Reply to Interesting twist on DC "density argument" - Metro ridership continues to plummet

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[quote=Anonymous]Density advocates base their platform on building out around DC metro stations, and invariably seek height + zoning exceptions as seen in the yet to be approved comp plan they've put forth. Except Metro ridership is down 88% since last year according to today's Post. Meanwhile,  bus ridership, a wonderful web that blankets the DMV is up and WMATA is shifting resources there. 
This dramatic shift is obviously Covid and work from home influenced, although we have seen Metro use trending down for a long time due to maintenance and safety concerns. Thus, we should expect to see some permanent changes in DC residents' commuting preferences. While Metro is handy and should be supported, more reliance on bus and other means may become more typical. Do we correspondingly have the wrong focus in the development argument in centering new builds all around Metro hubs,  when the emerging preference appears to be great bus service and other lifestyle options? 
Thoughtful and organic development could really happen anywhere in 3 quadrants of the city that is near an efficient bus line. There could be more effort put by the city into "connecting" SE to the rest of the city by better transport, with thoughtful + equitable development there as well. And density advocates could shift their attention to building around Metro stations in the suburbs where Metro makes sense for a longer commute (if those suburban residents support it of course.  They may prefer expanded kiss and ride options with shuttles and the like).
88% plunge in Metro ridership is a significant trend. It would seem like arrogance for current densification rhetoric to not acknowledge the tension and contradictions between this statistic and their current proposals for long term changes.[/quote]

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