Slug Carpools steal riders from Virgina Railway Express commuter trains

[Anonymous]

http://www.slug-lines.com/Slugging/Map.asp

Notice how the slug lines parrarel the VRE lines?

[spbed]

Well if commuters find this new service to be better then the VRE what can be done about it? If the DOT has now developed HOT lanes rgen they are ones who appear to be taking ridership away from the VRE. [:o)]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Dunkirkeriestation

http://www.slug-lines.com/Slugging/Map.asp

Notice how the slug lines parrarel the VRE lines?

[dharmon]

Since VRE only allows service animals and small pets in enclosed containers, the slugs probably prefer to drive.

And their cars are really small anyway and travel at a snail's pace.

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

Since VRE only allows service animals and small pets in enclosed containers, the slugs probably prefer to drive.

And their cars are really small anyway and travel at a snail's pace.

Dan you are making my face hurt from laughing! Stop it!

[BaltACD]

* What is Slugging?

Slugging is a term used to describe a unique form of commuting found in the Washington, DC area sometimes referred to as "Instant Carpooling" or "Casual Carpooling". It's unique because people commuting into the city stop to pickup other passengers even though they are total strangers! However, slugging is a very organized system with its own set of rules, proper etiquette, and specific pickup and drop-off
locations. It has thousands of vehicles at its disposal, moves thousands of commuters daily, and the best part, it’s FREE! Not only is it free, but it gets people to and from work faster than the typical bus, metro, or train. I think you'll find that it is the most efficient, cost-effective form of commuting in the nation.

* How the Slugging Works

The system of slugging is quite simple. A car needing additional passengers to meet the required 3- person high occupancy vehicle (HOV) minimum pulls up to one of the known slug lines. The driver usually positions the car so that the slugs are on the passenger side. The driver either displays a sign with the destination or simply lowers the passenger window, to call out the destination, such as "Pentagon," "L’Enfant Plaza," or "14th & New York." The slugs first in line for that particular destination then hop into the car, normally confirming the destination, and off they go.

No money is exchanged because of the mutual benefit: the car driver needs riders just as much as the slugs need a ride. Each party needs the other in order to survive. Normally, there is no conversation unless initiated by the driver; usually the only words exchanged are "Thank you" as the driver drops off the slugs at the destination.

There doesn’t need to be any discussion about the destination , such as giving directions, because the drop-off points are generally understood. "Rosslyn" means the Metro station in Rosslyn, not at some other point along the way. The "Pentagon" means the curb along Fern Street, not the North Parking Lot. However, there are a few places where the destination drop-off point is not understood; in these cases, the slug must state where he or she wishes to be dropped off. For example, at "Tackett’s Mill," the driver usually asks "New or Old Lot?" because the driver will take you to either. And there is Crystal City, where drivers drop off slugs anywhere between 12th Street and 23rd streets. Later in the book these exceptions are explained in greater detail.

[BaltACD]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Dunkirkeriestation

http://www.slug-lines.com/Slugging/Map.asp

Notice how the slug lines parrarel the VRE lines?

VRE routes paralell I-66 and I-95 which have HOV lanes.

[tree68]

Very interesting. Let's see how long it goes on before cars disappear along with their drivers...

[dharmon]

Make sure you carry a salt shaker....in case one of the slugs pulls out a small arm.....

[MP57313]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

Make sure you carry a salt shaker....in case one of the slugs pulls out a small arm.....

Ow! That stings.
Actually this slugging sounds like a modern version of bartering. If it keeps people honest in the HOV lanes...

[dharmon]

This concept isn't new...I believe it started with a group in Louisville.......

[greyhounds]

This sounds like a great solution.

It's kind of like a "Jitney", only jitneys are generally for hire. Jitneys are a cross between a bus and a taxi. You can (or could) get in one similar to getting in a cab, but with the full knowledge that other passengers would also be picked up.

You'd get where you were going, with maybe some stops along the way. It's great if you have packages or luggage. Faster and more convienient than a bus, cheaper than a cab.

So, why are not there for hire "Jitneys". Government won't allow them, they do take passengers off mass transit. And government of all kinds would rather pour our taxes down a sink hole than allow market driven solutions.

Govt can't keep you from giving someone a free ride in your own car, but they can, and have, made it illegal to provide such a service for a fee. (Airport shuttle vans are pretty much the same idea, so some are allowed to operate.)

[MP57313]

QUOTE: Originally posted by greyhounds
Govt can't keep you from giving someone a free ride in your own car, but they can, and have, made it illegal to provide such a service for a fee. (Airport shuttle vans are pretty much the same idea, so some are allowed to operate.)

You are correct on the last point, and the service is heavily regulated. Super Shuttle and Prime Time are the only two companies permitted to operate at LAX (Super Shuttle also serves LA Union Station!). These minivans serve various regions of the city

[edblysard]

Of course they drive slow...ya ever tired to stop on a puddle of slime before?
Even ABS brakes dont work so well in that stuff...

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

Since VRE only allows service animals and small pets in enclosed containers, the slugs probably prefer to drive.

And their cars are really small anyway and travel at a snail's pace.

[Anonymous]

I recall reading that jitneys were very popular in the 20's/30's(?), but political pressure from competing interests caused governments to nix them. It was thought the private auto wouldn't have grabbed so much of center stage in cities (had jitneys been allowed to thrive), because the jitney was so flexible.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

This concept isn't new...I believe it started with a group in Louisville.......

It's new to me. I used to push, shove and herd commuters down that I-270 and 495 every day.

I think it is very nice that people are actually doing these type of things. Now we will see what happens when those HOV's fill up and grind to a slug's speed.

