Bikes on METRO
Keith Lynch
In article <8b085772&199805041907_...@compuserve.com>,
<geoc...@compuserve.com> wrote:
> My point is this - for the first few weeks, be sure you keep a copy
> of the metro policy in your pocket. Metro employees may *not* know
> passes are not required.
How is one to get a copy of the policy on official letterhead?
I think it's posted inside every Metro elevator. I asked about it at
the Greenbelt station on Sunday. One employee said there was no such
change in policy. Another employee corrected him and told him to look
inside the elevator to find out for me when it begins. (I already
knew it was the 11th, but I wanted to hear what they would say.)
After doing so, he told me it was the 11th. He then started a lengthy
harangue with the other employee about how stupid it was to allow
cyclists on the trains even with a permit, much less without.
I refrained from suggesting that his job would be even easier if Metro
simply banned all passengers.
I plan to try it on Friday the 15th, when I'll be going from Dunn
Loring to Greenbelt once again, at about 7 pm. And probably returning
on the last train, at 11:34.
Does anyone know exactly when in the evening trains to Greenbelt stop
being available at Metro Center? I really dislike non-rush-hour double
transfers, which require triple-waits (Dunn Loring to catch the Orange
line train, Metro Center to transfer to the Red Line, then Fort Totten
to transfer to the Green Line).
When is the middle piece of the Green Line supposed to be finished,
anyway?
--
Keith Lynch, k...@clark.net
http://www.clark.net/pub/kfl/
I boycott all spammers.
Ron Newman
What exactly *are* the new rules for bikes on the DC Metro?
--
Ron Newman rne...@thecia.net
http://www2.thecia.net/users/rnewman/
Jason R. DeCesare
What are the WAMATA bike rules?
Are there rush hour restrictions?
Are they like the NYCTA rules where there are no rules per se?
-Jason
--
"Television is like the American toaster, you push the button
and the same thing pops up everytime."
-Alfred Hitchcock
Keith Lynch
In article <354F35...@erols.com>,
From Metro's web site,
http://www.wmata.com/1_METRO/2_FARES/22Info/222bike.htm
which does not yet reflect the 6 month suspension of the permit
requirement which starts on Monday the 11th. My understanding
is that all other rules mentioned here still apply. I think you
can see why few cyclists ever took the time and effort to jump
through the hoops to get a permit.
BIKE-ON-RAIL PROGRAM
ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAM
1. Hours of Use: The Metro Bike-On-Rail Program allows passengers to
bring bicycles on board Metro trains on weekdays (Monday through
Friday) mid-day between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and again after
7:00 p.m.; all day on Saturdays and Sundays; and all day on the
following holidays: Martin Luther King's Birthday observed,
Washington's Birthday observed, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus
Day observed, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and
New Year's Day. Bicycles will not be allowed on trains before
10:00 a.m. or between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays (except
as noted above), or on July 4th. The Washington Metropolitan Area
Transit Authority (WMATA) reserves the right to suspend (with
prior notice) transport of bicycles on Metro on any weekday,
Saturday, Sunday or holiday (as shown above) when an area special
event could cause a large increase in Metro ridership. Bicycles
may not be transported on Metro buses at any time.
2. Policy: This program affects non-collapsible, operational
bicycles. Folding bicycles and those non-collapsible bicycles
which are disassembled and enclosed in a suitable carrying bag or
box are already permitted. This policy will continue. (A folding
bicycle is one in which the frame folds and the two wheels come
together.) All other bicycles will require a permit, as specified
herein.
3. Registration: A permit system has been established for safety
reasons to limit participation to those who meet the permit
requirements. The number of permits will relate to the safe
capacity of the system to accommodate bicycles.
4. Permits: Permits will be issued to persons 16 years of age or
over. Children (ages 12 through 15) may also be issued permits,
subject to the same rules and regulations as the adult permits,
provided the application is signed by the child's parent or
guardian, the parent or guardian accompanies the child during the
application process, and the child is accompanied by a responsible
adult (age 18 or older with a valid Bike-On-Rail permit) each time
he/she takes a bicycle aboard a train. An adult may accompany only
one child at a time. For minors (persons under 18), the waiver or
indemnity agreement must be cosigned by a parent or guardian at
the time the permit is issued. Children who have not reached the
age of 12 may participate in the program by obtaining a Youth
Permit without the testing requirement and as long as they are
accompanied by an adult with a valid Bike-On-Rail Permit. Permits
will be valid for three years from date of issuance.
Each permit will be numbered, have an expiration date, and have the
registrant's photograph. Permits will be attached to a clip and must
be displayed on the exterior of the cyclist's clothing and visible at
all times while the cyclist is in a Metro station or on the train.
Cyclists are responsible for their permits. If lost or stolen,
cyclists must make a report within 48 hours to the Bike-On-Rail Office
at the above address. Reissuance will be at the discretion of WMATA.
5. Permit Issuance Locations: Permits are issued by the WMATA
Department of Public Service at the location given below between the
hours of 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. each
weekday, except holidays. No appointment is necessary. Please call
202/962-1116 for additional information on obtaining a permit.
Identification Card Office (Lobby Level)
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Jackson Graham Building
600 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20001-2693
(Judiciary Square Metrorail Station - F Street Exit)
Bike-On-Rail Permits can also be applied for at four other locations
which will process applications, tests and photographs; you will need
to provide two (2) current identical color photographs 1" (one inch)
wide by 1-1/4" (one and one-quarter inches) high with your application
at off-site locations; some locations may take the required photos.
Checks or money orders (no cash) should be made payable to WMATA.
These four locations and their hours are listed on the next page. For
your convenience, please confirm the hours prior to arrival at the
location.
