Horner Road Expansion Area Opens!
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Category: General Slugging Questions and Comments
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Topic: Horner Road Expansion Area Opens!
Posted By: jhatton1980
Subject: Horner Road Expansion Area Opens!
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2002 at 8:20am
The new lot opened today, but there was very little change in how things worked. All slugging continued to be centered at the old bus stop. The new bus stop was used for Omniride pick ups, but the busses also came to the old stops. The only significant change is that the Omniride busses no longer fight their way through the slugging congestion to get to the stop.
I think that two lines need to be created to make the best use of the new facility. I will offer a suggestion and welcome your ideas.
1. Create a new slugline at the new bust stop for all sluggers going downtown - 14th Street, 18th Street, Navy Yard, etc.
2. The "old" bus stop could be used for Pentagon and Crystal City traffic.
This would seem to be a fifty-fifty split of traffic and would allow many more cars to get to and through the lines much more quickly.
I am not sure which line the Rosslyn traffic would want to go to. I guess Rosslyners can decide that.
Like it? Hate it? Any other ideas?
Also, assuming we do decide to form two lines, how can we go about spreading the word?
Thanks for you time,
Jeff
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Replies:
Posted By: Bslug
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2002 at 9:08am
I was also there this morning - you are right nothing has changed.
I am all for your idea of starting new lines for Downtown and Rosslyn similar to the ones at Potomac Mills.
I have a plant that may prove to be more difficult to implement than it sounds, but here goes:
I think the first thing is to somehow inform the downtown destination drivers to enter the lot through the new Telegraph Road entrance to separate them from the pentagon drivers. Perhaps the webmaster can post a message on this site for drivers.
Then the next thing is for slugs like myself to print up signs for 14th and 18th or Rosslyn and form a line at the new lot at separate spots.
With any luck it may catch on.
What do you think?
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Posted By: Eric
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2002 at 11:12am
My thoughts (as someone who may soon try Horner) is that you're pretty much on the right track. I'd suggest the grouping should be Pentagon/Rosslyn/Crystal City in one line/location and Downtown in the other. It makes sense to keep the first grouping as a single line because that way drivers headed to Rosslyn or Crystal City can opt to take Pentagon riders if necessary (or a mixture). Admittedly, this probably only applies at either end of the rush hour, but during the summer, with vacations, things get wierd. The trip through the Pentagon only adds a minute or two, so if you're in a single line it doesn't pay to wait.
As to which location to put which group... Is there a clear relationship between eventual destination and whether folks come in off 95?? That is, if the folks coming in from 95 are more likely to be headed to Pentagon/Rosslyn/Crystal City, then they should be at the old bus island. But if the folks coming in from the 'local' area (Lake Ridge, Minnieville Rd., etc.) are mostly headed to a particular destination, then the new bus island is the correct place. Otherwise, somebody flip a coin...
- Eric.
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Posted By: Racee
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2002 at 1:00pm
quote:
I was also there this morning - you are right nothing has changed.
I am all for your idea of starting new lines for Downtown and Rosslyn similar to the ones at Potomac Mills.
I have a plant that may prove to be more difficult to implement than it sounds, but here goes:
I think the first thing is to somehow inform the downtown destination drivers to enter the lot through the new Telegraph Road entrance to separate them from the pentagon drivers. Perhaps the webmaster can post a message on this site for drivers.
Then the next thing is for slugs like myself to print up signs for 14th and 18th or Rosslyn and form a line at the new lot at separate spots.
With any luck it may catch on.
What do you think?
I like it, Bslug!
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Posted By: decslug
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2002 at 2:36pm
I have been slugging from Horner Rd for a couple of years and I agree that the line needs to be broken up - and soon! With the expansion of the lot and the changing traffic patterns it is becoming more and more congested and hazardous.
I agree that a new entrance from the back of the lot is a good idea. However because there is such a large number of cars going to the Pentagon I think one line should be solely for Pentagon commuters and the other should be for the rest of the destinations (Not sure where the best location would be - Maybe Pentagon to remain at the current site and the others to move to the expanded area). Maybe the lines can eventually break out even more (Pentagon, Rosslyn/Crystal City, Downtown). I don't think starting a seperate line for the Downtown commuters would shorten the line much and one of the main problems is that the line is often too long to be manageable. Those people furthest from the cars cant hear where the drivers are going and many people jump the line out of turn causing confusion and frustration.
