Alexandria, Pentagon weighing deal on buses for Mark Center Alexandria. Pentagon weigh bus deal

Washington Examiner ^ | 01.12.2011 | Ben Giles

[q_an_a]

snip - Under the proposed reimbursement agreement, the Defense Department would pay not only for the bus rehabilitation, but the $500,000 annual operating costs. In exchange, Pentagon personnel would ride for free on the entire DASH bus system, including the expanded service along the AT2 route between King Street and Mark Center.

[q_an_a]

Where did the Pentagon get the money for free transportation for employees? I would like to give that to some folks here in Dallas - free rides...what is wrong with Washington??? Someone call their congresman - I did.

[camle]

crazy like a fox. what if they instituted this all over - next time the congress wants to cut defense spending, threaten to cut the busses! this could be a real good idea for them...

[jpl]

Needless to say, they don't have the money. And I thought the Defense Department was being told to cut expenses!

I live in the area and I'm opposed to this idea. Pentagon officials deserve free public transportation at taxpayer expense? This idea is disgusting.

[tanknetter]

This is a back-door way (one of many being developed) to circumvent the federal pay freeze.

Obama also extended the Federal Transit Subsidy increase, which was supposed to drop from a cap of $230 a month (non-taxable, btw) back to $120 on January 1. For Federal employees using the maximum amount (not that hard, since Metro jacked up its fares over 20% once the increase went in) that’s over a $1,300 tax-free annual pay increase.

[La Lydia]

This will be another commuter disaster of epic proportions, brought to you by the brilliant minds at the Pentagon. The Seminary Road-395 interchange is already a nightmare best avoided. How many more buses on King Street during rush hour? Woe betide anyone who lives anywhere near King Street east of 395, or Seminary Road east of 395. Route 7 will be even more screwed up, as well. Abandon hope all ye who are anywhere near this cluster. “There also are plans to run more shuttles from Metro stations at Franconia, Pentagon and West Falls Church stations...” Oh goody. Pity the unfortunate souls who have to take a shuttle from West Falls Church to the Mark Center. Many will never be seen again.