Mid City Life
Jason Goolar.com
Infosnack
Greater Greater Washington
Prince of Petworth
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
SENATOR HARRINGTON REPORTS NO CLOSURES TO CHEVERLY!
Great news--Senator Harrington sent out an update today to let me know that there will be no closures to the Cheverly metro station. Thank you to all who participated in this great effort!
Here is the text of the update I received:
" . . .this morning we had a Prince George's Senate delegation meeting where we were informed by a staff member in the Department of Transportation that the closure of the Cheverly and other Metro stations in Prince George's was not going to happen. This coincides with what we learned from the Chairman Benjamin."
Here is the text of the update I received:
" . . .this morning we had a Prince George's Senate delegation meeting where we were informed by a staff member in the Department of Transportation that the closure of the Cheverly and other Metro stations in Prince George's was not going to happen. This coincides with what we learned from the Chairman Benjamin."
Cheverly residents send out opposition emails to WMATA
I received the following comments, sent to WMATA today. Thank you to ALL who sent in their comments!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ray
Date: Tue, Apr 6, 2010 at 9:17 AM
Subject: Proposed closing of Cheverly Metro station
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
To Whom It May Concern-
I speak for myself and my neighbors when I say I am absolutely opposed to closing the Cheverly Metro station at any time except when the entire Metro train system is closed.
Not only is Metro a link for area residents attending sporting and cultural events in the DC metro area during the weekend, it is also a key link to Prince George's County Hospital Center, which, as you know, does not close on weekends.
Metro keeps traffic off local roads, decreases pollution, links citizens to key services and supports area entertainment and tourism-oriented businesses. The second and third order negative effects of Metro closure far outweigh the budgetary pittance that will be "saved".
Ray
Cheverly, MD
---------- Forwarded message ----------
from David
to public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
date Thurs, Apr 1, 2010
Thank you WMATA for this opportunity to voice my concerns over the
potential weekend closure of the Orange Line stations and other
service cuts to the eastern side of the city. The orange line is a
vital link between our community and the rest of metropolitan
Washington DC. Many people in our community, my wife and I included,
have chosen to live here specifically because we have a metro station
close by. We have few entertainment or shopping options in the area
and closing the weekend service would essentially isolate many
residents.
I believe that there are many opportunities to reduce redundant
services on the bus and rail lines that would save money or decrease
personnel at certain locations and times for additional savings.
Considering how packed the trains are during the morning and evening
rush, there is obvious potential for additional rate increases during
peak hours. This has the potential to increase revenues and also make
the commute a bit more enjoyable and less cramped by spreading out the
morning and evening rush.
I have completed the online survey and hope that you will be able to
come to some conclusions that help make metro not only viable but
safer and more reliable without reducing a much needed service to the
community.
Thank you,
David
Cheverly resident
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Daphne
Date: Mon, Mar 29, 2010 at 7:31 PM
Subject: Do not close Cheverly metro station on weekends
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
I am a native Washingtonian and have ridden metro my entire life--riding it almost daily since 1989. I rode the red line daily to high school, and I rode the red, blue, and orange lines over the summers during college. I commuted via the bus and rail system throughout my professional career; I used metro when I returned to graduate school, and now commute on metro again.
When I purchased a home, I made sure I was within walking distance to a metro station so I could continue to use public transportation to my place of employment. As a Cheverly resident, I am outraged that WMATA 's proposed budget completely closes our Cheverly Metro on weekends. All three proposed weekend closures take place either in Southeast Washington or Prince George's County, causing these areas to suffer a disproportionate burden. Furthermore, it is in these communities that residents rely on public transportation the most, both for its timeliness and also its cost effectiveness. This would have a devastating impact on Cheverly and the surrounding areas.
I understand the need to both generate new funds and use existing funds economically. There must be a compromise, however, between bringing Metro's financial house into order and denying access to a segment of the population.
Daphne
Cheverly, MD
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ray
Date: Tue, Apr 6, 2010 at 9:17 AM
Subject: Proposed closing of Cheverly Metro station
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
To Whom It May Concern-
I speak for myself and my neighbors when I say I am absolutely opposed to closing the Cheverly Metro station at any time except when the entire Metro train system is closed.
Not only is Metro a link for area residents attending sporting and cultural events in the DC metro area during the weekend, it is also a key link to Prince George's County Hospital Center, which, as you know, does not close on weekends.
Metro keeps traffic off local roads, decreases pollution, links citizens to key services and supports area entertainment and tourism-oriented businesses. The second and third order negative effects of Metro closure far outweigh the budgetary pittance that will be "saved".
Ray
Cheverly, MD
---------- Forwarded message ----------
from David
to public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
date Thurs, Apr 1, 2010
Thank you WMATA for this opportunity to voice my concerns over the
potential weekend closure of the Orange Line stations and other
service cuts to the eastern side of the city. The orange line is a
vital link between our community and the rest of metropolitan
Washington DC. Many people in our community, my wife and I included,
have chosen to live here specifically because we have a metro station
close by. We have few entertainment or shopping options in the area
and closing the weekend service would essentially isolate many
residents.
I believe that there are many opportunities to reduce redundant
services on the bus and rail lines that would save money or decrease
personnel at certain locations and times for additional savings.
Considering how packed the trains are during the morning and evening
rush, there is obvious potential for additional rate increases during
peak hours. This has the potential to increase revenues and also make
the commute a bit more enjoyable and less cramped by spreading out the
morning and evening rush.
I have completed the online survey and hope that you will be able to
come to some conclusions that help make metro not only viable but
safer and more reliable without reducing a much needed service to the
community.