Seperating the lines should be relatively easy with a few signs. There may be a couple of days of confusion, but it will definitely be worth it.
quote:
My thoughts (as someone who may soon try Horner) is that you're pretty much on the right track. I'd suggest the grouping should be Pentagon/Rosslyn/Crystal City in one line/location and Downtown in the other. It makes sense to keep the first grouping as a single line because that way drivers headed to Rosslyn or Crystal City can opt to take Pentagon riders if necessary (or a mixture). Admittedly, this probably only applies at either end of the rush hour, but during the summer, with vacations, things get wierd. The trip through the Pentagon only adds a minute or two, so if you're in a single line it doesn't pay to wait.
As to which location to put which group... Is there a clear relationship between eventual destination and whether folks come in off 95?? That is, if the folks coming in from 95 are more likely to be headed to Pentagon/Rosslyn/Crystal City, then they should be at the old bus island. But if the folks coming in from the 'local' area (Lake Ridge, Minnieville Rd., etc.) are mostly headed to a particular destination, then the new bus island is the correct place. Otherwise, somebody flip a coin...
- Eric.
quote:
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Posted By: decslug
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2002 at 2:36pm
I have been slugging from Horner Rd for a couple of years and I agree that the line needs to be broken up - and soon! With the expansion of the lot and the changing traffic patterns it is becoming more and more congested and hazardous.
I agree that a new entrance from the back of the lot is a good idea. However because there is such a large number of cars going to the Pentagon I think one line should be solely for Pentagon commuters and the other should be for the rest of the destinations (Not sure where the best location would be - Maybe Pentagon to remain at the current site and the others to move to the expanded area). Maybe the lines can eventually break out even more (Pentagon, Rosslyn/Crystal City, Downtown). I don't think starting a seperate line for the Downtown commuters would shorten the line much and one of the main problems is that the line is often too long to be manageable. Those people furthest from the cars cant hear where the drivers are going and many people jump the line out of turn causing confusion and frustration.
Seperating the lines should be relatively easy with a few signs. There may be a couple of days of confusion, but it will definitely be worth it.
quote:
My thoughts (as someone who may soon try Horner) is that you're pretty much on the right track. I'd suggest the grouping should be Pentagon/Rosslyn/Crystal City in one line/location and Downtown in the other. It makes sense to keep the first grouping as a single line because that way drivers headed to Rosslyn or Crystal City can opt to take Pentagon riders if necessary (or a mixture). Admittedly, this probably only applies at either end of the rush hour, but during the summer, with vacations, things get wierd. The trip through the Pentagon only adds a minute or two, so if you're in a single line it doesn't pay to wait.
As to which location to put which group... Is there a clear relationship between eventual destination and whether folks come in off 95?? That is, if the folks coming in from 95 are more likely to be headed to Pentagon/Rosslyn/Crystal City, then they should be at the old bus island. But if the folks coming in from the 'local' area (Lake Ridge, Minnieville Rd., etc.) are mostly headed to a particular destination, then the new bus island is the correct place. Otherwise, somebody flip a coin...
- Eric.
quote:
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Posted By: Eric
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2002 at 4:00pm
quote:
I agree that a new entrance from the back of the lot is a good idea. However because there is such a large number of cars going to the Pentagon I think one line should be solely for Pentagon commuters and the other should be for the rest of the destinations (Not sure where the best location would be - Maybe Pentagon to remain at the current site and the others to move to the expanded area). Maybe the lines can eventually break out even more (Pentagon, Rosslyn/Crystal City, Downtown). I don't think starting a seperate line for the Downtown commuters would shorten the line much and one of the main problems is that the line is often too long to be manageable. Those people furthest from the cars cant hear where the drivers are going and many people jump the line out of turn causing confusion and frustration.
quote:
My thoughts (as someone who may soon try Horner) is that you're pretty much on the right track. I'd suggest the grouping should be Pentagon/Rosslyn/Crystal City in one line/location and Downtown in the other. It makes sense to keep the first grouping as a single line because that way drivers headed to Rosslyn or Crystal City can opt to take Pentagon riders if necessary (or a mixture). Admittedly, this probably only applies at either end of the rush hour, but during the summer, with vacations, things get wierd. The trip through the Pentagon only adds a minute or two, so if you're in a single line it doesn't pay to wait.
As to which location to put which group... Is there a clear relationship between eventual destination and whether folks come in off 95?? That is, if the folks coming in from 95 are more likely to be headed to Pentagon/Rosslyn/Crystal City, then they should be at the old bus island. But if the folks coming in from the 'local' area (Lake Ridge, Minnieville Rd., etc.) are mostly headed to a particular destination, then the new bus island is the correct place. Otherwise, somebody flip a coin...
