FAIRFAX CONNECTOR SUX!
Fairfax connector busses run very infrequently during non-rush hours and they don't bother coordinating their schedule with Metrorail. I mean, does it make any sense to schedule a bus to depart the Springfield/Franconia Metro station at 1:14PM when a train is due to arrive at 1:15PM??? Where is the rationale behind that decision, especially when the next bus is not due for another hour?!? Also, the so-called "loop" routes seldomly run on schedule. I just wish the powers-to-be at Fairfax Connector would stop connecting the dots and start getting serious about operating an efficiently-ran bus company!
WhiteOakMD
I mean, does it make any sense to schedule a bus to depart the Springfield/Franconia Metro station at 1:14PM when a train is due to arrive at 1:15PM???
From Tom:
You might try Metro's RideGuide trip planner at http://www.metroopensdoors.com It is quite good at telling you which Metro trains to catch.
It's too bad that the Fairfax Connector busses run only every hour during the afternoon and after 8:30. If I miss one bus, then I need to wait for another. I missed the 9:56 bus at Dunn Loring Orange Line station. The train was traveling slowly because it was raining outside. Also, I missed one train at Courthouse but had to wait 9 minutes for another one.
I hear you WhiteOakMD.
The problem is, if you schedule it to leave for one train, the folks on the next train will complain that it leaves 5 mins before they are scheduled to arrive. This is why (rush hour frequencies stuck in mind though, I'm afraid) most planners don't bother with Metrorail schedules when planning their routes.
Thanks for yours reply. However, I strongly stand by original statement. Scheduling a bus to leave 1 minute before a train arrives is just plain asinine and shortsighted!
I guess their rationale for that would be that you could get the train that arrives before the 1:15 train.
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WhiteOakMD
I mean, does it make any sense to schedule a bus to depart the Springfield/Franconia Metro station at 1:14PM when a train is due to arrive at 1:15PM???
From Tom:
The key to the jigsaw puzzle is what is called Metro's RideGuide trip planner (the operator-assisted version, since the online version is on the fritz as I write this (7/20/05).
(1) Dial 202-637-7000
(2) Press 1 to proceed in English
(3) Press any key to navigate our system using your touch-tone keypad.
(3) Press 0 to reach the operator [between 6:30 AM and 10:30 PM if memory serves].
(4) Give the operator the starting and ending addresses of the trip, plus the date and time you wish to arrive. The operator will key your information into the computer and give you your trip plan in a few seconds.
If you have a dicey connection, allow 15 to 20 minutes leeway. In the above case, you would want to get to Springfield/Franconia Metro by around 12:45 PM.
As far as accidents involving buses are concerned, *I* sure as heck don't know the solution.
Hope this helps.
Tom