Ballston Transit Store
Ballston Common Shopping Mall
Arlington, VA
703/ 528-3541
Open: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Crystal City Commuter Service Center
1615-B Crystal Square Arcade
Arlington, VA
703/ 413-4287
Open: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Closed weekends and federal holidays
Rosslyn Transit Store
1700 North Moore Street, Suite 235
Arlington, VA 22209
703/ 525-1995
Open: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
North Bethesda Transportation Center
5640 Nicholson Lane, Suite 224
Rockville, MD 20852
Call for schedule and shuttle 301/770-8108
Open: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Applications, tests, fees and permits applied for at the above transit
stores sites will be processed by WMATA and mailed directly to the
permit holder after processing. None of the above transit sites can
process replacements for lost permits.
6. Fee: A non-refundable fee of $15.00 is charged for issuance of a
three-year permit, both new and renewal. A replacement charge of $5.00
will be made for a lost or stolen permit.
7. Liability: A waiver indemnifying and releasing WMATA from all
injury, loss and/or damage involving any bicycle brought into station
areas and aboard trains under this program must be signed by all
registrants at the time the permit is issued. For minors (persons
under age 18), the waiver or indemnity agreement must be cosigned by a
parent or guardian at the time the permit is issued.
8. Revocation of Permits: Cyclists will be required to observe the
Rules and Regulations of the program. Cyclists failing to abide by the
Rules and Regulations are subject to revocation of their permits.
Additionally, the Public Conduct Ordinances of the respective local
jurisdictions provide for the possibility of fines and/or arrest and
prosecution for violation of those ordinances.
9. Safety Testing: Before issuance of a permit, the registrant must
review the Rules and Regulations and safety procedures, and then
successfully pass a written, proctored test. The parent or guardian of
a child under the age of 15 must attend the permit session with their
child.
10. Renewals: Permits can be renewed at the Identification Card Office
in the WMATA Jackson Graham Building (address specified herein) or by
mail. Your current address and telephone number should be indicated
with your renewal request. Renewed permits will be valid for three
years from date of renewal; the fee is $15.00 for each renewal.
By mail: For the first renewal of three years, Bike-On-Rail permit
holders can mail in a copy of their current, valid permit, along with
the appropriate permit fee and receive a renewal sticker that should
be placed on the front of the permit per instructions provided with
the sticker. For subsequent renewals (second and more) by mail after
the first, permit holders must send in their current permit, two (2)
identical color photographs 1" (one inch) wide by 1-1/4" (one and
one-quarter inches) high, and a check/money order (no cash) payable to
WMATA in the amount of the specified non-refundable permit fee. The
above items are to be sent in an envelope to: Bike-On-Rail Program,
600 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001-2693. Lost or stolen
permits CANNOT be replaced by mail.
TRANSPORT PROCEDURES
1. Vertical Circulation (Moving bicycle from street level to
platform): Cyclists will be required to gain access to mezzanines
and platforms only by use of the elevators. Escalators and stairs
shall not be used except by special request (for emergency
reasons) from Metro Station Managers, Metro Transit Police, or
city or county police or fire officials. Cyclists should show
courtesy towards other passengers when placing their bicycle in or
taking their bicycle out of the elevators. When boarding
elevators, disabled persons have priority over cyclists. When it
appears that the bicycle will cause an inconvenience or possible
injury to other passengers, cyclists shall wait for the next
elevator.
2. Payment of Fare: The cyclist is required to pay the established
fare each time he/she rides Metro. At the Metro station mezzanine,
the cyclist shall park the bicycle outside the faregates, out of
the way of other passengers, process his/her farecard and walk
through the faregate, then exit via the service gate, take the
bicycle and enter again through the service gate with the bicycle,
then descend or ascend to the platform via the elevator. At the
exit station, cyclist shall ascend or descend to the mezzanine via
the elevator, park the bicycle inside the faregates out of the way
of passengers, process the farecard and walk through the faregate,
then enter through the service gate, and exit with the bicycle
again through the service gate. At stations where elevators bypass
the mezzanine, the cyclist must process his/her farecard in the
special farecard processor located on the platform, just outside
the elevator.
3. Boarding Trains: Only the two end sections of the last car of a
train shall be used by cyclists. Each Metro car has three sets of
doors on each side of the train. Bicycles shall not be transported
through the middle set of doors on the car or the aisle of the car
between the end sets of doors. No more than two (2) bicycles shall
be allowed on the last car of a train during mid-day access times
on weekdays and no more than four (4) per train weekdays after
7:00 p.m. and on weekends or holidays. During weekday, mid-day
access, no more than two bicycles shall be allowed on thelast car
of a train at any time -- one (1) at each end; on weekends,
holidays and after 7:00 weekdays, no more than four (4) bicycles
shall be permitted on the last car of the train, two (2) at each
end. Cyclists must wait until all exiting and entering passengers
have cleared the doorway before moving the bicycle into the car.
Aboard the train, whether standing or sitting, the cyclist must
hold the bicycle firmly at all times, kickstand up, and not allow
bicycles to lean against patrons or any part of the Metro train.
Cyclist is responsible for injury to self or other passengers, as
well as for damage to the bicycle or rail car caused by the
cyclist's bicycle, including any injury or damage caused by
cyclist losing control of bicycle during sudden train stops and/or
accelerations.
4. Display of Permit: The Metro Bike-On-Rail Permit shall be
displayed on the exterior of the cyclist's clothing and visible at
all times while transporting the bicycle on rail cars and in Metro
stations. Permit is to be surrendered on demand by Metro Station
Manager, Metro Transit Police, or city or county police at any
time.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Metro Bike-On-Rail
1. A valid Metro Bike-On-Rail Permit is required for a cyclist to
transport one non-collapsible bicycle aboard Metro trains at
certain times and under the conditions set forth hereinafter.