- Eric.
Well, for downtown destinations, that should definitely be a separate location, as they have no relationship with any Northern VA destination. The idea for having Rosslyn & Crystal City co-located with the Pentagon line is that Rosslyn/Crystal City drivers can always take a Pentagon rider if nobody shows up for their destination. Their presence in line won't make any appreciable difference to the Pentagon-only folks. Until some folks decided to ruin it and cut the one-and-only line, the system I suggest worked extremely well at Tackett's.
The bottom line for Rosslyn/Crystal City folks, though, is that it increases the wait time (on average) if they're forced to have their own line.
I should add that drivers & slugs should be using signs. If there's currently confusion about where cars back down the line are going, "walking the line" works best. That is, since Pentagon seems predominant, people for other destinations start at the head of the line of cars and walk the line, holding a sign for their destination. Unless that's just not workable at the present location.
- Eric.
Edited by - Eric on 16 Jul 2002 16:05:07
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Posted By: jhatton1980
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2002 at 7:23am
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OK gang. It has been a week. We have all seen that the line is getting longer each day. Traffic patterns need to change. We need to split the lines so more cars get through more quickly. Suggestions on how to do this?
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Posted By: UBStupified
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2002 at 9:57am
I agree it would be nice two form at least two differrent lines. I propose that the first line should stay in the existing location and be for all No. VA locations. I also propose that a line form in the new lot for all DC locations. Drivers picking up for No. VA locations, continue to enter the lot from the Parkway and form a line as always. Drivers picking up for DC locations should enter via Telegraph entrance and form a line there.
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Posted By: bluezes
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2002 at 1:23pm
I would like to start slugging from the "new" Horner Road lot. Can someone please tell me, are there many commuters/cars going to 18th Street in the city in the morning? And is it easy to catch a slug ride home in the evening from 14th and New York Avenue to Horner Road? Thanks
Edited by - bluezes on 30 Jul 2002 13:31:37
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Posted By: tameraj
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2002 at 2:17pm
quote:
I agree it would be nice two form at least two differrent lines. I propose that the first line should stay in the existing location and be for all No. VA locations. I also propose that a line form in the new lot for all DC locations. Drivers picking up for No. VA locations, continue to enter the lot from the Parkway and form a line as always. Drivers picking up for DC locations should enter via Telegraph entrance and form a line there.
AGREE! I tried the new area in the Horner lot the first day it opened (and on several occasions afterwards) - as of today I returned to Potomac Mills for my sanity.
Anyone know how Potomac Mills was able to successfully split the slug lines? It works great there. Tackett's Mill is unofficially trying to do the same thing but the lot really is too small for that. Horner should've split the line years ago. I assume it's a matter of retraining the drivers, getting the word out. Anyone gone to VDOT yet for approval? Sorry if these questions were already answered - I haven't read through all the current posts.
If they can split up Horner I think it would solve hundreds of morning headaches (I always took 2 aspirin before going to Horner).
;-)
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Posted By: Admin
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2002 at 6:47am
Slugs,
Let's make this happen!! I think everybody agrees that at least two lines are needed. So, in the next week let's aggressively spread the word. If everybody helps enforce the new two lines it will make things easier. This is what I propose and posted on the homepage:
Two Lines for Horner Road Line. It's time to split the Horner Road line into TWO separate lines. The popularity of Horner is causing problems so, we need to split this line. Effective 6 Aug (Monday):
1)Create a new slugline at the new bus stop for all sluggers going downtown - 14th Street, 18th Street, Navy Yard, etc.
2)The "old" bus stop could be used for Pentagon and Crystal City traffic.
Trying to start the new line on 6 Aug is aggressive and does not leave much time. But, if everyone spreads the word it will help.
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Posted By: n/a
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2002 at 2:16pm
so when you get a ride home to horner and get dropped off at the old bus stop you can walk to your car?
The new lot opened today, but there was very little change in how things worked. All slugging continued to be centered at the old bus stop. The new bus stop was used for Omniride pick ups, but the busses also came to the old stops. The only significant change is that the Omniride busses no longer fight their way through the slugging congestion to get to the stop.
I think that two lines need to be created to make the best use of the new facility. I will offer a suggestion and welcome your ideas.
1. Create a new slugline at the new bust stop for all sluggers going downtown - 14th Street, 18th Street, Navy Yard, etc.
2. The "old" bus stop could be used for Pentagon and Crystal City traffic.
This would seem to be a fifty-fifty split of traffic and would allow many more cars to get to and through the lines much more quickly.
