John Matthews
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) By trying to fix its rail system, WMATA officials are taking a calculated risk. Will a better Metro bring riders back – or will a year of delays and dysfunction drive them away for good?
“I’m afraid that people will become somewhat numb to the disruptions and the workarounds,” said Greater Washington Board of Trade President Jim Dinegar in an interview with WMAL. “They’ll figure out there are different commutes, and that can impact ridership in the future,” he added.
Just as the creation of HOV lanes on I-95 created new organic commuting options in the 1980’s with the birth of slug lines and commuter parking lots, it’s possible some commuters may find more convenient options in the wake of the SafeTrack work.
Local jurisdictions are adding commuter bus service, and encouraging riders to form new carpool and vanpool options. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are expanding their programs as well.
In DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser is looking into expanding the D.C. Circulator bus program to 3 am on weekends to help restaurant and club workers get home now that Metro is no longer offering late rail service.
A big concern – especially as the summer tourism season arrives – is that visitors will hear about Metro’s troubles and avoid using transit altogether. Dinegar says sending a positive message about Metro going forward is key to keeping that part of the business segment intact.
“We’re very concerned about the word that gets out to conventions – that it remains positive – that the Greater Washington region is open for business,” says Dinegar.
And in a town known for its spin doctoring, Dinegar says that’s just what is called for here. It’s not about making repairs.
“In fact – pardon our dust – we’re making improvements, he says.”
Copyright 2016 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (Photo: WMAL)
