What’s all this I’m reading about the restrictions on travel for the inauguration–even on transit! Okay, so I understand that there is a need for extreme security, and quintupling the population of the city for the day will require some patience. But its all hands on deck time for the transportation system! And its also a chance to prove to the policy makers that public transportation really can move lots more people than new highway lanes.
I’m concerned about the Metro station closures and the periodic urgings of many transit operators to people that seek to discourage folks from joining the party on the Mall. I am particularly worried about the elderly and disabled who are openly steered away from participating. They are being downright scared out of what could be, for many, the most significant event in their lives. I would like to see the transit industry and advocates for the elderly and disabled all over DC right now, putting all sorts of programs into place to encourage people to come. Maybe its special buses with aides who will help the disabled travel that crucial final leg of the trip from the bus stop to the Mall, or putting those electric carts at the bus stops and special areas on the Mall so seniors don’t have to walk blocks and blocks in the cold and are sure to have a place to watch when the finally get there.
I’d also like to see transit telling people that they should go down to the inauguration and if they do, they will get there by transit. I think everyone knows to be patient. But do you have to bend over sideways telling people how miserable they can expect to be?
There is a real bright spot in all of fuss, though. The Washington Area Bicycle Association is providing free valet parking for people who want to ride their bicycle to the inauguration. A brilliant idea and something that will make it possible for many people–tens of thousands? hundreds of thousands? who really knows?– to attend. I hope they make lots of money on tips. WABA is a great organization and it is providing a downright patriotic service.
What I would most like to see is my son and I at the inauguration. But we won’t be going because even after more than 20 years in the transportation business, I can’t find a way to get there. But I do hope that all of my colleagues down in DC do get there, and are able to point with pride at a transportation system that brought everyone who wanted to be a part of this historic, if a little bit crowded, day.
Tags: barack obama, elderly transportation, inauguration, senior transportation, transportation for disabled, travelers with disabilities, washington d.c. transit
