OWJ Goes to Washington
Nov 4th, 2004, 04:12 PM
#42
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I've taken the B30 bus a few times, including late afternoons on weekdays to BWI and never got stuck in traffic. Perhaps I was just lucky, but midday on Saturday doesn't sound too risky.
It's a good idea to check ANY transport site just before a trip; www.wmata.com will USUALLY explain closures in advance; my dd's college instructors have been held up by the new station construction a few times this fall. Taking the Geen Line all the way from Greenbelt to Gallery Place is a good alternative if there are delays on the Red Line. (Note that the construction delays on the Red Line are because they're building a new station out past the Rhode Island stop; visitors taking the Red Line in downtown DC probably don't even realize anything's going on!)
It's a good idea to check ANY transport site just before a trip; www.wmata.com will USUALLY explain closures in advance; my dd's college instructors have been held up by the new station construction a few times this fall. Taking the Geen Line all the way from Greenbelt to Gallery Place is a good alternative if there are delays on the Red Line. (Note that the construction delays on the Red Line are because they're building a new station out past the Rhode Island stop; visitors taking the Red Line in downtown DC probably don't even realize anything's going on!)
Nov 4th, 2004, 04:32 PM
#44
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anon,
couple of points, actually, there was an article in the Post a couple of years ago that some of the worst traffic has shifted to the weekends. I've seen it.
Also, when there are line closures or single-tracking periods, you do get effects downtown. I live in between the Forest Glen and Grosvenor stops on opposite forks of the Red and I've tried all ways to avoid the delays.
Because they have to turn trains around, there are always unexpected issues. Perhaps tourists don't notice the changes as much because they don't have the fading memories of when the system used to have some reliability.
couple of points, actually, there was an article in the Post a couple of years ago that some of the worst traffic has shifted to the weekends. I've seen it.
Also, when there are line closures or single-tracking periods, you do get effects downtown. I live in between the Forest Glen and Grosvenor stops on opposite forks of the Red and I've tried all ways to avoid the delays.
Because they have to turn trains around, there are always unexpected issues. Perhaps tourists don't notice the changes as much because they don't have the fading memories of when the system used to have some reliability.
Nov 4th, 2004, 05:24 PM
#45
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Dear Repete and Anonymous--Thanks for the lively debate on transportation options for my husband and I. Lots of useful info and perspective!
Just for the record, we opted to fly into BWI because it saved us over $300--a big difference, wouldn't you all agree...as for Priceline, if we couldn't get a 4* hotel for about $100 or less, we wouldn't have done it. Why pay more money for basically the same thing? That's a waste! We're giving up the rental car, not to save money but because it sounds like a hassle too. I'm not opposed to spending $ on a car service but it sounds like the public trans. options are quick and convenient. If I thought we'd be eating up the day riding a train or bus, you can bet we'd arrange for a car to come pick us up or hire a cab!
Thanks to all who have posted! We appreciate your help.
Debbie
Just for the record, we opted to fly into BWI because it saved us over $300--a big difference, wouldn't you all agree...as for Priceline, if we couldn't get a 4* hotel for about $100 or less, we wouldn't have done it. Why pay more money for basically the same thing? That's a waste! We're giving up the rental car, not to save money but because it sounds like a hassle too. I'm not opposed to spending $ on a car service but it sounds like the public trans. options are quick and convenient. If I thought we'd be eating up the day riding a train or bus, you can bet we'd arrange for a car to come pick us up or hire a cab!
Thanks to all who have posted! We appreciate your help.
Debbie
Nov 4th, 2004, 05:53 PM
#46
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owj,
I hope we can both provide some useful info . . . me with my live-here perspective and anon with her outsider-but-frequent visitor's eyes. both are valuable.
not sure where you're coming from, but one thing that has worked for me -- although not as much post-9/11 -- is to check at the airport if there's a flight on your carrier to DCA at about the same time.
if there is -- and you haven't yet checked luggage -- some airlines will let you switch.
I hope we can both provide some useful info . . . me with my live-here perspective and anon with her outsider-but-frequent visitor's eyes. both are valuable.
not sure where you're coming from, but one thing that has worked for me -- although not as much post-9/11 -- is to check at the airport if there's a flight on your carrier to DCA at about the same time.
if there is -- and you haven't yet checked luggage -- some airlines will let you switch.
Nov 5th, 2004, 10:45 AM
#49
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Just realized there is a spa attached to the Capital Hilton and a massage and facial sound perfect. Does anyone have any experience w/them or can recommend some place in the District for stuff like this?
Debbie
Debbie
Nov 5th, 2004, 12:54 PM
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Hi,
There is no BWI shuttle affiliated w/the Hilton; however, the conceirge that I spoke w/said the airport shuttles will stop at the hotel upon request. He said that runs about $35pp, taxi $55-60 and car service for $90.
Debbie
Repete--I thought about asking to be rerouted to DCA but didn't think we could do it post 9/11 but it's worth a try =) We're not checking luggage so that's not a factor.
A good weekend to all of you!
There is no BWI shuttle affiliated w/the Hilton; however, the conceirge that I spoke w/said the airport shuttles will stop at the hotel upon request. He said that runs about $35pp, taxi $55-60 and car service for $90.
Debbie
Repete--I thought about asking to be rerouted to DCA but didn't think we could do it post 9/11 but it's worth a try =) We're not checking luggage so that's not a factor.
A good weekend to all of you!
Nov 5th, 2004, 02:42 PM
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owj,
looks like you have been living right . . . sunny weather with highs in the low 60s Saturday and Sunday, clear and colder Monday and Tuesday. Today was wonderful. I spent the afternoon out in the yard.
Have a great trip.
As for the DCA/BWI thing, it never hurts to ask ... if they overbooked the BWI flight they might just do it.
looks like you have been living right . . . sunny weather with highs in the low 60s Saturday and Sunday, clear and colder Monday and Tuesday. Today was wonderful. I spent the afternoon out in the yard.
Have a great trip.
As for the DCA/BWI thing, it never hurts to ask ... if they overbooked the BWI flight they might just do it.
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