Dr. Gridlock

The writer is quite rightly concerned about stretching the term to the point of losing its meaning. But the pursuit of happiness is an unstoppable train. It might even take us from New Carrollton to Bethesda.

Any modern transportation project involves a discussion of whom we're moving, how we're moving them and why. Virginians, for example, debate the social justice of the HOT (High Occupancy Toll) lanes concept. Some call them "Lexus lanes" because they guarantee a quicker ride to those with the money to pay the variable toll.

Drivers have strong feelings on both sides of that argument, but it's an accepted part of the transportation discussion.

Transportation initiatives go well beyond getting people from one place to another as quickly as possible. Dulles rail isn't just about getting people to and from the airport. It will reshape the experience of living and working in Tysons Corner. Metro's New York Avenue Station wasn't designed to serve a community. It was designed to create a community.

Gutierrez and the other advocates weren't resting their case for the Purple Line solely on the social justice issue. It's simply part of a broader, complex debate.

Safety Comes First

Dear Dr. Gridlock:

Without any notice or hearings, Metro has rerouted the heavily traveled F4 bus through Riverdale. This no doubt is a knee-jerk reaction from a bus-train accident March 26.

This severs a connection between this east-west corridor and the MARC Camden Line, which travelers must increasingly rely on as our communities face the futility of relying on automobiles and the gridlock and oil dependency that ill-destined dependence engenders.

Even when the common-sense Purple Line is finally operational, the F4 will remain a complementing service. The Camden Line needs to be expanded to all-day and weekend service.

Many people have moved to Riverdale Park to take advantage of near-town public transportation, and the area is ripe for revitalization as a village with shops, entertainment and public conveniences.

CSX recently installed a high-tech, four quadrant crossing complex, and there is absolutely no reason buses cannot continue to operate through it.