY, Boltbus and Greyhound are now located on the H Street level of the parking garage on the north side of Union Station. Visitors can now find intercity buses, sightseeing  buses, Circulator buses, Metrobus, Metrorail, Amtrak, VRE, MARC, taxis, bike rental & share, and car rental & share all at Union Station as of today. Very cool.

The Bus, The Blog, The Song?

If there is a bus route that deserves a song, it's the 42. The ride I love so much has thousands of other fans like you (or maybe you aren't always a fan, depending on circumstances). The 42's crescent shaped path through NW mirrors an old streetcar route and terminates in Mount Pleasant. Along the way the driver picks up riders in downtown, Dupont, Kalorama, Adams Morgan and all stops in between. 

Despite my issues with certain peculiar characters that frequent the bus, I have an affinity for riding the 42 beyond getting from here to there. I do sometimes sing songs to myself on the bus, but this is the first song I know of written for the the bus. It's by DC musician René Moffatt. The name of the song, of course,  is "Route 42"

And the songwriter has partnered with local businesses along the route to promote the song by offering "42" themed specials. They'll be available until March 4 (Sunday!)

Tryst: “Route 42” Signature Cocktail for $4.20

The Diner: “Route 42” Signature Cocktail for $4.20

Hello Cupcake: Signature logo “Route 42” Cupcake

Yola: “Route 42” Latte

Flying Fish: “Route 42” Rocky Road Bus Tire Cake

What Kind of Bus Rider Are You?

Most riders are great! A select few... not so much.

As much as I love biking around DC and walking around DC, I'm usually on the bus when I need to get somewhere quickly. Yes, often choosing the bus over Metro. Almost all of us who ride regularly are great folks; working class, students, day laborers, party kids, commuters, whomever. We just want to get where we're going safely and on time.

However, we have various ideas about bus etiquette and the unwritten rules of public transit. Here are some of my favorite quirky riders and the tendencies that make me notice them as soon as I pay the fare and start to look for a seat.

The Leg Spreader - Almost always a man. You like to take two seats, but you don't use bags or packages. You use your legs. Spread as wide as possible. Feelin' the breeze. Sweet dude.

The Traveler - You refuse to take a cab to the airport, despite having to utilize all 5 bags of your 5 bag luggage set. You can barely carry (drag) them all, but you know you can save some cash by taking public transit. Even though it will take an extra hour. You take up, at the very least, two seats.

I Only Take Calls on the Bus - You only take cell phone calls on the bus. You are loud and at some point have to drop in a line like "Whaaat!?! Oh my gawwwwd, I was just in Prague."

I Only Take Sensitive Calls on the Bus - Very much like "I Only Take Calls on the Bus," but your conversations are likely to involve a variation on "Oh, thank goodness - yeah, test came back negative. You too?... Want to come over later?"

Driver's Buddy - Most bus drivers really only want to talk to you if they know you or if you are asking a bus related question. You like to engage the driver in some irrelevant topic which they have no interest hearing or talking about. Usually a twisted take on local politics. Or sports.

The Outside Seater - Obvious etiquette dictates that the first person to sit move to the seat closest to the window. But you refuse, standing your ground in the outside seat until the bus is literally full. Then, you may relent and move over the the empty inside seat. But only if glared at, asked to move or climbed over by another rider. Use of bags to cover the empty seat is a common tactic.

Backpacker - I know what your backpack tastes like. It's hit me in the mouth 5 times, even after I pushed you away and you said "Oh, I'm sorry!" Still hitting me. Still. Now, even. Yes.

What's SmarTrip? - You get on waving a paper Metro farecard and complaining that our system is quite inferior to New York City's. You "don't have any cash" and also "don't know what a SmarTrip card is" and the driver waves you on without paying. I suspect you've done this before.

I'm First and I'm Refilling My SmarTrip Card Right Now - Refilling the SmarTrip card on the bus can be harrowing. The process is not intuitive and the machine makes a loud nasty buzzing sound when you mess up. However, you like to get on the bus first and refill your card. With a bunch of one dollar bills. Very slowly while others wait. Next time, be nice and let everyone else get on first.

Aisle Squatter - When the bus starts to fill, and you are standing, you should start moving to the back of the bus. It's just nice. People can't walk around you in the aisle, and the front of the bus is really crowded with standees. The back is literally a ghost town. Just remember that. And it looks bad from the outside.

The Nice Guy or Girl - You are just nice. Giving up your seat to someone who looks like they need it. Pulling the yellow cord for me when I can't reach. Yelling "BACK DOOR" when the doors closed on another rider. And you always thank the driver because they do in fact have a tough job. Just a quality DC person who happens to ride the bus. Luckily there are more of you than the others (I think). I like to think this one is me. I hope it is!