[chad thomas]

It sounds like a good concept with a lot of potential for disaster. But if it works, go with it.
I remember picking up hitchikers a couple of times just so I could use the HOV lanes. One guy I picked up claimed to be the brother of the Klamath Falls,Or. yardmaster. Lifes a trip eh.

[Anonymous]

The streetcar companies started complaing in Akron OH that the Jitneys were stealing riders. It is local citys that regulate taxicabs. But the situation in Virgina involves interstate commerace which citys cant regulate. With cell phones and text messeges high tech car pooling and fare system could be established. The problem that is being raised here in Jamestown NY is security. People dont quite feel comfortble sharing there car with strangers. On the other hand people dont quite feel comforble with new people attending "there" church either much to my recent dismay.

[chad thomas]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Dunkirkeriestation

The streetcar companies started complaing in Akron OH that the Jitneys were stealing riders. It is local citys that regulate taxicabs. But the situation in Virgina involves interstate commerace which citys cant regulate. With cell phones and text messeges high tech car pooling and fare system could be established. The problem that is being raised here in Jamestown NY is security. People dont quite feel comfortble sharing there car with strangers. On the other hand people dont quite feel comforble with new people attending "there" church either much to my recent dismay.

It sounds like "there" church has a congrugation I wouldn't want any part of.

[coborn35]

Well, if I needed a job and wanted to a. Get kindnapped after the passenger pulled out a gun and threatened me, b. Die because of a crazed rider, c. Want to have my car reek of animal crap, or d. Want to be in close proximaty with a person who has a hyper disorder for 3 hours. (time it takes to get from point A to point A 1/2 during rush hour)

[Anonymous]

What happens to the driver if there is a injury accident?Especially if the slug rider was invited? Think about law suits,loss of savings,home, auto,etc. The extra toll charge or time saved is not worth the RISK.

[jeaton]

QUOTE: Originally posted by coborn35

Well, if I needed a job and wanted to a. Get kindnapped after the passenger pulled out a gun and threatened me, b. Die because of a crazed rider, c. Want to have my car reek of animal crap, or d. Want to be in close proximaty with a person who has a hyper disorder for 3 hours. (time it takes to get from point A to point A 1/2 during rush hour)

From what I understand about traffic in the DC area, a.,b.,c.,d., or all the above is preferable to having to drive in the "regular lanes"

By the way. Didn't Slugging start before VRE? Maybe VRE took riders away from slugging.

[tree68]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jeaton


From what I understand about traffic in the DC area, a.,b.,c.,d., or all the above is preferable to having to drive in the "regular lanes"

Having driven in DC rush hour traffic on the Beltway (once was enough), and watched it during a two week class (at 5pm it's the beltway parking lot...), I can understand that sentiment. On the other hand, some folks just want to "because."

[dldance]

I use video cam shots from the Beltway to illustrate queueing theory to manufacturing people!

dd

[klahm]

I lived in NoVA from '81 to '99 and occasionally participated in slugging intermittently throughought those years. My version occurred when my carpool lacked sufficient riders for the HOV lane due to vacation/sickness/etc. or I had unusual reason to drive instead of taking VRE or Metrorail. In addition to the organized slugging, most prevalent along the I-95 corridor from DC through Springfield to Fredericksburg VA, informal slugging involves "stealing" riders from Metrobus stops and VRE stations. Met some interesting folks this way; some became carpool alternates. Had a few co-workers who did this all the time, with no worry as to security. Never heard of any crimes.

When VRE's Fredericksburg line first opened, some wondered whether the slug system would collapse. Developers pounced on the corridor and soon the lines were back up to prior levels because of all the new housing development.

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dldance

I use video cam shots from the Beltway to illustrate queueing theory to manufacturing people!

dd

And then break to SoCal's freeways to show the chaos theory......

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by HighIron2003ar

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

This concept isn't new...I believe it started with a group in Louisville.......

It's new to me. I used to push, shove and herd commuters down that I-270 and 495 every day.

I think it is very nice that people are actually doing these type of things. Now we will see what happens when those HOV's fill up and grind to a slug's speed.

You know them..Louisville Sluggers...

[dldance]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

QUOTE: Originally posted by dldance

I use video cam shots from the Beltway to illustrate queueing theory to manufacturing people!

dd

And then break to SoCal's freeways to show the chaos theory......

I use Manila for that[;)] Even SoCal is more organized.

dd

[SALfan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dldance

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

QUOTE: Originally posted by dldance

I use video cam shots from the Beltway to illustrate queueing theory to manufacturing people!

dd

And then break to SoCal's freeways to show the chaos theory......

I use Manila for that[;)] Even SoCal is more organized.

dd

Haven't ever driven in Manila, but have heard stories. San Juan, PR would be another good illustration theory. I drove a little bit in San Juan when I was 21 or 22, still young and stupid enough to think I was 10 feet tall and bulletproof, and it scared the daylights out of me.

I use HOV lanes every day, on the Dulles Toll Road where only two passengers are required, then bus and Metro. I don't have a problem with slugging; it would be a lot more convenient than my bizarre commute, but have to get my wife to work. What I do have a problem with is single-passenger a**holes who use the HOV lanes, school buses which can't or won't go over 50 mph in the HOV lanes, and moving trucks which use the HOV lanes.

[zardoz]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

QUOTE: Originally posted by HighIron2003ar

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

This concept isn't new...I believe it started with a group in Louisville.......

It's new to me. I used to push, shove and herd commuters down that I-270 and 495 every day.

I think it is very nice that people are actually doing these type of things. Now we will see what happens when those HOV's fill up and grind to a slug's speed.

You know them..Louisville Sluggers...

Dan, you've certainly been on a roll lately...gotta try that caffeine/ nicotine/boredon thing.

[Anonymous]

He has been in rare form, hasn't he?

m