BETHESDA-BOUND TRIPPER BUS BREAKS DOWN IN NEW JERSEY

A Tripper Bus traveling from New York City to Bethesda last night broke down en route, according to a passenger.

The intercity bus discharged its passengers at a New Jersey rest stop while awaiting assistance.

"Never again," wrote the disgruntled passenger, who said there were 3 hours to go on the already-delayed trip.

Tripper Bus travels between downtown Bethesda and New York City.

FIRST NEW METROBUS SIGNS INSTALLED IN BETHESDA! EXCLUSIVE PHOTO!

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

The first next-generation Metrobus bus stop signs have appeared in Bethesda.

New T2 Metrobus NextBus sign on River Road in Bethesda

 One pair is on River Road.  The only other I've spotted so far is on Battery Lane.

99.9% of Bethesda bus stops have these old signs

Previously, I've only seen these new bus stops signs in certain parts of the District.

Have you spotted any other new Metrobus signs in Bethesda, or in Montgomery County in general?

RIDE ON PULLS 26 BUSES FROM FLEET AFTER LATEST BUS FIRE, SYSTEM ON HOLIDAY SCHEDULE THURSDAY, FRIDAY

Attention Ride On riders:

Your bus will be on a "modified holiday schedule" Thursday and Friday.

Montgomery County Executive has pulled 26 Champion buses from the Ride On fleet after yet another one burst into flames.

The bus drivers' union had urged Leggett to do so for months.

One exception to the special schedule relevant to the Bethesda area is that the Route 2 bus to Walter Reed will have full service both days.

All bus routes will run, but will have 20% less frequency.

FARM BUS COMING TO PIKE CENTRAL FARM MARKET IN NORTH BETHESDA SATURDAY

Ordinarily, I'm telling you about the Bethesda Central Farm Market at Bethesda ES on Sundays.

But this Saturday, from 9 AM to 2 PM, a special bus will be stopping by the Pike Central Farm Market, at Mid Pike Plaza at Rockville Pike and Old Georgetown Road.

Longtime readers know that I believe one of the most underappreciated issues facing America today is, how do we create a new generation of farmers?

One way is to interest children through farm-related toys, like John Deere tractors.  You can buy them locally at Gladhill Bros. John Deere dealership in Damascus.

Gardening is another way, and of course, these days there are even farming video games.

But Saturday, there is yet another way:  the Sol Food Mobile Farm. It is a school bus converted into a rolling demonstration farm.

It's touring the nation this summer to teach kids about agriculture, nutrition, the environment, and all those other hot topics.

The bus even runs on waste vegetable oil, and has a green roof.

In a county where our elected officials don't seem much concerned about the future of farming - Montgomery County has only one Future Farmers of America chapter[!!], at Damascus High School - we in the community need to pick up the slack on this issue that is critical to our economy, national security, health and environment - yes, it really is that important!

So head to the Pike Central Farm Market, and find out what you can do to make a difference.

PASSION FIN

UPDATE

Renovations Still a Long Way

From Completion

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

This is an update to an update. I was at the Shops at Sumner Place on Friday, and walked over to the future location of highly-anticipated Asian bistro and sushi bar Passion Fin.

The windows at the top across the storefront are uncovered, and I can confirm that - at least as far as the ceiling and interior walls go - there is a long way to go. Ventilation systems and hoses are completely exposed where a ceiling should be. One permit is now posted, for a WSSC inspection. Understandably, the conversion of an apparel boutique to a restaurant would require new plumbing installation for kitchen and restroom water systems. Right inside the front doors, there is an L-shaped makeshift wall.

Out front, the same dumpster is there, and it is not even clear there is anything in it. It has been in the same spot for about 4 months.

All told, and in light of the initial promise of an "early 2012" opening, the project has clearly encountered one or more delays.

When it finally opens, expect Passion Fin to compete more with Yirasai Sushi and similar Japanese restaurants in the Palisades area, more than with Raku and Sushi-ko on the Red Line.

Ironically, Passion Fin, Yirasai and Sushi-ko are all on the route of Ride On Bus 23. So, if you're a rider of the venerable 23, for you there will be a Sushi Showdown in 2012.

For now, sushi fans, patience is a virtue.