In the next phase of an evolution that is attempting to make consumers able to connect with their groceries literally anyplace on Earth, D.C.’s Metro and Peapod will be partnering up to help make sure that no one will ever have to stop at a grocery store on their way home from work ever again.
The six-month pilot will allow commuters to order their groceries online and then grab them, all bagged up, as they exit the metro station during the evening rush. Peapod’s distribution areas are currently set at the Fort Totten, Glenmont and Vienna Metro stations. The program started rolling out this week.
The three-station start is for the pilot; if the program is successful after six months, Metro says it will consider its expansion into some of the other 91 locations in the station system.
“This type of program could generate additional non-farebox revenue in the future,” Metro spokesman Richard Jordan said.
In its current iteration, Metro isn’t making anything off of the access to its stations, but if the program works, it is possible Peapod, or another provider, would pay Metro a fee.
“Everybody’s lives are just so busy and just continue to get busier,” Elizabeth Psaros, senior manager of regional marketing for Peapod, noted. “Being able to shop anywhere and anytime and have the convenience of getting it delivered to your door or being able to pick it up at a store and now at these three transit stations, we think it’s a lifesaver.”
The move works for Peapod — the lone survivor of the last grocery delivery craze that now finds itself in hot competition with Instacart and Google Express in the area. Peapod has 53 pickup locations in the region, including one at a Chevy Chase gas station.
The metro program will allow consumers to order ahead of time then accept their groceries and pay with a station attendant in charge of distribution. Delivery times can be set between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“If you are commuting, you know you are going to be on the bus or the train, and you know you are going to get to the station and then get in your car,” Psaros said. “And so, what a great option to be able to order your groceries and then pick them up on your way home, not even having to make that additional stop or even think about it. It’s another way of saving time.”