David LeBlanc is the author of “Slugging: The Commuting Alternative For Washington DC.” LeBlanc also runs the Web site, www.slug-lines.com, that offers information about the subculture of slugging, a practice that allows drivers to pick up passengers from designated commuter parking lots in order to drive in high-occupancy-vehicle lanes in hopes of shortening their commutes.
What has changed since you started slugging in 1995?
Very little has changed, really. People used to call out their designations when cars drove up. Now, people hold signs, but it?s still pretty much the same: Exchange courtesies like “Thank you” and “Good morning” and ride in silence until you reach your destination.
What?s the worst thing a passenger can do while riding?
Talking on a cell phone. A call to your boss or to your spouse telling them you?ll be five minutes late is all right, but long conversations are rude and unnecessary for the most part.
What is the best thing about slugging?
[Unlike a traditional carpool,] I don?t have to rely on a specific individual to get to and from work. I can leave work early or later if I want during HOV hours without being an inconvenience to others.
What?s the worst day to slug?
A federal holiday. That?s when you know government civilians are going to be off.
How many people do you think slug each day in the D.C. metro region?
I think the Virginia Department of Transportation said anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 people a day. That’s good for something that no one controls and operates so smoothly. It?s a great system.
Who benefits more, the driver or the passenger?
It?s a split. A driver gets passengers to get on the HOV, and passengers get to work on time … Both win.
