After a long day in a cubicle in downtown DC, I begin an equally arduous task of commuting back to Virginia from Northeast DC. It would seem that a metro ride and a seven minute bus ride would be straightforward, but recently, it seems that my commute is getting tougher to tolerate. I don’t think that there has been a significant influx of riders in the past few months, but it appears that WMATA and the Fairfax Connector bus system are struggling to provide timely service. Summers in the DC area are miserable; this is a general expectation. For Metro to be unable to keep up maintenance of air conditioners in their cars is a little sad, not to mention the other issues that plague the system.
Since the July 1 increase on fares in both Metro and buses, the quality of service has decreased noticeably during my daily commute. What was once a dependable bus route that came every 10 minutes has recently morphed into a 20-plus minute wait with no bus in sight and no explanation as to why there are no buses. Having to wait in 100 degree heat is pretty unpleasant, but considering that it is becoming faster to drive and park instead of using public transportation, it’s time for Metro and bus lines to recognize the need for improving service if they are going to continue raising fare.
I consider myself pretty lenient and patient when it comes to transportation. I know that issues come up, but the bar on service has dropped remarkably. I can’t keep encouraging public transportation if it continues to be so unreliable. Step up the service and make my 9-5 a little more tolerable, please?