If you’re a super Metrobus dork like me, you’ll immediately recognize the incongruity in this photograph. What is it?
Something's a little off...what is it?
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That is a 79 bus (Metro Extra) running on a G8 route, no? The G8 is not an express, last I heard.
You’re spot on. The 79 runs along the cross street, so for a second I thought it was just a wayward 79. Not sure why they were running this Extra bus – maybe they were short that night?
Also, why is a Metrobus operator cruising through a yellow light?
That particular bus is usually used for the 79 Georgia Avenue expess bus. That’s the only thing I can think of.
@Linus V.
Since the bus is already on this side of the intersection, I’d assume that he/she entered the light on green and it changed while in the intersection.
On the other hand, it could have changed to yellow a split second before the front of the bus entered the intersection, and stopping for it would have meant toppling standees or blocking the intersection.
* * *
At any rate, this is the problem with having a paint scheme unique to one route. If the buses end up on a different route, it could cause confusion.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical when Metro introduced separate paint colors for “local” and “express” services. I still am here, but my experience in LA (from whom WMATA got the idea) really seems to work. Their “rapid” bus lines are more predominant, and they’ve formed a brand.
Our “express” buses, on the other hand, represent a much broader spectrum of service quality (from no-intermediate-stops buses with a higher fare (B30) to mixed local/limited buses with a regular fare (J4)) and on fewer routes.
Also, I seem to have changed thoughts mid-way though a sentence, and made it gibberish.
This sentence:
“I still am here, but my experience in LA (from whom WMATA got the idea) really seems to work.”
Should be:
I still am skeptical of this working here, but my experience in LA (from whom WMATA got the idea) shows that it can work.
I was confused, too, but didn’t want to be “that girl” asking “Is this the G8?” which is probably what the driver heard all night.
And on the topic of color schemes and branding, I think your observations about DC are correct. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on the SW Waterfront Circulator bus and the tourist-y looking riders inevitably ask, “This goes to Georgetown, right?” To some, it seems that every DC Circulator bus terminates there!