From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

G9 -- An express bus from Mount Rainier to downtown starts picking up passengers in March

Last May, the DC Council approved funding for the G9, an express bus line along the Rhode Island Avenue corridor. According to a WMATA spokesperson, the line, which will run from Mount Rainier in Prince George's County to downtown DC, will begin service on March 20th.

Earlier this week, DC Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie's office handed out flyers and posted on his Facebook page to let people know about the G9 running "through the heart of Ward 5." More specifically, it will go from just east of Eastern Avenue to Franklin Square. The idea for the new route has been around since at least 2014.

A map of the coming G9 route. For details, click the map and go to page 25 of the WMATA report. Image by WMATA

The line will complement the G8 route, running through a rapidly-growing part of the District. WMATA has increased capacity on the G8 in recent years, but rush-hour buses can still be very crowded. The G9 will run every 15 minutes and only during rush hours (from 6 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 7 pm, Monday through Friday).

Metro points out that service will run both directions during those hours, unlike some other routes that only run one direction during peak hours. The agency is in the process of developing printable timetables and maps.

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.