DC Area Transit Zone

The Other... => The Blender => Topic started by: WMATAGMOAGH on July 03, 2009, 09:39:41 AM

Title: 4th of July Plans
Post by: WMATAGMOAGH on July 03, 2009, 09:39:41 AM
So for the first time, I'm not going to be in the United States on July 4th this year.  I'm getting together with some friends (all American) tomorrow night after the Jewish Sabbath when the restaurants reopen to go out for hamburgers at an Israeli fast food chain called Burgers Bar to celebrate the 4th (they do have McDonalds here in Jerusalem but this is a far better option, even if it is less "American"). 

What is everyone else planning to do?
Title: Re: 4th of July Plans
Post by: 79MetroExtraMD on July 03, 2009, 09:48:13 AM
Staycation.
Title: Re: 4th of July Plans
Post by: Sand Box John on July 03, 2009, 10:37:51 AM
Will say home, might watch the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department fireworks display from my front porch.

If you were here you would likely have not seen anything special. WMATA will run normal configuration on metrorail and the Smithsonian station will be open.
Metro outlines Independence Day service (http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2646)
Title: Re: 4th of July Plans
Post by: WMATAGMOAGH on July 03, 2009, 10:42:30 AM
I'm aware, I heard when Catoe said it on WTOP a few weeks ago.  I don't agree with the plan for this year but they didn't ask for my opinion...
Title: Re: 4th of July Plans
Post by: coneyraven on July 03, 2009, 12:10:48 PM
I have to wonder, with Smithsonian open, have they eliminated the security check-points?  I found that to be a bit surprising ... plus, I guess after the inauguration, the powers that be realized that routing didn't need to be rerouted to handle the masses
Title: Re: 4th of July Plans
Post by: LandoverDivision on July 03, 2009, 12:18:15 PM
My mother is planning a cookout so yeah.
Title: Re: 4th of July Plans
Post by: Sand Box John on July 03, 2009, 11:22:40 PM
coneyraven
I have to wonder, with Smithsonian open, have they eliminated the security check-points?  I found that to be a bit surprising ... plus, I guess after the inauguration, the powers that be realized that routing didn't need to be rerouted to handle the masses


Mark,

Are present president has chosen to relabel what the previous president called terrorism. The only thing I can deduce is the present administration has chosen to eliminate or significantly reduce the Department of Homeland Security's dog a pony security show.

The running of the normal configuration I think has more to do with the fact that WMATA's fleet is large enough to handle the crowds. It is also eliminates the need to print, distribute and display the special maps.

Enjoy what ever plans you have for tomorrow.
Title: Re: 4th of July Plans
Post by: WMATAGMOAGH on July 04, 2009, 07:30:08 PM
I don't see why having a larger fleet justifies using the normal routes.  By sending Blue Lines to MVS, all the people coming in from Franconia are sent to Archives, leaving Smithsonian for the crowds from Vienna.  The travel patterns on a regular weekday are not the same as those on July 4th.  Yes, printing maps costs money, but I question how much of a cost that truly is.