2. Permits will be issued to persons 16 years of age or over.
Children under the age of 15 may also be issued Youth Permits,
subject to the same rules and regulations as the adult permits,
provided the application is cosigned by the child's parent or
guardian at the time the permit is issued, the parent or guardian
accompanies the child to get the permit, and the child is
accompanied by a responsible adult (age 18 or older with a valid
Bike-On-Rail Permit) each time he/she takes a bicycle aboard a
train. An adult may accompany only one child at a time.
3. The Bike-On-Rail Permit must be displayed on exterior of cyclist's
clothing and visible at all time while the cyclist is in Metro
stations or on the train. Permit must be shown to Metro Station
Managers or Metro Transit Police on entering the paid area of the
Metro station mezzanine and upon demand at any other time. Permit
must be surrendered to these officials on demand in case of an
alleged rule infraction.
4. Metro Bike-On-Rail Permits are not transferable.
5. The Metro Bike-On-Rail Program allows passengers to bring their
bicycles on board Metro trains on weekdays (Monday through Friday)
between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and after 7:00 p.m.; all day on
Saturdays and Sundays; and all day on the following holidays:
Martin Luther King's Birthday observed, Washington's Birthday
observed, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day observed, Veterans
Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Bicycles
will not be allowed on trains before 7:00 p.m. on weekdays (except
as noted above) or on July 4th. The Washington Metropolitan Area
Transit Authority (WMATA) reserves the right to suspend (with
prior notice) transport of bicycles on Metro on any weekday,
Saturday, Sunday or holiday (as shown above) when an area special
event could cause a large increase in Metro ridership. Bicycles
may not be transported on Metrobuses at any time.
6. On days that bicycles are permitted, Metro Station Managers or
Metro Transit Police may, at their discretion during periods of
passenger congestion, temporarily deny cyclists access to station
mezzanines and platforms until the congestion is cleared.
7. Bicycles are allowed under this program are conventional
two-wheeled vehicles such as are ridden by older children and
adults, not longer than 80 inches, higher than 48 inches or wider
than 22 inches. Motor-powered bicycles, tandem bicycles,
motorcycles, mopeds, tricycles, and bicycles with training wheels
are not allowed.
8. Bicycles must be clean and free of excess grease and dirt and not
have any sharp projections.
9. Cyclists shall move their bicycles into and out of Metro stations
only by the elevator, unless instructed otherwise by a Metro
Station Manager, Metro Transit Police officer, or city or county
police or fire officials. Cyclists must show courtesy towards
other passengers when placing their bicycle in or taking their
bicycle out of the elevators. When boarding elevators, disabled
persons have priority over cyclists. When it appears that the
bicycle will cause an inconvenience or possible injury to other
passengers, the cyclist must wait for the next elevator.
10. Bicycles shall not be left unattended at any time, except when
cyclist is processing a farecard to enter or exit the paid area of
the Metro station mezzanine or when seeking assistance from Metro
Station Manager or Metro Transit Police. Cyclist shall not use
kickstand, except when processing farecard and must not lean
bicycle against seats, walls, pylons, or any part of platform or
trains, and must hold and have control of bicycle at all times
except when paying a fare or seeking assistance from Metro Station
Manager or Metro Transit Police.
11. Bicycle riding anywhere in Metro stations or station areas,
including but not limited to station platforms, mezzanines and
corridors, is strictly prohibited. Station areas shall not be
considered to include parking lots or other areas intended for
vehicle traffic.
12. Cyclists shall await trains as far away from the granite edge of
the platform as possible and not allow bicycle to interfere with
passengers on the platform when boarding or alighting a train.
13. Cyclists must wait until all exiting and entering passengers have
cleared the doorway before moving bicycle into the train.
14. Only the two end sections of the last car of a train shall be used
by cyclists. Each Metro car has three sets of doors on each side
of the train. Bicycles shall not be transported through the middle
set of doors on the car or the aisle of the car between the end
sets of doors. During weekday, mid-day access times, no more than
one (1) bicycle may be in each end section of the last car at a
time; hence, only two (2) bicycles may be in a rail car during
this time. On weekends, holidays, and after 7:00 p.m. weekdays, no
more than two (2) bicycles may be in each end section of the last
car at a time; hence, no more than four (4) bicycles may be on a
rail car during these times. If these two authorized areas are
full of passengers or already contain the maximum number of
bicycles allowed, a cyclist must wait for the next train that has
space available.
15. Bicycles must at no time block any portion of the car doors used
by passengers to board and alight.
16. In case of emergency evacuation of a Metro train, and upon
direction of a Metro Train Operator, Metro Station Manager, Metro
Transit Police, or city or county police or fire officials,
bicycles shall be placed on top of the seats and left on the
trains. WMATA assumes no responsibility for their loss or damage.
17. In addition to these rules and regulations, the cyclist must abide
by the instructions and directives of Metro Station Managers,
Metro Train Operators, Metro Transit Police, or city or county
police and fire officials.
18. Cyclists failing to abide by these rules and regulations are
subject to revocation of their permits. Additionally, the Public
Conduct Ordinances of the respective local jurisdictions provide
for the possibility of fines and/or arrest and prosecution for
violation of those ordinances.
Jason R. DeCesare
Keith Lynch wrote/écrivit:
>
> In article <354F35...@erols.com>,
> Jason R. DeCesare <mile...@erols.com> wrote:
> > What are the WAMATA bike rules?
