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Free-Ride Hoax Targets Late Buses
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The sentiment expressed on the flier is sure to ring true for many Metrobus riders, who have long complained about unreliable schedules. Bus managers have no idea whether buses run on time because they don't monitor performance.
Metrobus carries about 443,000 passengers a day. On an average weekday, about 4,000 people ride L1, L2 and L4 buses, which travel the busy Connecticut Avenue corridor.
"On the serious side, I do think it has raised awareness of the scheduling with the L1 and L2 buses," Farbstein said. "I'm sure street supervisors will be taking an extra look at those routes."
This year, Metro officials proposed a major overhaul of the bus system, scrapping routes with few riders, reducing crowding on heavily traveled routes and skipping some stops to speed trips along certain congested corridors.
The proposals were a first attempt to address Metrobus problems by shifting resources from underused routes to routes that need more service. As a rule, transit officials have shied away from the politically difficult task of cutting bus routes.
What about penalties for posting the fliers?
"I would imagine they have violated copyright of our logo," Farbstein said.
She added that the matter of punishment would have to be taken up with the agency's general counsel. But first, Metro would have to catch the prankster.
"Do you think the likelihood is high? I don't think the likelihood is too high," Farbstein said. "It will be interesting to see if the person resurfaces on April Fool's Day."
