Living In Dc

[4588686]

You can buy a smartcard that will let you transfer from the busses to the trains and vice versa. The local systems in Maryland and Virginia also connect this way to the DC system - its very integrated. In 5 years I never had to go anywhere in a car or taxi. If you bike, the buses have racks you can lock your bike on. The subway trains are a lot easier to figure out route wise. But  I like the buses and never had big issues with lateness - although it depended somewhat on the route. The commuter lines at least ran like clock work. When I did the aforementioned Maryland-Virginia commute I could catch a bus leaving every 5 minutes.  The bus clientele is a little bit - stranger.  Than the trains. But they were fine.  Many professional people, because of the convenience of it and the costs (time and money) of driving. On the bus there is less people crushing and of course there's sunshine and views. Every morning my bus ran by a Chinese restaurant called Whai-Mee. (ha. ha.)

 

I personally would never drive in DC proper because of the cost ... and I wouldn't drive in the DC metro because the commute times are miserable on the highways. Buses get their own lanes! That one summer was the longest travel time I ever had in DC and it wasn't that bad. I read a book, I napped. Can't do that behind the wheel of a car.

 

 

Thanks!  That's very helpful.  Would you consider the city bike friendly?  I've read mixed things.  The area where I'd be going is almost at the midpoint between Georgetown and George Washington University if that helps at all.  

[Lilllabettt]

I know a lot of people bike into that area from Virginia over the Key bridge. I know this because they screamed at me many times to get the hell out of the way. But seriously that area is alright for biking, imo. Never did it myself but saw people in ties doing it all the time.

[Lilllabettt]

ps I am so jealous right now its not funny

[4588686]

ps I am so jealous right now its not funny

 

 

Well, there is a reasonably good chance that I won't be able to do it if that helps. >.O

[4588686]

I know a lot of people bike into that area from Virginia over the Key bridge. I know this because they screamed at me many times to get the hell out of the way. But seriously that area is alright for biking, imo. Never did it myself but saw people in ties doing it all the time.

 

 

Thanks a lot!  That's good. 

Edited April 8, 2013 by Hasan

[4588686]

I know a lot of people bike into that area from Virginia over the Key bridge. I know this because they screamed at me many times to get the hell out of the way. But seriously that area is alright for biking, imo. Never did it myself but saw people in ties doing it all the time.

 

Excellent.  That would make things much easier.  Thank you, Oracle Lillabettt for your wisdome.

Edited April 8, 2013 by Hasan