You’ve made the requisite calls and emails, set up an interview and jotted down some questions. How you’ll get there may be the last thing on your mind. Fresh off three quarters reporting in Chicago, the routine likely resembled something like this: Pull up Google Transit, locate the nearest CTA el or bus stop, rejoice in your (not really) gratis student pass and off you went. Just as you downloaded CTA train tracker, you’re uprooted once again! When you’re on a tight deadline in Washington, anything that will streamline travel is essential. Take a look at the following tools that will get you there and back—fast.
1. D.C. Metro on Twitter – @WMATA
Sa
y you’re en route to an interview and rumors circulate there’s an accident on the tracks in your direction. Where do you go for confirmation? New this summer, Metro’s most accessible and authoritative voice is at @WMATA, the Twitter account managed by new social media director, Dan Stessel. Stessel doesn’t monitor the account 24/7, but thankfully, someone is on the clock tweeting beyond the regular commuting hours. @WMATA claims to be more than a bulletin board for Metro’s constant track maintenance updates or disruptions and hopes to build trust with riders by inviting their comments and questions. Don’t be shy! Though Stessel didn’t respond to my tweet, let’s hope he continues to engage his 14,000+ followers.
Did you know? Stessel was a marketing director at a D.C. nightclub before moving into the transportation world. Read more about him and Metro here in the Washington City Paper.
2. Google Transit and Metro/No Metro app
It’s likely you used Google Transit in Chicago to locate the nearest CTA station. Lucky for us, a similar feature for Metro finally debuted this summer. Available on your smart phone, it’s the fastest way to plan your route in real time. And it gives you plenty of options. Hate the bus? There’s a good chance there’s a Metro station around.
Metro/No Metro is great smart phone app created by Washington Post mobile and digital projects designer Joey Marburger. (You may remember CTA offered a similar service with its Train and Bus Tracker system.) The app, which picks up data from the same station monitors we check while waiting on the platform, posts when trains are due at any given station. If the morning train isn’t expected for another 15 minutes, go ahead and down that last cup of coffee.
Did you know? Huntsville, Ala., home to our client, Huntsville Times, is Google Transit’s most recent addition.
3. SmarTrip Metro card
It rivals your Capitol Hill press pass as the most important card you’ll flash this summer. While Metro is downright expensive, it’s often the most convenient way to get around. Be sure to register your card online—if it’s lost or stolen, you can recover your cash. And starting at the end of August, you’ll be able to reload your SmarTrip card online, instead of waiting in line at station kiosks.
Did you know? You can scan SmarTrip cards to pay parking fees at certain commuter stations such as Greenbelt on Metro’s Green Line.
4. Capital Bikeshare
I hadn’t been on a bike for a couple of years until this summer, when my cyclist friend convinced me to give pedaling a try. Capital Bikeshare—with its District-wide network of 1,100 bikes and 115 stations—is the most practical way to get around. Though skeptical of my ability to ride in D.C. traffic, I rented a bike near the newsroom and rode to Capitol Hill on a whim. That’s all it took. At $5 a day, I can ride for free the first 30 minutes, then switch bikes at an available kiosk. To be sure, D.C. is a remarkably bike-friendly city. Plus, at rate like $25 a month or $75 a year, Bikeshare is ideal for a temporary resident—and drastically cheaper than Metro. I even planned to ride one to a recent interview where a kiosk was nearby. One caveat: Ladies, be sure to wear pants on those days.
Did you know? To encourage bike commuters to ride safe (protective gear isn’t mandated by law here) the District Department of Transportation will give away 500 helmets this fall. You should be first in line!
Omar, a member of the Street Team, helps a customer with a question about Bikeshare. Omar said I’m the first reporter he’s heard of who might take Bikeshare to an interview.
5. Zipcar
Unless you enjoy free parking at your apartment, it’s not a good idea to bring your car to Washington. A car rental plan like Zipcar, which allows you to rent cool wheels by the hour or day for cheap, is your best option. Some universities offer Zipcar deals, so be sure to mention your Northwestern affiliation when you sign up. Gas, maintenance, insurance and parking are all included with a membership. While it’s not for the daily commuter, Zipcar can get you to interviews where Metro can’t reach.
Did you know? Going to be cruising an extra half hour? Send Zipcar a text message to request additional rental time. If no one has reserved the car after you, they’ll text back approval.