Public Transportation Use In and Around DC

Yesterday's Post had an article entitled "Commuters Like Metro More Than They Use It." Basically the article focused on the fact that only 9% of area residents surveyed regularly take Metrorail to work (we aren't told told how many take Metrobus, or how many actually walk to work). So, yeah the number is very low (it might have been nice to also see some numbers on how many people use metro to attend recreational activities). Metrorail is not everywhere we want it to be. This does present a problem since many people either refuse to take the bus on principle, or simply don' t know the routes. This brings me to another item from Sunday's Post, this (you need to scroll down, and it does continue on the next page) is a snippet from the Dr. Gridlock column. A frustrated citizen has written in complaining about the epidemic lack of updated bus schedules and maps (even the recent, and rare, large shelter maps give old fare information). Metro responds that they have a contractor who is supposed to update time tables and maps. Bottom line, these things never get updated. Even when people are willing to ride the bus in this city, Metro doesn't exactly make it easy. You can used The Ride Guide, and you can call the hotline, but the hotline is a bit stupid about times, and you can't always log on to check The Ride Guide. If you want a comprehensive map, don't expect it to be free. No, you'll be paying, and waiting in line (woe to you with the short lunch hour) to get your copy. If Metro wants more people to use buses, why can't it get its act together and just get the info at the stops updated. After it gets that done, maybe it will consider giving away maps like you can get in other cities. Check out this other recent post on the topic.