How safe is the bus system?

[DanM]

I realize that this is slightly off topic, but it is related to dining. I was wondering how safe the bus system is in DC. Due to the lack of metro stops, this might be the easiest way to get to Georgetown for restaurants.

Thanks,

Dan

[DonRocks]

I realize that this is slightly off topic, but it is related to dining. I was wondering how safe the bus system is in DC. Due to the lack of metro stops, this might be the easiest way to get to Georgetown for restaurants.

Thanks,

Dan

I think unless you get run over by one, it's quite safe.

[Ericandblueboy]

I realize that this is slightly off topic, but it is related to dining. I was wondering how safe the bus system is in DC. Due to the lack of metro stops, this might be the easiest way to get to Georgetown for restaurants.

Thanks,

Dan

Easiest thing to do is just walk it. It's not that far from Foggy Bottom to G'town, may 10-15 minutes walking.

[treznor]

Is there still a bus that runs directly from Foggy Bottom to Georgetown? I know I've taken it a number of times but I thought I might have heard that service was stopped. If so, it's just to the right as you exit the Foggy Bottom station, not a wmata bus, but something else.

[aaronsinger]

Is there still a bus that runs directly from Foggy Bottom to Georgetown? I know I've taken it a number of times but I thought I might have heard that service was stopped. If so, it's just to the right as you exit the Foggy Bottom station, not a wmata bus, but something else.

You're thinking of the Circulator, you can use smartrip cards and what not, even though it's not wmata bus [although I believe the service is run by wmata]. They don't stop directly in front of the Foggy Bottom metro exactly, but you can pick them up just a block or so away on Penn Ave.

[Anna Blume]

Dan: Here's a link to trip planning software for dc public transportation. Just say you want bus only:

Trip planner (upper left)

Very easy. However, Saturday nights, traffic on main arteries of Georgetown (Wisconsin, Mass & M) moves at pace of escargot. I agree that walking from Foggy Bottom or Rosslyn, across the bridge, is good idea, depending on the hour. Note that google's maps give you directions for walking.

Don't know where you plan to go, but do see the dining guide here and/or comments of members regarding your different options. You could even avoid Georgetown altogether for the sake of better food (depending) and easier access.

[laniloa]

During my four year (!) hiatus from DC I often found the bus much more useful when I came back for business trips than the train. Just something about hotel and meeting locations I guess. The schedule is more of a suggestion than something to count on. It'll give you a handle on frequency -- main routes are great but side ones aren't as user friendly. I found it safe and enjoyed the sightseeing both on and off the bus. There was one time when an obviously drunk guy tried to pick a fight with another passenger and the driver pulled right over and escorted the drunk off the bus.

[treznor]

You're thinking of the Circulator, you can use smartrip cards and what not, even though it's not wmata bus [although I believe the service is run by wmata]. They don't stop directly in front of the Foggy Bottom metro exactly, but you can pick them up just a block or so away on Penn Ave.

Not the Circulator... unless the bus I'm thinking of was rolled into the Circulator after it started service. This was a blue bus, half the length of a normal bus (I think) that only ran from Foggy Bottom to Georgetown and Rosslyn to Georgetown.

Agreed though, for the weekends, especially at night, it's probably best to just walk as it isn't that bad at all.

[hungry prof]

Not the Circulator... unless the bus I'm thinking of was rolled into the Circulator after it started service. This was a blue bus, half the length of a normal bus (I think) that only ran from Foggy Bottom to Georgetown and Rosslyn to Georgetown.

The blue ones still run. Just saw one literally ten minutes ago on M St.

[Anna Phor]

The blue bus runs from Rosslyn to Dupont metro, via Georgetown. Their website claims that it stops at 25th & L and at M & New Hampshire, but I've never seen it stop between Dupont and 30th St. in Georgetown.

From Foggy Bottom, I agree, take the circulator--or walk.

[DanM]

Thanks for the help!! Our hotel is 2 miles from Georgetown, which makes it a pain to get to by metro, but more convenient by bus.

Thanks again,

Dan