IMPORTANT Metro Rail News (Arlington, Alexandria: inspection, maintenance, suburbs)

[hertfordshire]

I've been seeing passing comments on a number of different sites questioning this shutdown, and whether it could be a cover for intelligence suggesting a planned terrorist attack.

Not saying whether or not I buy it, just mentioning that people are putting the thought out there. Wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for the Nation's Capital. Though it seems to me that a one day shut down would only postpone an attack, unless they had something in mind for neutralizing.

[FishSauce]

Another conspiracy theorist here...could be the new general manager wants to show all those people that have been complaining about the system how much worse the DC commute would be if metro didn't exist.

[Fallout Zone]

I think it is much more straightforward. The new GM is still in his honeymoon period and he is trying to show that he is an effective manager. There is a safety concern, but it is also a little bit theatrical.

I don't actually think the traffic will be that much worse than normal because so many people will take a one-day opportunity to telework, not come in, or test a different commuting method. So, one day is not exactly a good description of what DC would be without the metro. If they were to shut it down for a month, that's where we would end up at "crisis" levels.

[FCNova]

Originally Posted by Fallout Zone

I think it is much more straightforward. The new GM is still in his honeymoon period and he is trying to show that he is an effective manager. There is a safety concern, but it is also a little bit theatrical.

I don't actually think the traffic will be that much worse than normal because so many people will take a one-day opportunity to telework, not come in, or test a different commuting method. So, one day is not exactly a good description of what DC would be without the metro. If they were to shut it down for a month, that's where we would end up at "crisis" levels.

From what callers on the radio were saying getting into DC this morning is a nightmare. Far worse than normal

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by FCNova

From what callers on the radio were saying getting into DC this morning is a nightmare. Far worse than normal

For 395 specifically, at 8 am Google maps showed solid red Northbound from the Beltway to the 14th Street Bridge, which is very unusual. Maryland on 50 and 295 was even worse.

[baystater]

Originally Posted by hertfordshire

I've been seeing passing comments on a number of different sites questioning this shutdown, and whether it could be a cover for intelligence suggesting a planned terrorist attack.

Not saying whether or not I buy it, just mentioning that people are putting the thought out there. Wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for the Nation's Capital. Though it seems to me that a one day shut down would only postpone an attack, unless they had something in mind for neutralizing.

[HokieFan]

I left Woodbridge at my normal time (6:20am) and I didn't personally experience worse than normal traffic.

Afternoon commute home is always typically a little slower than the morning commute so I'll expect the worst, and hope for the best.

[gomason]

Traffic was definitely worse but it wasn't crippling like we've had in snowstorms or on 9/11 because so many people teleworked.

And the new GM is putting his money where his mouth is and is trying to make a bold statement that he is changing the culture of safety at WMATA.

[ChristineVA]

I left t my normal time: 5:25AM and it took me an extra 20 minutes. Traffic from Woodbridge to Springfield was as it always is. Traffic on 395 Northbound into DC was slower than normal, all the way.

Ride home was the same.

[Fallout Zone]

Heard on WTOP that 395 was heavier, GW parkway was slightly heavier, and 66 was actually lighter than normal in the morning.