Stafford to DC

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   Hello All, 

	I'm very new to slugging (haven't taken my first ride yet), however, am beginning to wonder if it would be a good idea for me. 

	

	I live in Stafford, and am currently applying for jobs in DC. I may have gotten one, recently, however, my issue is not owning a vehicle.

	

	How reliable would you experienced slugs say it is to rely on this system? 

	I'm also considering the VRE, but it's very expensive, and since this job is supposed to help me save for college in less than a year, I'm trying to spend as little as possible.

	

	One more question, do many drivers pick up slugs on the weekends? I haven't been able to find any transportation system that would get me to DC outside of M-F schedules. Perhaps, I haven't looked hard enough, though. 

	

	I just moved here from NE, so am VERY clueless, any and all info would be a huge help. 

	

	Thanks so much! [:)]

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ash627 Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 17 Sep 2010 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote ash627 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Stafford to DC Posted: 17 Sep 2010 at 3:27am
	Hello All, I'm very new to slugging (haven't taken my first ride yet), however, am beginning to wonder if it would be a good idea for me. I live in Stafford, and am currently applying for jobs in DC. I may have gotten one, recently, however, my issue is not owning a vehicle. How reliable would you experienced slugs say it is to rely on this system? I'm also considering the VRE, but it's very expensive, and since this job is supposed to help me save for college in less than a year, I'm trying to spend as little as possible. One more question, do many drivers pick up slugs on the weekends? I haven't been able to find any transportation system that would get me to DC outside of M-F schedules. Perhaps, I haven't looked hard enough, though. I just moved here from NE, so am VERY clueless, any and all info would be a huge help. Thanks so much! [:)]

Elemental Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote Elemental Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 17 Sep 2010 at 8:20am
	Welcome! To answer your final question, slugging is only M-F at the peak rush hour times am & pm to coincide with the times the HOV restrictions are in place. It is great if you have a standard M-F workday, but will not help you much if you are working weekends, nights, or other schedules. I don't believe the VRE runs on weekends either.

AngloAustrian Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 25 Sep 2009 Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote AngloAustrian Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 17 Sep 2010 at 11:40am
	Hey there. Congrats on your job. As Elemental has said, you can only slug M-F etc. If you have a job that coincides with those times and the HOV, slugging, in my experience, is quite reliable. I have been doing this for a year now, and although I have had to wait a few times for quite a bit (rarely), I travel from 610 to Crystal City and usually have to wait about 15 minutes each way. The only way to really find out is to give it a try and ask questions of the people in line! Re weekends, you may be able to find someone who works and drives in. Try Craiglist (they have a ride share section), or just try posting for a weekend ride here. You never know. Good luck.

ash627 Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 17 Sep 2010 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote ash627 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 17 Sep 2010 at 4:25pm
	Thanks for the help! I suppose you're both probably correct, and jumping in would be the best way to find out. I did take Anglo's advice, and posted an ad on Rideshare (I use craigslist all the time, and somehow over-looked this option!), so am currently hoping my luck wins out. Thanks again! I'm feeling much more confident about this now. [:)]

NO44 Members Profile Find Members Posts New Slug Joined: 12 Feb 2010 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote NO44 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct 2010 at 4:26pm
	Ash, On the weekends, if you can get to Springfield metro, you could metro in. quote: Originally posted by ash627 Thanks for the help! I suppose you're both probably correct, and jumping in would be the best way to find out. I did take Anglo's advice, and posted an ad on Rideshare (I use craigslist all the time, and somehow over-looked this option!), so am currently hoping my luck wins out. Thanks again! I'm feeling much more confident about this now. [:)] Nic