Slugging, or dynamic ridesharing, is a phenomenon that is observed on I-95/I-395. It
refers to drivers who stop to pick up passengers at formally and informally designated
locations in order to travel legally in the HOV lanes. A “slug” is an individual
who accepts a ride, while “body snatcher” refers to the driver seeking
passengers. The practice originated spontaneously as drivers would stop at a bus stop and
ask if anyone needed a ride downtown or to the Pentagon. Today many locations exist for
slugging commuters to wait for the bodysnatching drivers. Planners consider these slug
lines when planning park-and-ride lots and pedestrian access to transit.
Slugging works on facilities with
occupancy requirements of three or more because it provides a cushion of safety for the
slugs. Slugs often travel in pairs so that they do not have to travel alone with a
stranger. They also should not accept a ride that would leave another slug waiting alone,
according to the informal code of conduct. One of the consequences of this form
of commuting is that transit loads are imbalanced with fewer customers for the morning commute.
According to data collected for VDOT for the I-95/I-395
corridor in 1998:[13]
· Approximately 2,200 persons use slugging for both their
morning and afternoon commutes;
· Approximately an additional 900 persons use slugging in
their morning commute, but return home by bus.
· Slugs and bodysnatchers make up about 20 percent of the
HOV traffic during the morning and peak period.
Figure 48: HOV Contacts
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Subject |
Agency |
Contact |
HOV
Violations |
Virginia
State Police |
Brian
Gubesch |
Local
HOV Lanes and Occupancy |
VDOT |
Valerie
Pardo |
Smart
Tag |
VDOT |
Miriam
Daughtery |