>
> From Metro's web site,
> http://www.wmata.com/1_METRO/2_FARES/22Info/222bike.htm
> which does not yet reflect the 6 month suspension of the permit
> requirement which starts on Monday the 11th. My understanding
> is that all other rules mentioned here still apply. I think you
> can see why few cyclists ever took the time and effort to jump
> through the hoops to get a permit.
>
<list of Metro's rules snipped>
Wow, that is a complicated and involved procedure.
The NYC Transit rules and tips for bikes on the subway can be found at
http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/Subway/bike.htm on the NYC Transit web
site.
The tips outnumber the rules, as you can see below.
------
BICYCLE SAFETY IN THE SUBWAY
Eight Quick Bike Safety Tips To Get You Ready To Roll
1.Avoid Crowded Stations And Trains
2.Enter And Exit Through Station Service Gate
3.Board Train After Exiting Passengers
4.Stand Near Either End Of Subway Car
5.Stand By Your Bicycle
6.Carry Your Bicycle On Staircases
7.Follow Instructions From Transit Police, Station And Train
Personnel
8.Courtesy + Common Sense = Bicycle Safety
Avoid Crowded Stations And Trains
Bicycles can be dangerous when they get in the way of a number of
people. Avoid rush-hour crowds. For easier getting "on" and "off" use
lettered trains. They have bigger stations and roomier subway cars.
Choose express trains since they have fewer stops and less boarding and
exiting.
Enter And Exit Through Station Service Gate
Deposit token or use your MetroCard, roll the turnstile and enter
through the service gate. Don't try to lift your bicycle over the
turnstile. Don't carry it through a high-wheel revolving entrance or
exit. If you get off at a station where there is only a high-wheel exit,
wait for the next train and go to the nearest station that permits easy
exit with a bike.
Board Train After Exiting Passengers
This reduces the chance of someone tripping over your bicycle. It also
allows you to see if the train is crowded.
Stand Near Either End Of Subway Car
Never put your bicycle where it blocks the aisle or doors. It stops
passenger flow. If the only available space is near the door, the train
is too crowded. Wait for the next uncrowded train.
Stand By Your Bicycle
Move your bicycle to allow others to pass. If there is a train or
station evacuation, you must leave your bicycle behind to ensure a swift
and safe exit for all. Make sure all items on the bicycle are secured.
Carry Your Bicycle On Staircases
Wait until the staircase is not crowded. Carry it. Don't bump it on the
stairs because you could lose control.
Follow Instructions From Transit Police, Station And Train Personnel
To ensure everyone's safety Transit Police and subway personnel may
decide your bicycle is causing a hazardous situation, obstructing
passenger movement or interfering with train operations. Be prepared to
follow their directions.
Courtesy + Common Sense = Bicycle Safety
Consideration for others along with reasonable judgement help produce a
safer, more comfortable environment for bicycles.
We Can All Breathe Easier
Riding a bike, hopping a bus or taking the subway all help reduce
pollution in the air we breathe, since it means leaving a car at
home. But bicycles can create safety problems in the subway system for
both passengers and transit operations. These problems can be avoided
easily by following a few simple rules and remembering to be considerate
of other passengers whenever you take a bicycle into the subway.
For more information, please call between 9am and 5pm, Monday through
Friday, at (718) 330-3322.
Know The Rules
You risk eviction or fine when you violate the New York Codes, Rules and
Regulations, Chapter 21, Section 1050, governing the conduct of the
public in using the transit facilities. In particular, rule 1050.9 (g)
deals with bulky items like bicycles:
No person may carry on or bring to any facility or conveyance any item
that:
1. Is so long as to extend outside the window or door of a
subway car, bus or other conveyance, or
2. Constitutes a hazard to the operation of the Authority,
interferes with passenger traffic, or impedes service, or
constitutes a danger or hazard to other persons.
You risk eviction or fine when you violate the New York Codes, Rules and
Regulations, Section 1050.7 (k) covering disorderly conduct which states
in part:
No person on or in any facility or conveyance shall:
Commit any act which causes or may tend to cause injury or harm to
oneself or to any other person including, but not limited to riding a
bicycle, skateboard, roller skates, in-line skates or any self-propelled
or motor-propelled vehicle.
-------
So all you need to ride the subway with your bike in NYC is a token or a
MetroCard to get in. Sometimes, an employee will even let you in for
free.
No permits or the like and you can bring the bike anytime you want, even
at rush hour.
On the other hand, the three commuter train operators in the area all
require bike permits. Two of them, Metro-North and the LIRR, each
charging $5.00 for them and one of them, NJ Transit, giving them out for
free. There are restrictions on when bikes can be taken, and in the case
of NJ Transit there are restrictions on some lines.
PATH, which is sort of like a subway and runs between Northern New
Jersey and Manhattan also requires a permit and has restrictions.
-Jason
--
"We're one of the few countries that has an illiteracy problem with
satire." -documentary filmmaker Michael Moore,
quoted in The New York Times, 14 Nov. 1997
Anne Thomas
Someone, I can't tell who, wrote " My point is this - for the first few
weeks, be sure you keep a copy
> of the metro policy in your pocket. Metro employees may *not* know
> passes are not required."
What? Does this mean I don't have to clip my bike pass onto my clothing
when I take my bike on Metro anymore? Actually, I wouldn't mind not
displaying the thing anymore, since it's gotten terribly sweat-stained from
being clipped to my T-shirt after those 40-mile rides in the summer, but
how will the employees know whether we have one or not if we don't display
it? (And they do care; I've been asked if I have a pass when it's clipped
right in the middle of my chest where anyone should be able to see it.)
