Article: It's August, When Washington Takes a Vacation From Itself

Washington in August is a reminder of how much more pleasant the city would be if there were fewer people here the rest of the year.

Rush-hour traffic moves faster on the Capital Beltway and on commuter routes into downtown because there are 5 percent fewer cars on the road. Parkers fill 300 fewer spaces in Metro's lots and garages each day, and there are more empty seats on the trains because 3 percent fewer people are riding at rush hour.

Waiting time at popular restaurants is off sharply, especially at those that cater to the Capitol Hill crowd, because Congress is out of town. Taxicabs are easier to hail, and lunchtime department store browsing can be done at a relaxed pace because ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!