NextBus and Circulator Systems a Blast

A double dose of transit good news occurred last week. Circulator, the limited stop DDOT buses, and Metrobus both instituted GPS based bus locators. Each system (they are operated separately) now has an internet ready system which allows riders to check the arrival status of nearby buses. I have tested both systems over the last week and both have worked nearly flawlessly.

NextBus is best reached by internet browser from your mobile phone. The mobile site is www.wmata.com/mobile/. If you do not have internet access, each Metrobus stop displays a unique identifying number. For example, the first southbound stop of th 42, (Lamont and Mt Pleasant Sts NW) is numbered 1002070. Call 202-637-7000 and use that number to activate the automated system. NextBus errs toward an early estimate by about one minute. So, if the bus is just arriving at your stop, the NextBus system will direct you to the bus arriving after that one. This way, unless you are really close to the stop, you will not be disappointed by missing a bus the system said was going to be available. I have tried the mobile internet site about 12 times since its inception and have never been given incorrect information. A+ for implementation so far.

The Ciculator mobile site (circulator.dc.gov/) is the only way to access it's buses locations. No voice access yet. Not as exact as NextBus, the Circulator site only gives the approximate location of the closest buses (i.e. " Bus #1137 is near 24TH ST AND CONNECTICUT AVE, NW 1 mi. away). From there, you have to determine whether or not to keep waiting or look for another form of transport. You won't get a report of how many minutes away the bus is, only distance. I tested the Circulator site several times iver the last week and twice was mislead about the location of a bus. Once, a bus was supposed to be at a location, but I gathered it had just passed. The second time, a bus that was supposed to be about a mile away showed up at my stop, early. Perhaps there is a lag in reporting the GPS coordinates over the web. I'll keep checking and report back if things improve. B+ for Circulator implementation.

What are your experiences? What grade would you give DDOT and Metro for their efforts?

42 Route Finally Gets New Bus Design

Nearly a year ago I wrote about the new styled Metro buses impending takeover of DC streets. Metro ordered a few hundred of the buses, including some special accordion style articulated buses for longer routes. I've seen the new buses around town, but never as the 42. Yesterday I got a chance to ride on a newer bus running as a 42.

The buses are lower to the ground, much like the Circulator buses. No need to walk up steps to get onto the bus. The floor is level with the sidewalk. The seats are set apart from each other. Less rubbing of elbows with other passengers and your bum gets its own seat. There are more standee polls and even a few strap hangers near the front of the bus. Near the rear door, a new sign. Posted in bright yellow on the floor of the bus: PLEASE NO STANDING IN THIS AREA. This sign should help alleviate some of the people bunching near the rear door that can slow exiting of the bus. I am often "guilty" of standing in the area near the rear door. Not a terrible offense, but when there is no where else to stand, what's a guy to do. Hopefully we'll see some more of the new buses running the 42 soon.

Circulator Still a Mystery for Some

Is it just me, or does the new Circulator route through Mt Pleasant seem like a little nugget of inside knowledge? The neighborhood blogging and transit communities are privy. So are a few downtown workers that gather at the Mt P and Columbia heights stops every morning. But otherwise, I don't think the masses realize how great this bus is or that it even exists.

There is absolutely no advertising for the new route. Some riders don't realize that the bus is limited stop once they get on. So far the drivers have been nice about dropping people off at the next corner when this occurs. Other potential riders are hesitant to get on or ask the driver about the route when waiting for the regular Metro bus at designated stops. The bus is almost always empty, even on days and during times when it should be packed. And those in the know are constantly talking up the bus while riding it, in my observations.

Once again, this bus is awesome. It has consistently run about every 10 minutes so far. All along a route of only 7 stops from Woodley Park to McPherson Sq. It runs until the Metro closes each night, and yes that means until 3AM on the weekends. It costs $1! That is a steal. And it's virtually an express bus. The new route connects with Metro Rail at several stations as welll as the east-west Circulator route. Yes, for some the infrequent stoppage is a problem. The regular Metro bus is still running for those folks. But for everyone else, please take advantage of the Circulator. Late DDOT know that they have hit upon a great idea and that we support it.