Anne Thomas
Ron Newman
In this message, I'll compare the Boston MBTA rules to those
of the Washington DC metro. Here I'm referring only to the rules
for subway trains (Red Line, Orange Line, Blue Line), not to those for
commuter trains, which are quite a bit more permissive.
In article <6ini2i$hbu$1...@clarknet.clark.net>, k...@clark.net (Keith Lynch) wrote:
> From Metro's web site,
> http://www.wmata.com/1_METRO/2_FARES/22Info/222bike.htm
> which does not yet reflect the 6 month suspension of the permit
> requirement which starts on Monday the 11th. My understanding
> is that all other rules mentioned here still apply. I think you
> can see why few cyclists ever took the time and effort to jump
> through the hoops to get a permit.
> 1. Hours of Use: The Metro Bike-On-Rail Program allows passengers to
> bring bicycles on board Metro trains on weekdays (Monday through
> Friday) mid-day between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and again after
> 7:00 p.m.; all day on Saturdays and Sundays;
Pretty much the same in Boston: weekdays 10am-2pm and after 7:30 pm,
all day on weekends and holidays.
> Bicycles will not be allowed on trains ... on July 4th.
I think July 4th is prohibited to bicyclists in Boston as well, because
of heavy use by people travelling to the Esplanade concert and
fireworks show.
> Bicycles may not be transported on Metro buses at any time.
Same in Boston.
> 2. Policy: This program affects non-collapsible, operational
> bicycles. Folding bicycles and those non-collapsible bicycles
> which are disassembled and enclosed in a suitable carrying bag or
> box are already permitted.
Same in Boston.
> Each permit will be numbered, have an expiration date, and have the
> registrant's photograph.
This used to be done in Boston, but a couple years ago the permits
were changed to be simple plastic cards similar to MBTA monthly
passes, with no photo or name on them.
> Permits will be attached to a clip and must
> be displayed on the exterior of the cyclist's clothing and visible at
> all times while the cyclist is in a Metro station or on the train.
In Boston, you only have to show the pass when entering the system.
> 5. Permit Issuance Locations: Permits are issued by the WMATA
> Department of Public Service at the location given below between the
> hours of 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. each
> weekday, except holidays.
Boston used to be like this, but now permits are sold at many outlying
locations that also sell MBTA monthly passes. This still isn't good
enough for me -- I'd like the MBTA to sell them through bicycle shops.
> Bike-On-Rail Permits can also be applied for at four other locations
> which will process applications, tests and photographs; you will need
> to provide two (2) current identical color photographs 1" (one inch)
> wide by 1-1/4" (one and one-quarter inches) high with your application
> at off-site locations;
Photographs are no longer required to get a permit in Boston.
> Checks or money orders (no cash) should be made payable to WMATA.
In Boston, you have to pay cash ($5 for a 5-year permit).
> Applications, tests, fees and permits applied for at the above transit
> stores sites will be processed by WMATA and mailed directly to the
> permit holder after processing.
In Boston, you just pay the $5 and they hand you the permit.
> 6. Fee: A non-refundable fee of $15.00 is charged for issuance of a
> three-year permit, both new and renewal.
Ouch. Not only is the fee only $5 in Boston, it also lets you
put your bicycle on the commuter rails, which are a lot more useful
than the subway.
> 1. Vertical Circulation (Moving bicycle from street level to
> platform): Cyclists will be required to gain access to mezzanines
> and platforms only by use of the elevators.
In Boston, you can use either elevators or stairs. Many Boston
stations don't have elevators, anyway.
> Escalators and stairs shall not be used except by special request
> (for emergency reasons)
The Boston rules say not to use the esclators, but I've never been
stopped when I've used them. I've even taken my bicycle on the
very long escalator at Porter Square (comparable to Dupont Circle
in DC).
> 2. Payment of Fare: The cyclist is required to pay the established
> fare each time he/she rides Metro.
Same in Boston.
> At the Metro station mezzanine,
> the cyclist shall park the bicycle outside the faregates, out of
> the way of other passengers, process his/her farecard and walk
> through the faregate, then exit via the service gate, take the
> bicycle and enter again through the service gate with the bicycle,
> then descend or ascend to the platform via the elevator.
In Boston, you show your permit to the token clerk, pay your fare
(or show your montly pass), and then she opens the service gate for you
and you walk your bicycle through it. Much easier.
> At the
> exit station, cyclist shall ascend or descend to the mezzanine via
> the elevator, park the bicycle inside the faregates out of the way
> of passengers, process the farecard
Not applicable in Boston, as there are no exit fares here (except at
Quincy Adams and Braintree).
> and walk through the faregate,
> then enter through the service gate, and exit with the bicycle
> again through the service gate.
In Boston, you just knock on the window of the token clerk, and she
opens the service gate for you.
> 3. Boarding Trains: Only the two end sections of the last car of a
> train shall be used by cyclists.
Same in Boston.
> Each Metro car has three sets of
> doors on each side of the train. Bicycles shall not be transported
> through the middle set of doors on the car
No such restriction in Boston.
> or the aisle of the car
> between the end sets of doors.
I don't understand what that means.
> No more than two (2) bicycles shall
> be allowed on the last car of a train during mid-day access times
> on weekdays and no more than four (4) per train weekdays after
> 7:00 p.m. and on weekends or holidays.
That's better than Boston. Here you can only take 2 bicycles on
a train (one at each end of the last car) at any time when they are allowed.
> Aboard the train, whether standing or sitting, the cyclist must
> hold the bicycle firmly at all times, kickstand up, and not allow
> bicycles to lean against patrons or any part of the Metro train.
No such rule in Boston.
