Imgur Via Reddit

Images below were posted by Redditor Kavorka2 who says that these images were taken from a friend’s Facebook page (says he snapped these amazing pictures while visiting DC..)

(via National Geographic)

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After decades of tireless hardwork and 39 trips, a national icon – NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery – made its final journey to its resting place in Washington, DC region today.  The shuttle will be permanently retired at the Smithsonian Udvar Hazy Center near Dulles, VA. NASA coordinated with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to navigate through the restricted air space over Washington, D.C. I got a chance to see the shuttle fly-by as it floated majestically perched atop a NASA jet. It was a bitter sweet moment watching it fly-by for not just me but for the entire nation that grew up watching the marvelous machines soar into the space.  Not only did the shuttles ferry supplies to the space station but along the way they inspired a generation of innovators and encouraged many of us to dream big.

Image Courtesy: Washington Post (Photo by Linda Davidson)

On this momentous occasion, the shuttle in one single fly-by also accomplished what usually takes a government billions of dollars and decades of hard work . It left people inspired at what is possible if we put our heads together and encouraged everyone to dream big.  The pic. above, taken by Linda Davidson (courtesy of Washington Post) shows the excitement on the faces of a few from the next generation of dreamers.  Look at the inspiration on the faces of these children as they react to the shuttle Discovery fly-by. Priceless!

The video from Reason.TV  says it all. .  For those who care to read, check the Reason Foundation’s blog  post, which gives a good idea of what is  wrong with DC’s WMATA and its escalator management..

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And seen below a customer’s creative and preemptive response for the agency’s yet-to-begin-customer survey.  After seeing the video above, don’t you think he and other riders like him are shelling $$ on this system are justified to deliver such a verdit  (actually the video doesn’t even address the plethora of other problems beyond the elevators and escalators that is plaguing the system) I’m sure many rider in the DC metropolitan area feel the same way..

Image courtesy: @dcmetrosucks via Twitter

(Source: WJLA.com)

A local news agency’s investigation shows countless red light violations by Metrobuses plying the streets of Washington, DC.   Some of the incidents caught on camera show how crazy these bus drivers are to do what they do on the roads.  This video below should become an integral part of WMATA’s training for bus drivers, esp. for repeat offenders.

Too bad WMATA’s communications team now looks like a deer caught in the headlights. They really do not have a strategy in place to handle this PR nightmare and could not come up with even a single example of how it reprimands such careless drivers when asked what disciplinary measures they undertook to stem this problem.

(Source: via Pinterest)

(Source: via Young Professional in Transportation (YPT) Blog)

Cambridge Systematics is hosting two recruiting sessions in Washington, DC during the TRB Annual Meeting. This is a great opportunity to learn more about transportation consulting careers!

Image Courtesy: Yptransportation.org - Click image to enlarge

(Source: Hop Stop)

An interesting infograph on Urban travel patterns.

HopStop, the leading provider of pedestrian navigation and mobile transit routing, has developed its first Urban Travel Patterns infographic to shed light on these activities. Based on more than 400 million HopStop routes and 2.25 billion miles traveled, the new data showcases major travel trends in several large cities, as well as how consumers are using HopStop’s online and mobileservices to get around town.

Image Courtesy: HopStop - HopStop Data Reveals Top Urban Travel Trends

(Source: TransitTalent.com via Bernie Wagenblast’s TCN)

The incumbent is responsible for assisting with the management of activities for the Office of Media Relations. Serves as deputy chief spokesperson for the Authority and manages Metro’s media relations efforts with traditional media (TV, radio, print, online) and key external agencies. Assumes Director’s responsibilities when necessary. This is highly responsible professional and administrative work. Significant writing is required, as is the ability to provide professional, on camera and on-the-record comments on behalf of the agency.

Major Duties

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the media relations department (commonly known as the press office). Supervises public information officers.
• Serves as deputy chief spokesperson for the Authority on a variety of issues affecting WMATA and the communities served. The incumbent deals with print and broadcast media on a day-to-day basis, responding to inquiries and generating information pertaining to the Authority, including local, regional and national media outlets.
• The Manager, Media Relations & Deputy Chief Spokesperson is an official Authority spokesperson. This includes 24-hour on-call duty to provide support during service disruptions or emergencies, and to respond to media inquiries concerning Authority policies, business matters, and service issues outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Advises and prepares the General Manager, Executive Leadership Team, Directors, and subject-matter experts for interviews with reporters and arranges such interviews.
• Develops and assists in the conception, production, implementation and administration of all strategic media plans. The individual analyzes and evaluates media plans for effectiveness and recommends alternatives, if appropriate
• Works closely with individuals in other departments and offices to coordinate media relations activities such as media photo opportunities, formal and informal press conferences, live interviews, taped interviews, group interviews, one-on-one interviews, and media roundtable discussions.
• Conducts and oversees special research and evaluations on media-related programs and projects to enhance the dissemination of information to the various media outlets and recommends improvements.
• Researches, writes, and disseminates news releases, talking points, media advisories, fact sheets and media/press kits.
• Edits news releases from Public Information Officers prior to release.
• Researches, writes and disseminates talking points/message points to appropriate internal audiences for their use in responding to media inquiries.
• Uses available technology to post news related to the Authority on Metro¿s web site, transmit information through email alerts or similar technology. Work in coordination with Social Media Manager to ensure news appropriately transmitted via social media channels.
• Builds professional relationships with reporters to establish credibility, positive rapport, and fair coverage of issues critical to the Authority.
• Develops management and administrative reports within the Office of Media Relations.
• Advises the Director of Communications & Chief Spokesperson on strategic and tactical matters to maximize positive news coverage. Must be able to meet tight deadlines and perform effectively in a fast-paced, breaking-news environment.
• Meets with colleagues in other departments and offices to help develop strategies for presenting these programs to the media and the public. The individual meets with the Director of Communications & Chief Spokesperson to develop media strategy on issues affecting the Authority.
• Must maintain confidences while working with confidential information.

The above duties and responsibilities are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. It is not intended to limit in any way the right of supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Click here for more details.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is seeking a mid-level planning professional who has demonstrated technical skills and a passion for smart, urban solutions. If you are interested, please send your resume to christopher.delfs@dc.gov -AND- apply through the District of Columbia Department of Human Resources at the link below. The first screening date is November 22, 2011.

https://erecruit.dc.gov/psp/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_HM_PRE

Job Overview

Transportation planners conduct professional analytical work identifying, leading, conducting and implementing transportation planning studies and policies. Planners contribute to capital budget formulation and prioritization, promote sustainable transportation system planning with local government officials, and educate and collaborate with local stakeholders. The ideal candidate will contribute to the visionary – future oriented – perspective of the Strategic Planning Branch of the Policy Planning and Sustainability Administration (PPSA) in the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). The District of Columbia faces significant transportation challenges and is seeking innovative solutions. This is an opportunity to work on a range of transportation planning issues that are at the cutting edge of the profession.