Reasons to Be Car Free in DC #11: Limited Stop Bus

Everyone knows the knock on DC Metro buses. They're slow, they bunch up, and make too many stops. Well, Metro and the city of DC have addressed some of those concerns and begun to offer limited stop buses. The buses don't necessarily aim to mimic subway trains, but instead augment train service and local bus service. Mount Pleasant is served by several of the lines including the city sponsored Circulator and Metro's S9 and 43 buses. The 43 isn't so much a limited stop bus. It just skips two stops on Dupont Circle in order to avoid the traffic tie up that is the circle itself. For riders traveling from downtown back to Mount Pleasant, the after work trip is made that much shorter. Like other limited stop buses in DC, they only enhance service, not eliminate it. Riders can still catch local buses that make stops on nearly every block if needed.

The Circulator and S9 are true limited stop buses. The new Circulator from Woodley Park to McPhereson Square has only seven pick up and drop off points for the entire route. The southbound bus makes a stop in Mount Pleasant proper at Irving and Mount Pleasant Streets. The S9 is a breath of fresh air (well, not literally) for 16th Street NW commuters, providing a much faster route from Silver Spring to Downtown. It stops about every five blocks, instead of every block, or every other block. I appreciate the trend and hope it continues, especially with a cross town bus or two. Limited stop H4 anyone?

43 Bus Up and Running; Other Changes for 42

Morning and evening commuters who live in Mount Pleasant have a new, faster option for bus service to downtown. The 43 bus started running last week looks to be a smart move by WMATA.

The 43 generally runs the same route as the 42, but with a few time-saving changes. This route only operates mornings and evenings only on Monday-Friday. To be exact, 7:50am-9:15am and 3:20pm-7:00pm. Morning buses begin in Mt Pleasant and terminate at 17th and I (Farragut Sq). The northbound afternoon 43 buses begin at Farragut and terminate at Lamont and Mt Pleasant Streets NW.

The 43 does not make stops at Dupont Circle. When traveling on Connecticut Ave, in both directions, the 43 bypasses the Circle by traveling through the underground tunnel. The two bypassed stops (Dupont Circle South and Q Street stops) will still be served by the 42 bus.

Dupont Circle was always a time killer for the 42. It added the most time to the trip downtown, more than any other factor. The downside to the move is that it will take a little more work if you want to catch the 43 after exiting the Dupont Metro station. You'll have to walk an additional block north or south on Connecticut. But at that point, it runs the same route as the 42, so unless you really, really want to ride the new bus, just catch the 42.

A few minute changes to the 42 schedule: WMATA added a 2:15am, 2:40am, and 3:04am southbound buses to the Monday-Thursday Schedule. They previously only ran on Friday nights (early Saturday morning).

Book-Mobile

The 43 Bus

The 43? Have you noticed a change on the WMATA bus signs in Mt Pleasant? They now list a bus route other than the 42. Its the 43! Tim over at Connectiquette Ave did some research and has the story. Probably too late to change the name of the blog though, meh. The "42 OR 43 Bus" just doesn't roll off the toungue. Thanks other Tim.

Overheard

New Metrobus Shelters

... are popping up all over Mt Pleasant. They look nice, much more futuristic looking than the old boxy, brown, squarish shelters, but serve the same purpose.

The New 42 Bus...?

Uh, hmm. Not sure what I think about these. This new Metro bus will begin replacing current Metro buses in late August. Metro has ordered 200+ new buses total; including these compressed natural gas buses and many hybrid electric buses. Older buses and the most heavily used routes will get priority. I kind of liked the old, loud, dirty Metro buses with no A/C and awkward seating configuration. Yeeeeeaaaaaah. No, bring on the new. But give us time to say good-bye...OK? Thoughts?

Future President Should Live a Little; Try a Pupusa

Looks like DC got it right this time. DC Republicans chose Senator John McCain and the DC Democrats chose Senator Barack Obama during the party primaries in February. And low and behold, those two ended up winning their party's primary and are squaring off this summer and fall. What you don't know is that the real prize is not the Presidency itself. The real prize is being able to live right in downtown, cosmopolitan Washington, DC on a prime piece of real estate, right on the 42 bus line!

Hey Prez, need to shop for new linens? Take the 42 to Gallery Place and walk over to Bed Bath and Beyond. Need a quick bite and got tired of your personal White House Chef? Take the 42 up to Mount Pleasant and grab a pupusa. Want to get a hair cut (sorry McCain)? Why not hop off at the Hair Cuttery. Or splurge at Trim! Secretly hate that Starbucks crap they serve in the West Wing? Let me show you this place called Tryst. Yea, its on the 42. Heard about Secret Safeway? The 42 won't take you to the front door, but it will take you pretty close! We won't even mention the Soviet Safeway. Want to impress the Brazilian, Ethiopian, Indian, Ghanaian, French, or Italian diplomats? Send them on the 42 to Adams Morgan and suggest a place they can get some familiar food.