> 4. Display of Permit: The Metro Bike-On-Rail Permit shall be
> displayed on the exterior of the cyclist's clothing and visible at
> all times while transporting the bicycle on rail cars and in Metro
> stations.
No such rule in Boston. You show your permit when you want to
enter a station.
> 4. Metro Bike-On-Rail Permits are not transferable.
Effectively not true in Boston, since there are no photos on the
permits here.
> 10. ... Cyclist shall not use
> kickstand, except when processing farecard and must not lean
> bicycle against seats, walls, pylons, or any part of platform or
> trains, and must hold and have control of bicycle at all times
> except when paying a fare or seeking assistance from Metro Station
> Manager or Metro Transit Police.
What a stupid rule. Nothing like this in Boston.
> 11. Bicycle riding anywhere in Metro stations or station areas,
> including but not limited to station platforms, mezzanines and
> corridors, is strictly prohibited.
Same in Boston. Seems reasonable to me.
David Lesher
rne...@thecia.net (Ron Newman) writes:
>> 10. ... Cyclist shall not use
>> kickstand, except when processing farecard and must not lean
>> bicycle against seats, walls, pylons, or any part of platform or
>> trains, and must hold and have control of bicycle at all times
>> except when paying a fare or seeking assistance from Metro Station
>> Manager or Metro Transit Police.
>What a stupid rule. Nothing like this in Boston.
Metro trains are carpeted and have soft padded seats, not those
fiberglass monstronities.
I doubt you need to use the service gate now; the wheelchair-width
gate at each station would easily pass a bike.
--
A host is a host from coast to coast.................wb8foz@nrk.com
& no one will talk to a host that's close........[v].(301) 56-LINUX
Unless the host (that isn't close).........................pob 1433
is busy, hung or dead....................................20915-1433
Ken Eikert
Ron Newman wrote:
>
> In this message, I'll compare the Boston MBTA rules to those
> of the Washington DC metro. Here I'm referring only to the rules
> for subway trains (Red Line, Orange Line, Blue Line), not to those for
> commuter trains, which are quite a bit more permissive.
Atlanta MARTA is even more permissive, with almost no rules
for bikes anymore. Originally, bikes were totally banned
from the rail system, then allowed on Sundays only, with a
permit. The rules have gotten progressively more
permissive in the years since.
MARTA's bicycle rules are on this small page:
http://www.itsmarta.com/bikes.html
Ron Newman
In article <rnewman-ya0240800...@enews.newsguy.com>,
rne...@thecia.net (Ron Newman) wrote:
> In this message, I'll compare the Boston MBTA rules to those
> of the Washington DC metro. Here I'm referring only to the rules
> for subway trains (Red Line, Orange Line, Blue Line), not to those for
> commuter trains, which are quite a bit more permissive.
Let me expand on that a bit. If you have a Boston MBTA bicycle permit,
you can take your bicycle on any MBTA commuter train, except for
inbound weekday morning rush-hour trains and outbound weekday evening
rush-hour trains. There is no limit on the number of bicycles allowed on
MBTA commuter trains.
An MBTA bicycle permit is much more useful for the commuter rail
than it is for the subway. Most MBTA commuter rail lines have reasonably
frequent weekend service for a recreational bicyclist (typically
every 2 hours or so).
The full MBTA rules for bicycles are at:
http://www.mbta.com/ticketbooth/passes/bike-pass/body/index.htm
What are the rules for bicycles on MARC (Maryland) and VRE (Virginia)
commuter trains?
Aust Bureau Stats
Ron Newman wrote
> Let me expand on that a bit. If you have a Boston MBTA bicycle permit,
> you can take your bicycle on any MBTA commuter train, except for
> inbound weekday morning rush-hour trains and outbound weekday evening
> rush-hour trains. There is no limit on the number of bicycles allowed on
> MBTA commuter trains.
> An MBTA bicycle permit is much more useful for the commuter rail
> than it is for the subway. Most MBTA commuter rail lines have reasonably
> frequent weekend service for a recreational bicyclist (typically
> every 2 hours or so).
> The full MBTA rules for bicycles are at:
> http://www.mbta.com/ticketbooth/passes/bike-pass/body/index.htm
The rules for Sydney trains are that you can take your bike on the train as
long as you stay in the platform level area of the carriage and you buy a
concession ticket for it. No restrictions on time of day or lengthy rules on
how to get in and out of the stations.
Access Systems
In misc.transport.urban-transit Ron Newman <rne...@thecia.net> wrote:
> In article <rnewman-ya0240800...@enews.newsguy.com>,
> > In this message, I'll compare the Boston MBTA rules to those
> > of the Washington DC metro. Here I'm referring only to the rules
> Let me expand on that a bit. If you have a Boston MBTA bicycle permit,
> you can take your bicycle on any MBTA commuter train, except for
> What are the rules for bicycles on MARC (Maryland)
From the current timetable
"the following items are not permitted on trains: non-folding baby
carriages, bicycles (except those that fold into hand luggage) surfboards,
skis, and any items which can cause safety hazards or inconvenience to
other passengers. (now this is really there!) for safety reasons,
folding bicycles and hard sided luggage are not allowed in the overhead
racks."
so the bottom line is, no bikes, and never in the overhead luggage racks!
but then again it took a court order to get them to allow wheelchair users
on board, and they still fight it!
Bob
Ron Newman
In article <6ira2m$9ku$1...@news.smart.net>, acce...@smart.net (Access
Systems) wrote:
> > What are the rules for bicycles on MARC (Maryland)
>
> From the current timetable
>
> "the following items are not permitted on trains: non-folding baby
> carriages, bicycles (except those that fold into hand luggage) surfboards,
> skis, and any items which can cause safety hazards or inconvenience to
> other passengers.
