- Robert Thomson
- Columnist
Robert Thomson is The Washington Post’s “Dr. Gridlock.” He answers travelers’ questions, listens to their complaints and shares their pain on the roads, trains and buses in the Washington region. In addition to his twice-weekly newspaper column, he writes for a daily blog on The Post’s Web site, engages readers in online chats and presents features about transportation issues on The Post’s Sunday commuter page.
Thomson has been a reporter and editor for 30 years in New York and Washington. He joined The Post in 1988 and worked on the D.C., Maryland and Virginia desks. In 1999, he became The Post’s transportation editor. When Ron Shaffer, founder of “Dr. Gridlock,” retired from The Post in 2006, Thomson took over the column. He enjoys getting out of the office, even to drive at rush hour.
Piece by piece at 11th Street Bridge
The District Department of Transportation has been slowly opening parts of the new bridge over the Anacostia River. Now the puzzle is finally coming together.
Many Metro riders resigned to disruptive weekend delays
Metrorail delays are the new normal on weekends. Metro leaders say this is necessary, but don’t say when — or if — it will ever end.
Riders council seeks better communications
The Metro Riders’ Advisory Council tells the Metro board that the transit authority needs to work on its communication skills.
Memorial Day weekend and beyond
Dr. Gridlock offers advice to those leaving the D.C. region for the Memorial Day weekend, or staying close to home for holiday events.
- Memorial Day getaway gets going for D.C. area drivers
- Va. HOV drivers: A privileged class on I-95?
- Metro riders: Are trains really your best option during weekend disruptions?
- 11th Street Bridge: D.C. plans major changes in traffic patterns near Anacostia River
- Summer getaways: From D.C. area to New England
- Dr. Gridlock
- Memorial Day getaways, 11th St. Bridge opening, Metro delays: the week ahead for traffic, transit
- Walkers, bicyclists: Time eye contact with drivers well
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Contact us
Robert Thomson
Robert is Dr. Gridlock, the Post’s commuting columnist and an authority on all things roads and rails.
Ashley Halsey III
Ashley covers transportation, including roads and aviation. He is an avid cyclist and triathlete.
Dana Hedgpeth
Dana covers Metrorail, Metrobus and other transit news. Follow her on Twitter: @postmetrogirl