Look potential President, don't ignore this great city around you for the 4-8 years that you'll be in town. I ride by your house almost every time I get on the 42. Yea, we know you are going to be busy answering 3am phone calls Google-vetting your VP candidates, but don't forget about us, your neighbors. Maybe throw us a bone or two regarding that whole taxation without representation mess too. First coffee at Tryst is on me...

Final 42 Bus Map

Way too long after the first version. Sorry about that. I added more neighborhoods and landmarks.

This map shows the actual route of Metrobus' 42 bus. The route begins in Mount Pleasant at the intersection of Lamont Street and Mt Pleasant Street NW. The route follows a curved path through Adams Morgan, Kalorama, Dupont, Farragut, White House, Metro Center and ends in Chinatown.

After leaving Mt Pleasant, the 42 travels west along Columbia Road until reaching Connecticut Avenue, heading south. The route travels around Dupont Circle and past Farragut Sqaure before turning east on H Street past Lafayette Park, New York Ave Presby Church and finally turns right, southbound on 9th Street. The final stop is at 9th Sand G Streets, NW; adjacent to the MLK Library and across the street from the National Portrait Gallery.

Support, Answers Still Needed After Fire

Two weeks after a fire destroyed one Mount Pleasant apartment building and nearly destroyed an adjacent church, the fallout is still very much evident on the ground. Mount Pleasant Street has been closed north of Irving since the fire. The businesses on the main street seem to be doing ok, but getting into, out of and through the neighborhood has been a challenge.

You wouldn't know from the WMATA website, but there is clearly a detour for the 42 bus route regarding Mount Pleasant Street. Northbound buses end their routes at Irving Street. Southbound buses begin their routes at either Irving (turning right onto Irving, then right on 16th) or at Argonne Place next to Rat Park. Here's where it gets tricky. Most buses leaving from Irving won't circle around Rat Park; you'll have to cross the street from the Rat Park bus shelter to get onto the bus, which will pick up on southbound 16th Street. Afterwards it makes a right onto Columbia Road and continues the normal route. Some buses will (correctly) start at Argonne Place, make a right onto Harvard, and then a right again, stopping directly in front of the Rat Park bus shelter. Either way, your best bet to catch the southbound 42 is to wait at the shelter in Rat Park. Buses seem to run in bunches in this configuration, so you'll see 3 or 4 starting/ending their route at once.

Donations are still needed and accepted. Neighbors Consejo, the Mount Pleasant non profit, has collected all the clothes it can at this point. Monetary donations are best, because it can be used for a variety of resident needs. Donate online easily at the organization's website. Or in person; 3118 16th Street NW.

The local press has covered various aspects of the story since the fire. Here are a few recent articles:

• Red Cross to Pay Apartment Fire Victims First Month Rents
• Victims of Fire Pick up the Pieces of Their Lives
• Damage to Apartments, Church Put at $20 Million

Authorities know more about where the fire started in the 3145 Mt Pleasant St building, but have yet to settle on a firm cause. They have not completely ruled out arson, but appear to have ruled it out as the most likely reason. There are still questions about the effects of the physical conditions and general upkeep of the building and what role, if any, they played in the fire. Officials have not said if the fire was just an accident, circumstantial or intentional. Hopefully the picture will become clearer soon and with a new season, the residents of 3145 and parishioners of Meridian Hill Baptist can move towards some form of regularity. My best to them all.

Route 42 Bus Map

Bear with me on the recent map craze. I was a cartographer in a past life. Also, I've been wanting to install maps on the blog since day one and I guess I get to do it all in one fell swoop... I've gotten a few comments, so keep the suggestions coming. I will post all of the revised maps soon with permanent links on the homepage.

This map shows the actual route of Metrobus' 42 bus. The route begins in Mount Pleasant at the intersection of Lamont Street and Mt Pleasant Street NW. The route follows a curve-like path through Adams Morgan, Kalorama, Dupont, Farragut, White House, Metro Center and ends in Chinatown. After leaving Mt Pleasant, the 42 travels west along Columbia Road until reaching Connecticut Avenue, heading south. The route travels around Dupont Circle and rumbles past Farragut Sqaure before turning east on H Street past Lafayette Park, New York Ave Presby Church and finally turns right, southbound on 9th Street.

No other bus can take you to falafel joints, Ethiopian goodness, empanadas, the dentist, a stroll at the White House, bike messenger hang-outs, Abe Lincoln's church, Steven Colbert's Portrait, world famous hotels, and several of the city's most desirable neighborhoods. A nice slice of the city...

UPDATED!