If you are reading this blog you are probably already aware of today’s story in the Post about how the taxpayer-funded DCUSA parking garage is so underused. GGW has covered it, Richard Layman has covered it, and it’s been all over Twitter.

I can’t say much that hasn’t already been said, but just to be on record: The simple fact here is that based on experiences with stores in more car-oriented areas planners assumed everybody would drive to DCUSA, while in actual practice most people don’t. Why? Because in a dense, walkable, transit-accessible city it is more convenient to use alternative modes.

When I lived in Ballston and wanted to go to Target, I rented a Zipcar and drove to the nearest one (at Seven Corners). Now that I live in Dupont and use the Columbia Heights Target, I could still get a Zipcar, but don’t. Why in the world would I? My normal routine is to hop any of the S buses on 16th Street. In the rare event I’ve got too large a load to comfortably carry, I hail a taxi.

I use the bus or very occasionally a taxi because they’re the easiest modes, not because of any anti-car dogma. And clearly, I’m not the only one.