Tacketts (New Lot) etiquette in AM

I will ask VDOT (again) for assistance but each request up to this point has been "we don't get involved with slugging."

It is unfortunate that VDOT takes this approach because without the slugging commuters, the VDOT parking lots would be underutilized. They openly support traditional carpooling but take a hands-off approach to "instant carpooling" using potential liability issues as an excuse. I phase their answer as an excuse because it implies that it's the liability aspect of slugging that prevents them from supporting it. If that is the case, it suggests that VDOT must be assuming liability for traditional carpoolers because they openly support it. I question this because I have never heard of a case, nor expect to hear, of VDOT assuming liability for an injured carpooling passenger against a carpooling driver. So, if in truth they do not take financial responsibility for traditional carpoolers then what is preventing them from supporting slugging? The answer - nothing.

That's a long way of saying - I will ask VDOT but I do not expect any support.

The word I've repeatedly gotten is that VDOT will, under no circumstances, get involved in doing anything that smacks of sanctioning slugging. However... I've been told that VDOT was going to have a look at the situation as a safety issue, simply because of the hazard caused by the line-cutters. The implication that I got (though perhaps just my interpretation) is that if anything got done, it would be to try and enforce a SINGLE line (and so avoid the increased hazard due to increased traffic coming from the side lot due to the line-cutters).

Note that if VDOT were to provide signage that firmly established the second line, this would lead to the situation I've outlined before -- on average the time to get to Rosslyn or Crystal City will increase over that of the single line.

- Eric.

Sorry to hear you are leaving Patricia, but good luck at the "610" location.

I agree wholeheartedly with Sheepish on the amount of close calls we see each morning. Something should be done to alleviate the confusion and get the word out to everyone participating...the attempt to create two separate lines perpendicular to each other is hazardous. I, for one, will continue to use the single lane approach and beg other drivers to do the same. I would ask all slugs to avoid the secondary line as well.

We should be able to pass the word on to enough people to make the difference.

Patricia: yep! There are two lines at 610, one for "DC" and one for "Virginia" which is primarily Pentagon, Crystal City, and Rosslyn, along with Pentagon North Parking, Navy Annex, and, inexplicably, Navy Yard. I'm not sure about the destinations of the "DC" line as I have only had occassion to use it a couple of times (to go to L'Enfant Plaza).

I've been picking up slugs at Tacketts for nearly a year now. My primary destination is Rosslyn, however, on occasion when the slug lines look bleak, I will pick up a slug for Crystal City or the Pentagon. I don't mean to be argumentative or to cause an uproar over this obviously emotional issue for Eric and Patricia, but I for one agree with the single line concept. The line moves very steady and I have had no problems picking up slugs. My only grievance is when, after I have been in line for a few minutes, a new driver pulls in and drives straight over to the side lot in order to cut the line and grab a slug.

It is very frustrating to myself and my passenger when we lose a slug because someone cut ahead of us.

The single line principle works in Rosslyn. The new pick-up point is also a single line, but with various destinations and two pick-up points. I see no problem with the way this operates - except for the occasional driver who feels they are all too important to wait in line and tries to create a second lane for picking up slugs. (You just know, one day, somebody's not going to take it anymore and KAPOW!!!...Right to the Moon!)

The single line works. I agree with Eric on this Patricia. I'm not saying your idea will not work, only that right now, the two line concept in its current configuration, creates more animosity and confusion than ease.

However, Eric....if we could get someone from the Department of Slugs to come out and put up designated signs and stops (like Rosslyn's), the two line idea might work better, but until then, the old tried and true method is most effective.

We all deal with enough frustrations in our life without having to start our day off with childish antics of people cutting in line.

I've said my peace. Please pass along this information to other drivers (scrapers) and slugs each morning to quickly alleviate this confusion. I hope you all have a pleasant day and a great summer.

Oh, by the way, to the slug that opened his briefcase and spilled his juice all over my rear seat, and didn't bother to clean it up - many thanks...I hope one day I can return the favor.

Edited by - croz61 on 29 May 2002 12:43:22