Those of you who read my recent post on the Zipcar Low-Car Diet may wonder how it's going.... Er, it's not.
Which is not to say I cheated -- haven't used my car keys since the "Diet" began. But I've been feeling awful, the weather is extra hot at this time of year, and overall I've dealt with things by just not leaving the house.
Despite my limited contact with DC public transportation in the past couple of weeks, I really am a fan. Our local public transportation system has had its epic stuggles, and not all the news is good. But there's a certain forward momentum at the moment that makes me excited to be a DC resident. So consider this post my little love letter.
Example 1 -- SmartBikes!
DC's SmartBike rental program officially got up and running this week. Like similar programs in Europe, the DC program allows members to pick up a public bike at one of 10 locations around town and return it to any other SmartBike location. I'm so proud that DC is the first city in the US to adopt this program. (Even if they did have to go and name it after ClearChannel.... Gotta pay the bills somehow, I suppose.)
Example 2 -- Streetcars
Streetcars are cool. Mr. T and I rode vintage ones in San Francisco on our honeymoon tour, and I liked them even better than the much-more-famous cable cars. (Plus, it was a rare opportunity to discuss the Great General Motors Streetcar Conspiracy.) And DC will soon have spiffy red streetcars of our very own. The program is limited at first, with just one line running from a Metro station to an Air Force Base roughly a mile away. But we're looking forward to seeing the lines expand one of these days. (Image courtesy of the Frozen Tropics blog.)
Example 3 -- Good Design
It all started with the DC Circulator bus. Running every 10 minutes and charging only $1, these buses run several loops through DC's most commonly visited areas. But forget the actual transportation uses -- I enjoy them because, as buses go, they're darn attractive. Future plans are in the works to redesign DC Metrobuses with sleeker lines, Kevlar seats, and eco-friendly hybrid technology. (Image courtesy of Washington.org.)
Honorable Mention -- The WMATA Website
Even after a few years in DC, I can't get anywhere without the Trip Planner on the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority website. Punch in your location, where you'd like to go, and when, and the calculator tells you exactly which trains and/or buses will get you there on time, and even how far you'll need to walk from Metro stop to destination. It's like Mapquest for public transit, and it's a lifesaver.
Honorable Mention -- Emeka Moneme
When the Zipcar Low-Car Diet started, fellow participant Emeka Moneme was Director of the DC Department of Transporation. A few days later, he resigned to become Chief Administrative Officer for the DC Metro. Either way, I find it heartening to see someone in charge willing to give up his own car for a month and rely entirely on the public transportation he helps to run. Kudos!
Hi!
Found your blog from the low car diet page (my husband is participating too). I didn't realize until I got here that you're also Mrs. Tulip! Best of luck on your low car diet.
- Melissa
Posted by: Melissa | August 07, 2008 at 10:52 PM