Slug Carpools steal riders from Virgina Railway Express commuter trains

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Dunkirkeriestation

Improved Mass Transit causes pollution and sprawl. Unless there is a no build zone around the city such as in Portland OR.

Dunkirkeriestation, let me respectfully advise that you have no clue.

The root cause of increased pollution and sprawl is NOT improved mass transit. The real reason is a growing population. As you well know, taking a couple dozen people out of their cars and putting them onto one bus is inherently less polluting! So how can you say improving mass transit increases pollution? You're 100% out of phase on this one!!!

[LNER4472]

Slugging in the DC area actually started around the Washington Metro stations; the VRE slugs are simply an extension of the concept.

The idea is smart in one way: by standing out there waiting for a pickup, you are gambling that someone going near your destination will pull up. If they don't, you have the fall-back of the Metro/VRE and Plan A.

Right now there just happen to be more HOV lanes on the Virginia side of DC than the Maryland side, so it's more common/popular in Virginia. If HOV or HOT (high-occupancy-toll) lanes spread in Maryland, expect more Maryland slugs.

[cpbloom]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tomtrain

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.

They still have jitney's in Pittsburgh; one reason is that the taxi/cab will not go to some of the rougher neighborhoods but you could take a jitney to anywhere in Pittburgh.

[espeefoamer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dldance

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

dd

Queueing theory can manufacture people?[:0]

[Anonymous]

Improved Mass Transit causes pollution and sprawl. Unless there is a no build zone around the city such as in Portland OR.

[Anonymous]

And your point is?

[Anonymous]

Some Conservitives would say that carpool lanes are the cause of the traffic jams. Some liberals would say that the commuter rail encourages sprwal with in turn worsens traffic. Toronto has thru express lanes for traffic that is going thru the city and Local lanes for city traffic. Commuter Rail is used Mon-Fri by workers going to work. But the yuppies in there new homes in the suburbs made more accesble by commuter rail into the Ex-Urbs drive to and from the Wal-Mart. I have seen suberban traffic Jams in Fredrick MD to Prove My point.

[Anonymous]

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

m

[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.

[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.

[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

[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...

[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......

[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.

[dldance]

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

dd

[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."

[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.

[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.

[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)

[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.

[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]

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]

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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.)

[dharmon]

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

[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...