First Time Slug..Maybe

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   I'm starting a job at the end of the month in SW DC (12 & Maryland) and need help determining the best slug options. I have seen slug lines in the area that I am comfortable with but I'm just not sure how it all works. I'm also concerned that I can get into the city but not back to my origin. I live off 234 and am willing to commute to Potomac or other PW lots to get into the city. Any help is appreciated. 

	bumpnroad@yahoo.com

	Help Desperately Needed

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
Target Brian Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 18 Aug 2010 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote Target Brian Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: First Time Slug..Maybe Posted: 18 Aug 2010 at 8:23pm
	I'm starting a job at the end of the month in SW DC (12 & Maryland) and need help determining the best slug options. I have seen slug lines in the area that I am comfortable with but I'm just not sure how it all works. I'm also concerned that I can get into the city but not back to my origin. I live off 234 and am willing to commute to Potomac or other PW lots to get into the city. Any help is appreciated. bumpnroad@yahoo.com Help Desperately Needed

sluDgE Members Profile Find Members Posts Master Slug Joined: 27 Oct 2003 Status: Offline Points: 501	Post Options Post Reply Quote sluDgE Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 19 Aug 2010 at 6:48am
	[:)] This should help! http://www.slug-lines.com/AM_Lines/dumfries_road.asp

Target Brian Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 18 Aug 2010 Location: va Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote Target Brian Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 Aug 2010 at 4:18pm
	As of today there have been 118 views of this post and only one person (thanks to the moderator) has responded to this request for help. Thanks fellow commuters. I'm dissapointed that there wasn't any help offered, except the information afforded on the Slug site. I have read it and understand it. I would like to talk to someone about how it works in person. Oh well. I'll just look like the lost kid the first day in the parking lot, asking which line to stand in and what I can and can't do.

shorty5646 Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 27 Jul 2010 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote shorty5646 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 Aug 2010 at 12:21pm
	@Target Brian - I started working in SW DC just a few months ago, so I can relate to how lost you are feeling now! I live around the same area as you, so maybe I can help a little. Every morning, I drive to the Potomac Mills commuter lot, which is located by Pier 1/McDonald's. Our line is the closest to the parking area, and most drivers are either going to 18th St, 14th St or L'enfant Plaza, where I commute (BEWARE if you park outside of the designated "commuter lot" and mall security catches you, they will ticket/tow!!!) This website does a pretty good job of explaining how the slugging process works, but basically the driver will call out where they are going at the front of the line and pick up riders going to the same location. Your location, 12th & Maryland, is close to both 14th and L'enfant (pretty much in between), so you could ride with drivers going to either and then walk a very short distance. To get back to Potomac Mills in the afternoon, you can either take the metro back to the Pentagon and slug from there (http://www.slug-lines.com/PM_lines/Pentagon.asp) OR maybe 14 & Independence (http://www.slug-lines.com/PM_lines/14th_and_Indep.asp) - check out the Afternoon Slug Lines options on the Home page to see what works best for you. As far as 234, I haven't slugged from that lot, so I can't help much there. The link on this website will probably help though, if that's a better location for you to slug in from. When you start your job, you may have to experiment a little to figure out what works best for you - there's always the metro or the PRTC bus from 234 if that's more convenient for your daily commute. Slugging may seem a bit intimidating at first, but trust me, it's not so bad! Hope that helps - GOOD LUCK! [:)]

bwelbornb Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 06 Aug 2010 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote bwelbornb Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Aug 2010 at 2:52pm
	Hi! I started slugging a two weeks ago. I know nothing about the 234 lot, but I did feel lost at first. However, reading over the Etiquette section on this site helped and so did showing up at the slug lines. The riders seem to look out for one another and the veterans know what cars are going where and even will comment on the drivers. I have had very good experiences. I had one guy that talked on his cell phone from NOVA to Stafford while driving a manual transmission-but that has the only issue personality wise. I have had to go to one stop above my work destination and Metro back down on occasion if the line is slow to my destination city. It is not a big deal and I find the walking to and from the Metro sort of "pumps me up" in the morning. I have had no problem getting home, but I admit that I prefer to take my chances on the VRE going home on Fridays. Good luck and I am sorry that no one responded to you!