Thank you,
David
Cheverly resident
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Daphne
Date: Mon, Mar 29, 2010 at 7:31 PM
Subject: Do not close Cheverly metro station on weekends
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
I am a native Washingtonian and have ridden metro my entire life--riding it almost daily since 1989. I rode the red line daily to high school, and I rode the red, blue, and orange lines over the summers during college. I commuted via the bus and rail system throughout my professional career; I used metro when I returned to graduate school, and now commute on metro again.
When I purchased a home, I made sure I was within walking distance to a metro station so I could continue to use public transportation to my place of employment. As a Cheverly resident, I am outraged that WMATA 's proposed budget completely closes our Cheverly Metro on weekends. All three proposed weekend closures take place either in Southeast Washington or Prince George's County, causing these areas to suffer a disproportionate burden. Furthermore, it is in these communities that residents rely on public transportation the most, both for its timeliness and also its cost effectiveness. This would have a devastating impact on Cheverly and the surrounding areas.
I understand the need to both generate new funds and use existing funds economically. There must be a compromise, however, between bringing Metro's financial house into order and denying access to a segment of the population.
Daphne
Cheverly, MD
Monday, April 5, 2010
Councilmember Micah Waston tells WMATA not to reduce service
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Micah Watson
Date: Mon, Apr 5, 2010 at 12:24 PM
Subject: Opposition to Closing Cheverly Metro on Weekends
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
Dear WMATA Board and Managers:
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the staff-level proposal to close the Cheverly Metrorail Station on Saturdays and Sundays. The cost savings to WMATA would be minimal, and the impact on the greater Cheverly community would be awful. Town residents and our neighboring communities rely on Metrorail and the Metrobus connections to Cheverly Metrorail Station in order to commute, shop, run errands and make medical and other appointments.
I know WMATA shares my desire to increase utilization of transit and would not propose this measure if it were not desperate for contain costs. However, let me assure you that this proposal would exacerbate, not improve, the problem. As more Cheverly residents are forced to drive, less will use the Metro system, which will decrease your fairbox revenue, which will force you to further cut service. Service cuts are simply not the answer.
Thank you for taking public comments on your cost containment proposals. I urge you not to pursue this particular strategy, as its costs to our community greatly outweigh the minimal cost savings to WMATA.
Regards,
Micah Watson
Daily Metrorail Rider (Weekdays and Weekends)
Vice Mayor, Town of Cheverly
240-603-9366
From: Micah Watson
Date: Mon, Apr 5, 2010 at 12:24 PM
Subject: Opposition to Closing Cheverly Metro on Weekends
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
Dear WMATA Board and Managers:
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the staff-level proposal to close the Cheverly Metrorail Station on Saturdays and Sundays. The cost savings to WMATA would be minimal, and the impact on the greater Cheverly community would be awful. Town residents and our neighboring communities rely on Metrorail and the Metrobus connections to Cheverly Metrorail Station in order to commute, shop, run errands and make medical and other appointments.
I know WMATA shares my desire to increase utilization of transit and would not propose this measure if it were not desperate for contain costs. However, let me assure you that this proposal would exacerbate, not improve, the problem. As more Cheverly residents are forced to drive, less will use the Metro system, which will decrease your fairbox revenue, which will force you to further cut service. Service cuts are simply not the answer.
Thank you for taking public comments on your cost containment proposals. I urge you not to pursue this particular strategy, as its costs to our community greatly outweigh the minimal cost savings to WMATA.
Regards,
Micah Watson
Daily Metrorail Rider (Weekdays and Weekends)
Vice Mayor, Town of Cheverly
240-603-9366
WMATA replies to Senator Harrington--no stations to be closed, but your comments are still needed!
I received the message below from Senator David Harrington, but note that vigilance is still needed. Please send those comments in to WMATA by 5:00 tomorrow: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
***
From: Peter Benjamin, WMATA Board [mailto:peter.metro@verizon.net]
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2010 3:17 PM
To: Harrington, David Senator (District)
Subject: Re: WMATA's Proposed Closure of Metrorail Stations
Senator Harrington:
As you may be aware, the Metro Board allowed the entire set of proposals by the General Manager to go to public hearing to obtain comment. In fact, several of the Board members stated as we approved the hearing package that we opposed some of the elements. We appreciate hearing from you on this matter. Let me assure you that no rail station or rail line will be closed except when the entire system is closed.
Peter Benjamin
----- Original Message -----
From: Harrington, David Senator (District)
To: peter.metro@verizon.net ; public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 2:23 PM
Subject: WMATA's Proposed Closure of Metrorail Stations
Dear Chair Benjamin:
Attached please find a letter in response to WMATA’s proposed closure of Metrorail stations in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
David C. Harrington
Maryland State Senator
47th Legislative District, Prince George’s County
410-841-3745
***
From: Peter Benjamin, WMATA Board [mailto:peter.metro@verizon.net]
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2010 3:17 PM
To: Harrington, David Senator (District)
Subject: Re: WMATA's Proposed Closure of Metrorail Stations
Senator Harrington:
As you may be aware, the Metro Board allowed the entire set of proposals by the General Manager to go to public hearing to obtain comment. In fact, several of the Board members stated as we approved the hearing package that we opposed some of the elements. We appreciate hearing from you on this matter. Let me assure you that no rail station or rail line will be closed except when the entire system is closed.
Peter Benjamin
----- Original Message -----
From: Harrington, David Senator (District)
To: peter.metro@verizon.net ; public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2010 2:23 PM
Subject: WMATA's Proposed Closure of Metrorail Stations
Dear Chair Benjamin:
Attached please find a letter in response to WMATA’s proposed closure of Metrorail stations in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
David C. Harrington
Maryland State Senator
47th Legislative District, Prince George’s County
410-841-3745
Sunday, April 4, 2010
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