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Post by bayou on Aug 13, 2016 21:39:56 GMT -5
It is really important for everyone to take a look at Metro's SafeTrack schedule. I'm a daily commuter here in DC, so I've been dealing with the service disruptions for a while now. Plan accordingly. wmata.com/rail/safetrack.cfm Thanks Jen. I was just logging in to ask for an update on the Metro work, so appreciate it.
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Post by rmspringfield on Aug 14, 2016 15:06:25 GMT -5
For anyone traveling out of the Southeast in the vicinity of Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Airport, Southwest offers $59 one way nonstop flights from ATL to DCA Reagan National. $118 total to DCA and 2 checked bags included! Now through December!
My plan (before I got my FOAD) was to drive to ATL, fly to DCA and stay around DCA/ Crystal City, and take UBER X. 12mins to OPM for 9$. Then take metro back after the stress test was over for the day.
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Post by judgymcjudgypants on Aug 14, 2016 15:18:33 GMT -5
Can anyone give me a ballpark cost of a cab ride from the Dulles Airport to the National Mall/OPM area? I'm not comfortable with Uber, BTW, so it will be a cab for me.
J
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Post by Pixie on Aug 14, 2016 15:34:50 GMT -5
Can anyone give me a ballpark cost of a cab ride from the Dulles Airport to the National Mall/OPM area? I'm not comfortable with Uber, BTW, so it will be a cab for me. J The obvious choice is National as it is right next to DC. You need to have a very good reason to use Dulles, and I imagine there is one. Pixie
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Post by judgymcjudgypants on Aug 14, 2016 15:47:00 GMT -5
No, only a post that discouraged me from using Reagan because of lost luggage and a shortage of cabs. If National is the better choice, I will look into it.
J
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Post by judgymcjudgypants on Aug 14, 2016 15:56:35 GMT -5
Well, the flights in and out of Reagan are MUCH better. So how much for a cab from Reagan to the Mall, thereabouts?
J
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Post by aljwishhope on Aug 14, 2016 16:02:05 GMT -5
Well, the flights in and out of Reagan are MUCH better. So how much for a cab from Reagan to the Mall, thereabouts? J Go to Washington flyer they have estimated fares. Taking metro train is easiest from airport to mall.
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Post by aljwishhope on Aug 14, 2016 16:05:28 GMT -5
I found the cheapest place EVER www.americanahotel.com/ but it is in Crystal City. I have no problem hitting the road early and getting on the metro or getting on a bus at 0600 to make my WD at 0800, my SI is at 1000! My lodging costs for both days will be about $150. I just need a clean place to sleep and am flying out right after my SI is done. Used miles to fly into DC, taking two furlough days for the pay period so I will only use one vacation day. Keeping costs to a minimum for this trip. It is in a great location. Never been inside. Just look for reviews so that you know it is safe and quiet so you are well rested. That price is scary cheap.
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Post by aljwishhope on Aug 14, 2016 16:08:48 GMT -5
Just FYI for any current ODAR or other government employees, I called the Embassy Suites and asked about getting the government rate even though it wasn't for official business and they gave it to me no problem. I'm paying $169 per night, and planning on staying 3 nights, since my SI is late afternoon. You can always use your federal government hotel discount. That is a perk that is ethically authorized
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Post by aljwishhope on Aug 14, 2016 16:10:00 GMT -5
Not trying to be a jackass, but isn't using the government rate for when you're doing government work? No explicitly in ethics training we are advised that that is ok.
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Post by aljwishhope on Aug 14, 2016 16:13:06 GMT -5
I learned that staying cheaper isn't always the way to go when you must be somewhere timely. Often times the cab fares can be higher than the costs of a closer place. Also, why risk not being able to get a cab when you need it, something happening on the commute, etc? The "no exceptions" instructions on not being late made me rethink my usual place of staying in DC. I don't want to chance a twisted ankle in heels trying to walk or a idiot taxi driver making a wrong turn somewhere and me missing my time by mere minutes. And there doesn't look like a metro stop close by from the map I was looking at. Just my two cents. The metro stop is a long walk especially in the current heat. i would either take flats for the walk or preferably a taxi not to arrive sweaty.
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Post by Pixie on Aug 14, 2016 16:20:03 GMT -5
No, only a post that discouraged me from using Reagan because of lost luggage and a shortage of cabs. If National is the better choice, I will look into it. J I have used National many times and never had luggage lost or noticed a shortage of cabs. It is definitely the better choice. Never taken a cab to the Mall; used the Metro instead, so I don't know the exact price. National is just across the Potomac from the mall, so I would think not more than $20 to $30 plus tip. Pixie
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Post by aljwishhope on Aug 14, 2016 16:26:40 GMT -5
State Plaza and Embassy Suites hands down have been noted as convenient to OPM year after year.
Again I caution the metro rail system is undergoing major track work called safe track. Delays can be substantial. All effects of work are not necessarily reflected in alerts/delays noted on website of WMATA.
Moreover such may cause additional road traffic due to folks not taking metro.
So being able to walk to OPM is priceless.
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Post by tripper on Aug 14, 2016 16:32:53 GMT -5
State plaza is very convenient to OPM. It's a little odd, but not in a terrible way. I'm take it again if I was in your shoes.
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Post by litigator52 on Aug 14, 2016 16:35:33 GMT -5
But National and Reagan are one and the same: Reagan National Airport. I have found Uber works very well for getting around DC also. The Metro is SO iffy these days. Lit52
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Post by paddlingon on Aug 14, 2016 16:38:03 GMT -5
State Plaza and Embassy Suites hands down have been noted as convenient to OPM year after year. Again I caution the metro rail system is undergoing major track work called safe track. Delays can be substantial. All effects of work are not necessarily reflected in alerts/delays noted on website of WMATA. Moreover such may cause additional road traffic due to folks not taking metro. So being able to walk to OPM is priceless. I agree completely. The Safetrack is making delays that could cause people to miss their their testing and interview dates. Having said that, if somebody is determined to use Metro, at least consult their current work schedule for where the problems will be in any particular week. wmata.com/rail/safetrack.cfm
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Post by aljwishhope on Aug 14, 2016 16:39:28 GMT -5
Please do not rely on metro especially from Va to OPM. I just double checked metros website and their safe track plan continues through the fall wd/si season.
Single tracking can cause a normal 1 hour commute to be a 2 hour or more commute with hot cramped train conditions. I experienced it first hand this summer. Due to track work they make you depart the train get on a free bus and then get back on train at destination. Part of the summer that bus ride was from national airport to Braddock road. You do not need such stress before testing.
Even if you have experience with metro the current functioning of metro is way below good levels( note I used metro for the last 20 years)
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Post by aljudgmental on Aug 14, 2016 16:45:50 GMT -5
I stayed at a hotel near Embassy Suites. I took a cab to the OPM interview and walked to Embassy Suites. It seemed to work out well for me.
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Post by foghorn on Aug 14, 2016 16:49:11 GMT -5
'nother dumb question--I shall ask at whatever hotel I stay at but if I drive in any really cheap place to stash a car for two days in the viscinity of OPM/hotels?
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Post by aljwishhope on Aug 14, 2016 16:49:51 GMT -5
Well, the flights in and out of Reagan are MUCH better. So how much for a cab from Reagan to the Mall, thereabouts? J Go to Washington flyer they have estimated fares. Taking metro train is easiest from airport to mall. When I recommend taking metro to mall I disagreeumption is that you are arriving a day early to check into your hotel.
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