George Zahaczewsky
Alexandria
Metro officials tell me that the parking lots are staffed and that you should locate the attendant, who will let you exit without charge. The managers know when their facility is full, they said. Metro is developing signs that will inform arrivals when lots are full.
Much-Coveted Metro Maps
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
It seems to me Metro should make available maps that show bus and subway routes. When I asked for a copy to give to a friend, a Metro employee said to cherish it because no more were available. Newcomers and tourists need those maps.
Also, couldn't Metro establish a Web site on which we could enter the starting point and the hoped-for arrival point and then the Web would have a map showing what train or buses to take?
Duggee Hatry
Washington
Free Metro bus and subway maps are available by calling Metro customer service at 202-637-7000. You also can pick them up at rail stations and at the Metro sales centers at headquarters (600 Fifth St. NW), Metro Center and the Pentagon. The Web site you are seeking might exist. Try www.wmata.com and, on the home page, hit "Metro Trip Planner."
Webside Service
Dr. Gridlock will host an online chat tomorrow from 1 to 2 p.m. Log on to www.washingtonpost.com/liveonline to submit your questions and comments, and see what others think about our local transportation.
Transportation researcher Diane Mattingly contributed to this column.
You can write to Dr. Gridlock at 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071. He prefers e-mails at drgridlock@washpost.comor faxes at 703-352-3908. Include your full name, town, county and day and evening telephone numbers. Dr. Gridlock cannot take phone calls.
