ART 41 & ART 42 Changes on Sept. 28

Beginning Monday, September 28, ART 41 Columbia Pike-Ballston-Court House will have a new schedule.  The new schedule will start earlier at 6:00 am and run later until 11:17 pm. Schedules and route map can be found on the ART 41 web page.

Also starting on Monday September 28, ART 42 Ballston-Pentagon will take over the weekday Metrobus 24P route. ART currently operates this route on Saturdays. The weekday route and schedule will remain the same as the 24P. The only difference is that ART will provide service instead of Metrobus.

Downloadable schedules for your mobile device are available for each route at CommuterPage.com.

Comments

[Steve Yaffe]

We have two construction issues slowing the ART 42 buses:
1. Northbound Garfield is down to one lane at Wilson (high-rise being built) and
2. The eastbound curb lane of Columbia Pike at S. Quinn Street, near the ramp for Washington Blvd. & S. Courthouse Road, will be closed for approximately 2 weeks as part of construction for the Gravity Three Water Main Project.

Arlington County’s Gravity Three Water Main Project consists of a series of improvements to enhance our water system, improve water delivery and increase the system’s capacity to support residential and commercial growth. Arlington has been working with our contractor to minimize traffic disruptions during this project by using a trenchless tunneling method under major roadways. However, crews must now excavate by hand using an open trench method in order to protect the existing utilities under the Columbia Pike and safely install the new 20-inch water main.

An accident at that same location also occurred this morning.

We regret the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

[Denise]

At first I was thrilled that ART was taking over the metro bus route that I take. I thought I would be great for Arlington County. My happiness quickly turned into disappointment and evenutally disdain for the ART 42. Very rarely is it on time to stops and that is if the bus stops for you. Metro bus was always on time and always stopped even if the person at that stop didn't need to ride that bus. The ART 42 is barely on time. I can count on one hand that it's actually been on time to my stops. This morning, I am standing out in the snow waiting for the 7 am bus and it just flew right by me as I am waving my arms to stop. Arlington transit is incompetent and I would LOVE to have metrobus back.

[Y. T. Karashinski]

The best way for ART to improve the 42 Route is to SCRAP IT.

WHY is it ALMOST ALWAYS LATE OR NONEXISTENT during EVENING RUSH HOUR from Clarendon to the Pentagon? Is the driver forgetting that he has passengers to pick up and a SCHEDULE to maintain?? Once I missed an important lecture because the bus NEVER CAME -- turns out it had Broken down and NO OTHER bus was placed into service!!!

Tonight I waited FORTY FIVE minutes and the 42 NEVER came!!! I had to take the Orange Line Train and go to the Pentagon so I could catch a Metrobus and go home!! I finally got home at 7 pm!!!!

ART -- WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU????

Arlington Transit IS incompetent. I have watched ART buses fly by me while I was Highly visible at the bus stop. The drivers do not understand English -- they stop in the MIDDLE of the street and then act VERY confused and surprised if you ask them to LOWER THE BUS PLATFORM so you can get off!!!! If you tell them to CURB THE BUS-- they DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU MEAN!!!
ART you are WASTING MY TIME!!!

[Steve Yaffe]

The weekday Metrobus 24P schedule was designed to be served by three peak period buses (and one midday bus). The ART 42 has the exact same schedule as did the old 24P. Staff has recently learned that Metrobus in the afternoon peak period actually used three scheduled buses plus one 'tripper' bus to provide 20 minute service. ART does not have the fleet capacity to provide that additional tripper bus.
The County is developing a new schedule that will be accurate, using 3 peak buses and one midday bus. PM peak period service every 20 minutes is not possible with 3 buses.
New ART buses are expected in late summer/early fall. To add a fourth peak period bus next Fall to the ART 42 will require reassignment of funds, as the major cost involves paying the driver.
This blog will be updated when the new schedule is ready.

[Naomi]

I just started using this 42 Art bus last week. It has been at least 10 minutes or more late everday. I have a connecting bus in which I miss everyday making me late for my job. I am totally unpleased. The drivers seem to be 'unphased' when you bring it to their attention that they are late. Where is the 24P Metrobus when you need it? Please ART take a look at the strategy of Metro and get with the program!

Unsatisfied Rider