Well that certainly sucks. When there is snow in the Boston area,
you'll commonly see people carrying cross-country skis on the MBTA's
Fitchburg commuter rail line. They're usually headed for the
Lincoln station. An extensive network of free public ski trails
begins right at the end of that station's parking lot.
Now, Maryland may be far enough south that this isn't much of
an issue. Are there any cross-country ski trails within reasonable
walking distance of a MARC station, in the rare event of sufficient snow?
Anne Thomas
Ron Newman wrote " Here I'm referring only to the rules
for subway trains (Red Line, Orange Line, Blue Line), not to those for
commuter trains, which are quite a bit more permissive."
Does that mean I can take my bike on MARC trains? Great, I've always
wanted to ride in Baltimore. However, I'll have to wait for a holiday,
since, unlike some other railroads, MARC and VRE only run on weekdays.
Anne Thomas
Keith Lynch
In article <wb8fozEs...@netcom.com>,
David Lesher <wb8...@netcom.com> wrote:
>rne...@thecia.net (Ron Newman) writes:
> I doubt you need to use the service gate now; the wheelchair-width
> gate at each station would easily pass a bike.
I think the concern is that the gate will slam shut as soon as the
first thing (bike or person) finishes passing through it. The gates
are wired to do this so that several people can't enter or exit on one
farecard. (Actually they can if they stand right next to each other.
I've seen people do it.)
David Lesher
rne...@thecia.net (Ron Newman) writes:
>Now, Maryland may be far enough south that this isn't much of
>an issue. Are there any cross-country ski trails within reasonable
>walking distance of a MARC station, in the rare event of sufficient snow?
Not an issue. If/when it snows more than an inch or so, everything
stops dead in its track around here. You thus can ski down the major
roads, and your only problem will be avoiding all the 4-wheel drive
yuppiewagons stuck in the ditches...
{Also note that MARC is a M-F operation; this will tend to reduce
demand for ski-space....}
Ron Newman
In article <1998050704...@smtp1.erols.com>, "Anne Thomas"
<thom...@erols.com> wrote:
> Ron Newman wrote " Here I'm referring only to the rules
> for subway trains (Red Line, Orange Line, Blue Line), not to those for
> commuter trains, which are quite a bit more permissive."
>
> Does that mean I can take my bike on MARC trains?
No, I was referring to the MBTA, in Boston. (Its subway lines are
also color-coded, just like DC Metro's).
Tony Wang
Ron Newman wrote:
> Now, Maryland may be far enough south that this isn't much of
> an issue. Are there any cross-country ski trails within reasonable
> walking distance of a MARC station, in the rare event of sufficient snow?
I don't know about any cross country stuff, but I can tell you this: there are
no ski resorts located near any MARC station. Maryland has one resort, Wisp.
That is located in Garrett County, which is far away from any MARC station.
--
Tony Wang
http://www.geocities.com/colosseum/2544
Remove the nospam from my name to send me mail
James D. Umbach
The cat walked across Ken Eikert <e...@bellsouth.net>'s keyboard and
wrote:
>Atlanta MARTA is even more permissive, with almost no rules
>for bikes anymore. Originally, bikes were totally banned
>from the rail system, then allowed on Sundays only, with a
>permit. The rules have gotten progressively more
>permissive in the years since.
Ditto for Sacramento. When the light rail first opened, no bikes were
allowed on trains. A few years later, Regional Transit began allowing
bikes on trains and buses except during peak times (6:30 to 9:00 a.m.,
and 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. weekdays.) About two years ago, the rules were
relaxed even more and bikes were allowed on outbound LRV's in the
morning peak, and inbound LRV's in the evening peak. And last year,
RT began allowing bikes on certain routes any time. And if there is a
bike rack on the front of the bus, there are no limitations on time of
day! (Currently only four routes have racks, though.)
James D. Umbach | apostle (at) mother.com
Citrus Heights, California | my web site: http://www.mother.com/~apostle
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW POLICY EFFECTIVE 1MAY98: I do not read USENET threads with titles that
contain the name of a participant in the newsgroup. Thanks.
Access Systems
In misc.transport.urban-transit Tony Wang <ton...@prodigy.net.nospam> wrote:
> Ron Newman wrote:
> > Now, Maryland may be far enough south that this isn't much of
> > an issue. Are there any cross-country ski trails within reasonable
> > walking distance of a MARC station, in the rare event of sufficient snow?
> I don't know about any cross country stuff, but I can tell you this: there are
> no ski resorts located near any MARC station. Maryland has one resort, Wisp.
Don't jump to conclusions though, MARC stops at Harpers Ferry which is
right across the bridge (with pedestrian walkway) from the C&O canal
path(Brunswick and Point of Rocks also stop on the C&O path) which does
allow cross country skiing when there is natural snowfall.
Also the Martinsburg Stop is not far from Whitetail Ski Resort, and at
least one hotel in Martinsburg has a shuttle bus to the Ski Resort, so it
could be a weekend trip, going up on Fri eve and coming back Mon morning
trip if one wanted. (or any other weekdays)
Amtrak also stops in Martinsburg and I have seen skiies unloaded there!
Bob
Jete Software Inc.
In article <wb8fozEs...@netcom.com>,
David Lesher <wb8...@netcom.com> wrote:
>rne...@thecia.net (Ron Newman) writes:
>
>
>>an issue. Are there any cross-country ski trails within reasonable
>>walking distance of a MARC station, in the rare event of sufficient snow?
>
>stops dead in its track around here. You thus can ski down the major
>roads, and your only problem will be avoiding all the 4-wheel drive
>yuppiewagons stuck in the ditches...
