X9 to launch, 16F/7E to enter DC, Greenbelt service to be redrawn

[Scrabbleship]

Changes approved at Metro board meeting this morning, via GGW

The one member to vote against this was Chris Zimmerman, who wanted the replacement of the 13's with the 16F/7E to be discussed more with the public. The Greenbelt realignment might also breed some controversy too.

Also revealed: The target to open up the Silver Spring Transit Center is to be "by the end of FY2011". I'll say now that that date is one year too soon unless they work hard through the winter to get even something rudimentary up for transit's sake.

[NewFlyer9736BCT]

I thought the greenbelt routes would be split into new T lines, it's showing them as G lines.
Also, I do like the idea of having the X9 going to Capitol Heights rather than just Minnesota Ave.

[WMATAGMOAGH]

I really don't think the 13 changes need more public input.  As it is, this is a long overdue change.

[WMAveteran]

 Interesting and cool.  Back in the day (the 1960's and 1970's) the original X9 was a rush hour only express that travelled rapidly on East Capitol Street and had a destination sign of "Seat Pleasant"  which was what Capitol Heights was called before it was named Capitol Heights. 

[79MetroExtraMD]

I wonder if the 16F and 7E proposed changes would entail reverse flow service since there are people that take the 13 to get to the State Dept and other government buildings on the western end of Constitution. But then again, there is the X1 and P1.

[WES]

Just me but I think they should've extended the 9A into DC but further into DC like to Farragut Square or Union Station.  It's a short route now and add some passengers would usually take metrorail.

[WMATAGMOAGH]

The 7E will serve the Potomac Park area.  The map on the board presentation shows it going up 23rd from the Lincoln Memorial Circle, R on Constitution, and then to Federal Triangle.  Personally, I'd rather see it continue up 23rd to Virginia Avenue, then turn right on Virginia, and then left on Constitution to get into that area bit better.

[WMATAGMOAGH]

Just me but I think they should've extended the 9A into DC but further into DC like to Farragut Square or Union Station.  It's a short route now and add some passengers would usually take metrorail.

WES, totally agree with you here, especially since the 9A parallels the Metro so much, it is a great alternative if there are disruptions and also can reduce the number of people transfering to the train at Pentagon.  I'd probably advocate for the 9A using a route similar to the 11Y within DC?

[WES]

IMHO, the 13 was basically was a route that wasted 2 buses.  If you have routes crossing the Potomac, coming from VA into DC, even MD you're going to have patronage.  Not everyone is going to pay the higher metrorail fare, it will relieve overcrowding some lines already have and offer up the chance to gain new riders.

With that said, a question that I've always wanted to ask.  Was metro planned poorly from the get go (rail and bus)?

[WayneNYC]

IMHO, the 13 was basically was a route that wasted 2 buses.  If you have routes crossing the Potomac, coming from VA into DC, even MD you're going to have patronage.  Not everyone is going to pay the higher metrorail fare, it will relieve overcrowding some lines already have and offer up the chance to gain new riders.

With that said, a question that I've always wanted to ask.  Was metro planned poorly from the get go (rail and bus)?

Agreed.  It did seem like whenever I saw those 13s, they appeared to be underutilized.  Also, I agree that many people would choose use the bus over Metrorail in some of these situations to avoid the higher fare.

[Scrabbleship]

With that said, a question that I've always wanted to ask.  Was metro planned poorly from the get go (rail and bus)?

In terms that Metro wanted to shift as many trips to rail as possible? YES!! That and Virginia commuters get hosed with only the 38B having anything besides peak service.

[orionvii2680]

I agree with Wes... I live of the 9A route and ridership is very low.

[NewFlyer9736BCT]

I don't know about y'all, but a couple of days ago I rode the R12 from end to end (Deanwood to New Carrollton), and, as it looks like on the map, it's a very long route. These changes accommodating the current R12 from the Beltway Plaza area to New Carrollton into bits and pieces of new and different routes seems like a great idea if you ask me, especially since there will be more coverage in said areas with these changes.

[79MetroExtraMD]

I agree with Wes... I live of the 9A route and ridership is very low.

What if they extended it north to Farragut Square or McPherson Square?

[WES]

They are basically almost restoring the original R12 line.  Before the extensions, it ran from Deanwood to Greenbelt.  I think it terminated at either Beltway Plaza or Greenbelt Center, can't remember.  For a time it ran from Addison Road to Greenbelt, replacing part of the old P14 line, before the V14 took that segment over.  But buses coming from that long of a haul often would run late, especially going to New Carrollton from Deanwood.  I know this from the many times coming from Baltimore and none coming for a while because they got caught up somewhere.