At the office yesterday in DC, someone told me:
“I’m a slugger”
It was an odd comment in the context of the conversation, but I responded:
“Ah. You play baseball?”
Her response: “No?”
We sat across the desk from each other in that weird silence that follows the realization people are talking to each other, but about two different things.
Turns out “slugging” is a method of commuting unique to the Washington area (though I hear they do this in San Francisco too, and I’ve experienced a variation of it in Jakarta).
Apparently, this started during the Carter administration, when gas was hard to come by, but has continued as a handy way for a solo driver who wishes to use the HOV lane to give a ride to someone who wishes to ride into the city rather than drive.
Oh. And it’s free.
There are various pick-up points (commuter lots) on the way into the District and drop-off points inside of the District that have grown up over the years. A driver pulls up and indicates where they are going, the passenger hops in and they continue onward. (there are some rules – we’ll get to that). For example, the Pentagon has a slug line — dedicated lane for sluggers to drop off and pick-up.
The rider is a “slug”.The term is not intended to be a pejorative.
If you find yourself in the DC area, wishing to slug into the city, there are rules:
– First Come – First Served
– Slugs do not talk
– No conversations of religion, politics, or sex
– No money, gifts, or tokens of appreciation are ever offered or requested
– Slugs should not have a conversation on their cell phone
– The line does not leave a woman standing alone
– There is no smoking or eating by the driver or slug
– A slug does not ask to change the radio station or adjust the heat or air
– Normally, the slug does not open or close the window.
– Both slugs and drivers exchange a “Thank you” before and after the ride
– No “curbside” service. There are certain understood destinations
– Slugs have the right to pass or forfeit a ride
– No “Body Snatching.” (Drivers attempting to pick up slugs walking to line)
– Drivers should not “stop short.” (Stop before the agreed-upon destination)
– Will Call—Driver’s option to pick a particular slug not at the front of the line
– Both drivers and passengers should buckle-up
– Drivers and slugs should use common consideration
– Avoid Personal Hygiene Care – ’nuff said
The meeting ran a little bit long, but hey, I learned something.
Besides. I’m a Red Sox fan. Baseball is currently a painful conversation.