Something new in our traffic and transit discussions

And I don't mean that smiley face picture of me you see in the new logo above.

We've added a discussion group called Taken for a Ride. The subhead says, "Share your trials and triumphs on Washington's roads and rails," and I think that pretty much captures the spirit of the thing.

To put it another way: Here on Get There, I'll try to make the news. On Taken for a Ride, you can make the news. I've noticed how many of you have smart comments to make and good questions to ask at the end of my postings. I worry that it's hard for other readers to see all of them as I keep adding more and more postings.

That should be easier on Taken for a Ride, because your responses will be the dominant part of the presentation. I'll ask questions addressed to you, then step aside and let you take charge of the responses. I expect the collective result will be one part venting, which is always healthy, and one part information, which is always helpful.

I'm planning to ask some specific questions. For example, I'll seek tips and best bets that everyone can use on the holiday getaway. But I also plan to offer some more general questions for discussion, such as what behavior by other drivers or transit riders most disturbs you. That may lead to some general consciousness-raising for all travelers.

Most important to me right now: I'd like to hear your responses to a question I posted on the new forum called What do you want to talk about here? That will help me shape the direction of the thing in coming weeks.