I am not sure which line the Rosslyn traffic would want to go to. I guess Rosslyners can decide that.
Like it? Hate it? Any other ideas?
Also, assuming we do decide to form two lines, how can we go about spreading the word?
Thanks for you time,
Jeff
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Posted By: bguano
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2002 at 2:21pm
Most people entering the Horner lot enter from the parkway, now you want then to turn left make a U turn and pick up folks at the new bus stop vs. a straight shot. That makes sense. Ane when you slug home they can drop you at the old bus stop. So you can walk to your car in the new lot. Maybe forming lines across from the old bus stop might be a better idea. It also isn't bad to remember the old saying - if it ain't broken dont try to fix it.
The new lot opened today, but there was very little change in how things worked. All slugging continued to be centered at the old bus stop. The new bus stop was used for Omniride pick ups, but the busses also came to the old stops. The only significant change is that the Omniride busses no longer fight their way through the slugging congestion to get to the stop.
I think that two lines need to be created to make the best use of the new facility. I will offer a suggestion and welcome your ideas.
1. Create a new slugline at the new bust stop for all sluggers going downtown - 14th Street, 18th Street, Navy Yard, etc.
2. The "old" bus stop could be used for Pentagon and Crystal City traffic.
This would seem to be a fifty-fifty split of traffic and would allow many more cars to get to and through the lines much more quickly.
I am not sure which line the Rosslyn traffic would want to go to. I guess Rosslyners can decide that.
Like it? Hate it? Any other ideas?
Also, assuming we do decide to form two lines, how can we go about spreading the word?
Thanks for you time,
Jeff
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Posted By: Admin
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2002 at 6:37am
There are three threads of messages regarding the two lines at Horner Rd. To consolidate comments, please post futher comments at:
http://www.slug-lines.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=230
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Posted By: lkrakie
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2002 at 8:06pm
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I slugged today from Horner Road (I'm in the Reserves, do don't slug every day). I didn't see any change to the slug lines and traffic flow. I spoke with some drivers last week that said that if we post some signs, that's all they'd need to implement the new traffic plan. I'm willing to help post signs to help implement the new plan.
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Posted By: Bob
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2002 at 7:47am
A driver told me that a new DC line has formed at Horner, but on the south side of the old lot (near where you turn toward the bus stop). Is that true? Also, can someone provide some details on recent traffic flow and slug operation? Has it gotten more chaotic or about the same level of chaos as before?
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Posted By: prettyp
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2002 at 9:35am
It's been almost a month since the expansion to the Horner Lot opened, and though everyone seeems to agree that the lines for downtown and pentagon/rosslyn/crystal city should be split, nothing is happening. Keeping one line is a disorganized mess that serves as a disservice to both driver and rider. What action can be taken to inspire the split?
Stace
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Posted By: Bob
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2002 at 9:55am
I recommend the following:
Pick a date about 2 weeks out (preferably a Monday) for the change.
Type up some flyers indicating the date and the location of the new DC line in the new lot.
Indicate that the DC cars need to enter from the NEW entrance. This change will be the main benefit of new system.
Start handing out flyers to slugs and drivers. Try to get slugs to hand out flyers at different times of day so you get everyone. You must cover both slugs and drivers. If there is an ad-hoc DC line forming separately that must also be included. It takes a couple of weeks and a pretty good effort will be involved.
If someone wants to email me a draft of the flyer I will be glad to look it over.
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Posted By: Admin
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2002 at 7:52am
Thanks everyone for the help and as was mentioned earlier, I think most agree a new line is needed. The 6 Aug date was too agressive and the word didn't spread as quickly as I had hoped. One problem was with my newsletter software not being able to handle the large number of people. New software already purchased.
Here's what I propose:
1) Use 4 Sep 02 as the the new start date. This allows ample time to spread the word and falls on a Wednesday which gives Tuesday as a reminder day after the long weekend.
2) I will draft a flyer and (Bob I'd like you and others to review it)
3) I'll put it on the webpage and send out as an attachment on a newsletter.
4) I'll need some volunteers to help pass out the flyers. If you can help send me an email at: webmaster@slug-lines.com
Thanks for everyone's help!
Dave
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Posted By: Admin
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2002 at 4:02pm
There are actually four message threads dealing with the same subject of spitting Horner Road. To keep everybody on the same topic please use "Two Lines for Horner Road" at:
http://www.slug-lines.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=230
The others will be locked which are:
http://www.slug-lines.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=248
and
http://www.slug-lines.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=201
and
http://www.slug-lines.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=192
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