No More Shuttles for FedEx...for now

[BDBohnzie]

No More Metrobus Shuttles to FedEx Field - Get There

Dear Dr. Gridlock:
Have you heard the story about the federal bureaucrat who derailed a long-running and extremely effective mass transit program that cut down traffic and saved energy for Redskins fans going to FedEx Field?

Well, that's exactly what DOT has done by requiring the Metro station to FedEx Field bus transit scheme to be put out for competitive bid.

I don't know all the details, but it appears to be a high form of federal nincompoopery that will affect not only Redskins fans but also anyone else trying to negotiate Prince George's County on a Game Day.
Grayson Heffner
North Potomac

Yep. Couldn't have put it better. New U.S. Department of Transportation rules to encourage use of local charter bus services have knocked Metrobus out of the running for special events services. No more low-cost shuttles to the annual air show at Andrews Air Force Base. No more low-cost shuttles from Landover Station to Redskins games.

Fans will see the effect of this starting Saturday, when the team plays its pre-season home opener at 7 p.m. Far as I can tell, your best transit option is to take the Blue Line to Morgan Boulevard and walk about a mile north along a sidewalk to the stadium. I've done that. It's not a bad walk, and it's safe. No cover in bad weather, though. And for fans who start on the Orange Line, this means a transfer to reach Blue Line trains heading in the direction of Largo.

Metro says it will run six-car trains leading up to the 7 p.m. kickoff. After the game, Metrorail will have additional trains available for fans heading home from the Morgan Boulevard.

Morgan Boulevard has 635 parking spaces and Largo Town Center has 2,200. But parkers will have to pay $25, using SmarTrip electronic payment cards when they exit. Paid parking at these two stations goes into effect at 4 p.m., and continues two hours after the game concludes. Parking at other Metrorail lots is free on weekends.

Under the federal rules, finalized in May, the team would have to pursue a bus lease with a private charter company, rather than use the cheaper Metrobuses. The Redskins said unsuccessfully they sought a season-long waiver from the Department of Transportation.

"Unable to continue our partnership with Metro, we had numerous discussions with a variety of transportation companies, only to find that the best private transportation option would increase the fan shuttle fare from $6 to nearly $20," Mitch Gershman, chief operating officer of the Redskins, said in a statement.

Bad news for those who depend on getting to the stadium without the mile walk to and fro...hopefully the Redskins get something worked out before the season starts.

[hesscl34]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

No More Metrobus Shuttles to FedEx Field - Get There



Bad news for those who depend on getting to the stadium without the mile walk to and fro...hopefully the Redskins get something worked out before the season starts.

I still question Synder's thinking - why he put our stadium all the way the hell out there...

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by hesscl34

I still question Synder's thinking - why he put our stadium all the way the hell out there...

He had nothing to do with the staduim. It was all Cooke.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by mredskins

He had nothing to do with the staduim. It was all Cooke.

Beat me to it

[hesscl34]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Beat me to it

Sorry.. I meant Cooke... (owner) thanks for correcting me!!!

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by hesscl34

I still question Synder's thinking - why he put our stadium all the way the hell out there...

Small problem with your complaint there. Snyder didn't own the team when the stadium was built

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by hesscl34

I still question Synder's thinking - why he put our stadium all the way the hell out there...

He didn't.

[mredskins]

isn't the area call Raljon? After Cooke's sons.

[saden1]

Why do anything in business? To cut down on cost and save money?

[Giantone]

There was no property available in DC to build a stadium and the would not revamp RFK.Also ....and I'm not sure of this, the metro was suppose to come up to the stadium instead of the mile walk.

[Miller101]

"Unable to continue our partnership with Metro, we had numerous discussions with a variety of transportation companies, only to find that the best private transportation option would increase the fan shuttle fare from $6 to nearly $20," Mitch Gershman, chief operating officer of the Redskins, said in a statement.

That is some bullcrud!!! So when they do get the shuttle service back its going to cost us FOUR TIMES MORE!!!! Corporate America does crap like this and then, GET THIS! They actually wonder why Lou Dobbs does his show "War on the middle class" everyday!

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by Miller101

That is some bullcrud!!! So when they do get the shuttle service back its going to cost us FOUR TIMES MORE!!!! Corporate America does crap like this and then, GET THIS! They actually wonder why Lou Dobbs does his show "War on the middle class" everyday!

How is this corporate America? This is the DOT screwing shit up.

[Miller101]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

How is this corporate America? This is the DOT screwing shit up.

Geez, your right! I'm sorry. When it said Private Companies I figured it was Corporate America. But, your right. The Bush administration is involved in this too...............................Hey! Maybe Bush did this to get back at us Washingtonians for booing him when he threw out the first pitch of the season? Just a thought...............................

[BDBohnzie]

The problem with private transportation is...the Skins aren't willing to kick money in to make it affordable for the fans. I'd pay 10 bucks for a ride, knowing I didn't pay $50 to park at the stadium.

Giantone - the big rumor is that once the old RFK is leveled (after DC United gets their new digs...which I think the new location might be one of the RFK lots if they don't go to Poplar Point), the city would approach Snyder about building a 100k+ retractable roof stadium. However, the city is still paying for the debauchery that is the Washington Nationals, so I guess it's a crapshoot at best.

[FRPLG]

Here's a question..

Does this affect the shuttles from the cash lots?