>
which shut the city down for almost a week. There were lots of X-country
skiers abroad the Metro. Most of them were getting off at Dupont Circle
and then skiing through Rock Creek Park. It was a pretty cool sight
sharing a Metro car with about 20 people carrying skis.
Wished it happened every winter
-- Norman
Tony Wang
Access Systems wrote:
> In misc.transport.urban-transit Tony Wang <ton...@prodigy.net.nospam> wrote:
>
> Don't jump to conclusions though, MARC stops at Harpers Ferry which is
> right across the bridge (with pedestrian walkway) from the C&O canal
> path(Brunswick and Point of Rocks also stop on the C&O path) which does
> allow cross country skiing when there is natural snowfall.
Could be. I'm not an expert on cross country stuff because I don't do it. However,
I'm pretty sure that there are no resorts within WALKING distance of the MARC.
Ron Newman
In article <3554C6EE...@prodigy.net.nospam>, Tony Wang
<ton...@prodigy.net.nospam> wrote:
> > Don't jump to conclusions though, MARC stops at Harpers Ferry which is
> > right across the bridge (with pedestrian walkway) from the C&O canal
> > path(Brunswick and Point of Rocks also stop on the C&O path) which does
> > allow cross country skiing when there is natural snowfall.
>
> Could be. I'm not an expert on cross country stuff because I don't do
it. However,
> I'm pretty sure that there are no resorts within WALKING distance of the MARC.
Much, if not most cross-country skiing isn't done in "resorts".
Any wooded area with hiking trails is a good place for cross-country
skiing.
sh...@ibm.net
In case anyone was wondering, the reason that WMATA restricts bicycles to
the last car, frontmost/rearmost doors, and non-peak hours are due to the
way the trains are configured. It's not so much a safety issue, but a
practical one.
During non-peak times, WMATA configures the trains to be four cars long on
most lines with a special car at the rear which has extra seats missing so
that bicycles may easily fit in these cars. Btw, Blue line trains are only
two cars long during late evening and weekends, in fact, while Orange line
trains are never shorter than four cars.
During peak hours, the trains on most lines are six cars long and run very
frequently, leaving no time to reconfigure the trains at terminus in order
to move the specially-configured cars back to the rear when the train
changes direction. Therefore, these roomier cars will be randomly located
on the train during peak hours because they don't have time to move them
back to the rear every time the train has to reverse itself or be
reconfigured for different lines.
You can test this theory yourself by riding the rear cars on Metro during
peak and non-peak hours. Metro guarantees that rear cars will have extra
large areas around the front and rear doors *only* during non-peak hours.
For those who have ridden metro, most cars have fairly fragile padded
seating that can easily be damaged or defaced by things like pedals and bike
chains.
-\/-
sh...@ibm.net
Ellen F. Mac Garrigle
Thanks -- I had always wondered about that...
Ellen
William J. Keaton
sh...@ibm.net wrote in message <355bca7c....@enews.newsguy.com>...
>In case anyone was wondering, the reason that WMATA restricts bicycles to
>the last car, frontmost/rearmost doors, and non-peak hours are due to the
>way the trains are configured. It's not so much a safety issue, but a
>practical one.
>
>During non-peak times, WMATA configures the trains to be four cars long on
>most lines with a special car at the rear which has extra seats missing so
>that bicycles may easily fit in these cars.
Bull. I ride two car, four car and six car trains all the time, on the
yellow line from
L'Enfant Plaza to Huntington. There are no "special cars", the cars at the
end of the
train are the ones that contain the driver compartment. The back of the rear
car has
no more or less room than the front of the front car. And the front of the
rear car is the
same as the back of the front car. Confused? I hope so, you sure confused
enough
people with that ignorant post of yours.
During peak and non-peak times, the end cars will _always_ be cars with the
driver
compartment. They don't do it to accommodate bikes, they do it so they can
turn the
train around at the other end.
Geez, Shane, did you ever _look_ at the end cars on a Metro train?
WJaKe
Matthew T. Russotto
In article <355bca7c....@enews.newsguy.com>, <sh...@ibm.net> wrote:
}For those who have ridden metro, most cars have fairly fragile padded
}seating that can easily be damaged or defaced by things like pedals and bike
}chains.
Padded seating? What happened to the orange hard plastic seats?
--
Matthew T. Russotto russ...@pond.com
"Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, and moderation in pursuit
of justice is no virtue."
Rick Hodges
Did you take the New York subway here, Matthew? :)
-Rick
sh...@ibm.net
In article <6jb7q1$29e0$1...@newssvr04-int.news.prodigy.com>, "William J.
Keaton" <wj...@prodigy.net> wrote:
>Geez, Shane, did you ever _look_ at the end cars on a Metro train?
Of course I have, and that's why I wrote that post.
-\/-
sh...@ibm.net
Colin R. Leech
"Anne Thomas" (thom...@erols.com) wrote:
>
> Does that mean I can take my bike on MARC trains? Great, I've always
> wanted to ride in Baltimore. However, I'll have to wait for a holiday,
> since, unlike some other railroads, MARC and VRE only run on weekdays.
I don't know about MARC and VRE, but most commuter rail lines that operate
only on weekdays don't operate on statutory holidays either (unless you
get one of those "half holidays" that banks and civil servants take off,
but nobody else does).
--
#### |\^/| Colin R. Leech ag414 or crl...@freenet.carleton.ca
#### _|\| |/|_ Civil engineer by training, transport planner by choice.
#### > < Opinions are my own. You may consider them shareware.
#### >_./|\._< "If you can't return a favour, pass it on." - A.L. Brown