Two drunken driving bills, both sponsored by Montgomery County delegates, have made their way to the desk of Maryland’s governor. The interesting thing is that there has been little or nothing made public about these bills, both of which passed unanimously and both of which would establish a task force to combat drunken driving. This is something that the state badly needs in that it seems to fight the opportunity to get drunks off the roads more often than not. Don’t forget that Maryland finally succumbed to the .08 blood alcohol-content restrictions only after it got to the point where millions of dollars would be lost in the form of federal funding if it didn’t get passed.
I’m not certain who will sit on this task force, but I hope that they are serious about it from the start. There are still far too many people dying on area roads because of those who drink and drive, and it’s time to put an end to it. I will tell all of you that if they need my assistance on such a task force, I would be more than willing to help out.
For the seniors
Gloria writes in with a good reminder: “Long before the baby boomers begin retiring, there are still lots of seniors making up the unprecedented aging population in the tri-area. You might want to remind them that as soon as they turn 65 to head on down to Metro Center and get their reduced-rate cards. Metro drivers will not allow them to ride at reduced rates by showing driver’s licenses, which is all some out-of-town or visiting seniors have on them.”
Tags bus fleet grows
Thanks to federal grant monies and some funds from Fairfax County, the Transportation Association of Greater Springfield bus fleet is getting six new buses. That will allow the service to get rid of four of its aging buses, and increase the total number in service by two. The 19-passenger buses have proven quite popular over the years and serve a very good purpose.
Double your benefits
Elaine writes: “I just read your March 20 column (I know, I’m woefully behind, but I do catch up eventually!), and I wanted to respond to your question about whether or not you can take both the $110 per month public transit benefit as well as the parking benefit.
“I don’t know if all employers offer it, but my employer offers a combination of the two benefits called the Park and Ride Commuter Benefit, for those who take Metro and use its parking lot as well. The use of the SmarTrip card has made it possible, because the benefit is added to the card every month by downloading it at a farecard machine. Couldn’t be easier!”
Questions, comments, random musings? Write to [email protected].
