Reviving Slugging: Navigating the Post-Pandemic Commute

2–3 minutes
Covid19 icon with 6 cars inside the COVID19

Last night, I saw the tragic news about the aircraft accident over the Potomac River, and my immediate thought was that traffic the next morning would be a nightmare. Imagine my surprise when I drove into D.C. with two passengers—my husband and a family friend’s high school-age daughter, whom I drop off at a high school in the city every day from Woodbridge—only to find there was no traffic at all.

My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the entire U.S. figure skating community, as those on board were returning from the development camp following the U.S. National Championship for Solo/Pairs. This is a devastating loss.

This blog marks the beginning of what I hope will be a collection of stories from sluggers, drivers, and other commuters who use various transportation methods—whether it be slugging, buses, trains, or other forms of commuting. I invite anyone with experience in these methods to share their perspectives and insights.

This website is being created as a replacement for David LeBlanc’s original Slug-Lines.com. David recently announced his retirement after 22 years of maintaining and promoting this unique commuting method. His dedication to the slugging community has been invaluable, and he will be greatly missed. With the federal government mandating a full-time return to the office starting March 1, now seems like the perfect time to launch a new website to guide those returning to in-person work.

The goal of this site is to provide crucial information for federal employees, private sector employees, and others who may be unfamiliar with slugging. Whether they are new hires, recent transplants to the area, or simply looking for a more efficient way to commute, this platform will serve as a resource for understanding how slugging works, where to find queue locations, and how to navigate the system effectively.

I encourage everyone to ask questions, and I will be compiling resources to make the information as accessible as possible. One of the best places to stay updated on slugging is through Facebook groups, which I will be listing on the website’s Facebook Pages section. Given the size of some commuter lots, I plan to break them down into specific pages for easier navigation.

Over the next few weeks, I will be focusing on organizing the main Facebook slug-lines page and highlighting key commuter lots, including Horner, Opitz (a new location), and Stafford lines (Mine Road, Route 610, Route 630). As time goes on, I will continue adding more details and resources.

I look forward to building a community where commuters can share their experiences, ask questions, and help one another navigate this unique and efficient way of commuting. Stay tuned for more updates!

7 responses to “Reviving Slugging: Navigating the Post-Pandemic Commute”

  1. Ben Jones Avatar
    Ben Jones

    Hi!

    I’ve been slugging since 2015 and I’m excited to see a new website being launched. I commute regularly from Woodbridge (Horner Lot, Lake Ridge lot) to Old Town Alexandria (King St Metro, VRE) during the week and would be interested in seeing if other slugs are traveling to/from Old Town? I’m also not on Facebook so I’m curious how someone that isn’t on facebook can connect and utilize the website and information.

    Thanks!

    Ben

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Shannon Augustine Avatar

      Hi Ben!

      While there is not a dedicated slug line to Old Town/Alexandria, the VRE remains the best option for commuting without pre-arranging a carpool from. your workplace. Many commuters traveling to destinations outside typical slug-line routes often form their own carpools. You might check with your coworkers to see if any are interested in commuting from the Horner/Telegraph Lot.

      I’m glad you find this new site helpful! The original site was shut down after its owner retired, so I created this platform to continue supporting the slugging community. I also hope to expand resources and encourage more people to choose sustainable commuting methods.

      Like

  2. DrPositron Avatar
    DrPositron

    Thanks for creating this site. I’m RTO’d/driving in to DC starting this week, and looking to pick up slugs at one of the Burke/Springfield lots. I’m happy to help with the site if you’d like (gift or time or both, whatever helps).

    Like

  3. Amy Wilson Avatar
    Amy Wilson

    I slugged to the Navy Yard for years from Horner Rd. I’m thrilled to see that slugging is coming back. Since DDOT turned the old slug pick up at 300 M St into a bus lane, I just fired off an email to them asking for suggestions (since they created this problem…). If I can get my EZ-Pass to work again, I’ll be in business.

    Like

  4. Jose Antonio Avatar
    Jose Antonio

    I would like to see if anyone would like to change the current 14st to Horner Rd pickup location. Currently it is located in front of Department of Commerce but the bus line is also right there so it creates confusion. The previous location was closer to Pennsylvania ave.

    Like

  5. Tony Lee Avatar
    Tony Lee

    Hi,

    There used to be a slug line at 234 Commuter lot that went to L’enfant plaza. Has that started back up yet?

    Like

  6. Jay Avatar
    Jay

    Hi.

    Thank you for creating this. This system of commuting to work has been extremely valuable.

    Will there be a slug line in Crystal City? There used to be one from Horner Road.

    I now slug to the Pentagon. The sidewalk by Eads is now closed. You have to wall down to Army Navy drive and use the wall lanes. The police will stop you, and they will start issuing tickets.

    Like

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