Talk:Washington, D.C./Transportation

Various

There are some things visitors should keep in mind that I can't reference. For instance, yes there is a bus that connects Metro Rail to Dulles. However, it takes a long time to do its thing as many of the roads it travels on are under construction. (As in an hourish to mebbe even 2 at times.)

Generally Amtrak prices are competitive with discount carrier airfare, so if someone is looking to travel quickly, pick the plane.

While our Metro rail system is older than most, it is a relatively easy and nice way to travel. The blue and orange lines are generally not delayed or running at full capacity. There are a lot of times during the day when it will seem like there's no southbound blue line train according to the digital boards in the station. Have faith, it's on the way! The red line tends to get rather full at times, so it isn't unusual to have to wait for a train during peak times. Also, there is major escalator construction at Dupont Circle slated for this summer. Save your ticket! Our system is based on distance, so you need to use it before you get on AND upon leaving a terminal. Despite cutbacks, the frequency of trains tends to be pretty well timed; "longer" daytime waits are only 10 minutes or so. Late at night, this might span to about a half hour.

Bikeshare is adding a whole slew of new locations. The bikes themselves are heavy to someone who is an avid cyclist, but quite sturdy.

July 4

I arrive on the evening of July 4 (staying a few extra days at Hostelling International, before Wikimania, to be a tourist). Being a holiday, are there likely to be difficulties using public transport? Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 14:03, 26 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Hi there. I'm not from the US, but I did a little research which I think you'll find helpful. NYC has an Unlimited Ride MetroCard thing for $29 where you could use any bus or subway for 7 days. The bus/subway system seems to be well organized as well. I plan on doing a solo one day trip on the 5th, covering all major points, using the card as well. So IMO, the NYC public transport is really easy and simple, at least a billion times from where I come from :) Rehman (talk) 15:06, 26 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you, but I'm talking about Washington not NYC, and my question was specifically about the July 4th holiday. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 10:43, 27 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Woops, sorry. I thought you were referring to the pre-conference/NYC weekend part. My bad. Rehman (talk) 11:43, 27 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]

You're not likely to experience any difficulties other than holiday crowds; the metro system is actually running more trains over the holiday, not fewer. Kirill Lokshin (talk) 11:57, 27 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 18:18, 29 June 2012 (UTC)[reply]