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.