A fellow slug (Nicole) and a few other slugs met with DDOT a few months ago urging them change the existing regulation that prevented drivers from stopping to pick up slugs. They also stated a petition too. Well, the good news is that slugs do have a voice when we stick together because DDOT has decided to change their regulations. Below is a copy of that correspondence:
Dear Nicole,
Thank you for following up. DDOT is working to change the curbside regulations for the 1400 block of New York Ave. The new regulations will enable tour bus parking during non-rush hours and passenger pick-up/drop-off during the hours of 3:00-6:30pm. We found that Slugline operations are consistent with the curbside regulations for passenger loading and have determined that the operations can be accommodated at this location as well. We have a goal to complete these curb adjustments by end of January 2019.
Once the signage is in place, your Slugline community will be able to operate from the space on New York Ave NW between 14th and 15th streets NW during the hours of 3-6pm. Consistent with our standard procedures, DDOT will notify stakeholders including the business improvement district and tour bus community about the curbside adjustment. We will also be sure to update the Slugline community when the space is installed with the expectation that you will utilize your outreach channels to inform about the newly available location for Slugline operations. Please be advised that DDOT is not the primary agency responsible for enforcement. Rather this is a function and authority under the Department of Public Works. However, consistent with our procedures, we will be sure to reach out and work with our partners to enforce the new curbside regulations. In addition, we will further educate them about the use of the location by the Slugline community.
Lastly, we confirm receipt of your proposal from November 27, 2018 and hope the plan and information above addresses your concerns. However, we need to advise that DDOT is unable to install temporary signs exclusively for Sluglines operations alone. We recommend that this be the responsibility of the Slugline community and if you would like to install a temporary A-frame sign on the sidewalk, DDOT will be happy to assist with the permitting process.
Thank you again for reaching out. We continue to welcome the service Sluglines provide to the commuters in the District and look forward to the use of new location.
Best Regards,
Evian Patterson
Evian Patterson
Associate Director
Parking and Ground Transportation Division
District Department of Transportation
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