Washington Metro

Historyor a proximity card known as SmarTrip. The fare is
Metro under construction at the Navy Yard in 1989deducted from the balance of the card upon exiting
During the 1960s, there were plans for a massivethe system. Farecards are purchased primarily at
freeway system in Washington, but opposition to thisvending machines in each station. Farecards can hold
freeway system grew. Harland Bartholomew, whoup to $45 in value and are reused until the value of the
chaired the National Capital Planning Commission,card reaches zero, upon which the card is "captured"
thought that a rail transit system would never beby the exit kiosk. Alternatively, passengers may
self-sufficient because of low density land uses andpurchase passes at most farecard vending machines.
general transit ridership decline. Finally, a mixed conceptThe passes are used the same way as farecards but
of a Capital Beltway system along with rail line radialsgrant riders unlimited travel within the system for a
was agreed upon. The Beltway received full funding;certain period of time. Some Metro passes restrict the
funding for the ambitious Inner Loop Freeway systemtimes and distances that the pass may be used.
was partially reallocated toward construction of theUsers can add value to any farecard, but riders must
Metro system.pay an exit fare if the cost of a trip is higher than their
Intersection of ceiling vaults at Metro Center, a majorcard's balance. SmarTrip users are allowed to exit the
transfer stationsystem with a negative balance but must add the fare
In 1960, the federal government created the Nationalto the card before re-entering the system. Riders may
Capital Transportation Agency to develop a rapid railtransfer for free, provided they do not exit through the
system. In 1966, a bill creating WMATA was passedfaregates. SmarTrip users receive a $0.50 discount on
by the federal government, the District of Columbia,bus-to-rail and rail-to-bus transfers.
Virginia, and Maryland, with planning power for theOn January 7, 2010, the WMATA board approved
system being transferred to it from the NCTA.hearings to consider a temporary 10-cent fare
Interior of a rehabilitated Breda carincrease on rail and bus fares to take effect in April
WMATA approved plans for a 98-mile (158 km)through July 2010 in order to make up for a budget
regional system in 1968, and construction began in 1969,shortfall. The increase was approved, took effect on
with groundbreaking on December 9. The systemFebruary 28, 2010, and will last until June 27, 2010.
opened March 27, 1976, with 4.6 miles (7 kilometers)Future expansion
available on the Red Line with five stations fromMap of what the Metro system might look like in 2030,
Rhode Island Avenue to Farragut North, all in thebased on an April 24, 2008 proposal to the Metro
District of Columbia. Arlington County, Virginia wasboard. In addition to the Silver Line, map shows several
linked to the system on July 1, 1976; Montgomerylight rail lines, service modifications, and a re-aligned
County, Maryland on February 6, 1978; Prince George'sBlue line.
County, Maryland on November 20, 1978; and FairfaxWMATA expects an average of one million riders
County, Virginia and Alexandria, Virginia on Decemberdaily by 2030. The need to increase capacity has
17, 1983.renewed plans to add 220 cars to the system and
The 103-mile (166 km), 83-station system wasreroute trains to alleviate congestion at the busiest
completed with the opening of the Green Linestations. Population growth in the region has also
segment to Branch Avenue on January 13, 2001. Thisrevived efforts to extend service, build new stations,
did not mean the end of the growth of the system: aand construct additional lines.
3.22-mile (5.18 km) extension of the Blue Line to LargoSilver Line
Town Center and Morgan Boulevard opened onThe most prominent expansion is the Silver Line, a
December 18, 2004. The first in-fill station, New York23-mile (37 km) extension from the Orange Line into
Avelorida Aveallaudet U on the Red Line betweenLoudoun County, Virginia by way of Tysons Corner
Union Station and Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood,and Washington Dulles International Airport. Rail to
opened November 20, 2004, and planning is underwayDulles has been discussed since the system opened in
for an extension to Dulles Airport.1976. The current Silver Line project was formally
Station display indicating approximate wait-time forproposed in 2002 and initially approved by the Federal
upcoming trainsTransit Administration in 2004. After several delays,
Metro construction required billions of federal dollars,federal funding for the Silver Line was secured in
originally provided by Congress under the authority ofDecember 2008 and construction began in March
the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 (Public2009. The line will be constructed in two phases: to
Law 91-143). The cost was paid with 90% federalWiehle Avenue in Reston, Virginia in 2013, and to
money and 10% local money. This act was amendedVirginia Route 772, beyond Dulles Airport, in 2015.
on January 3, 1980 by Public Law 96-184, "The NationalBlue Line realignment
Capital Transportation Amendment of 1979" (alsoBlue Line trains share a single tunnel with Orange Line
known as the Stark-Harris Act), which authorizedtrains in order to cross the Potomac River. The current
additional funding of $1.7 billion to permit the completiontunnel limits service in each direction, creating a choke
of 89.5 miles (144.0 km) of the system as providedpoint. A 2001 proposal would have rerouted the Blue
under the terms of a full funding grant agreementLine between the Rosslyn and Stadium-Armory
executed with WMATA in July 1986, which requiredstations by building a bridge or tunnel from Virginia to a
25% to be paid from local funds. On November 15,new station in Georgetown. The proposal was later
1990, Public Law 101-551, "The National Capitalrejected due to cost. In October 2008, Metro released
Transportation Amendments of 1990", authorized ana study on the possibility of rerouting some Blue Line
additional $1.3 billion in federal funds for construction oftrains over the 14th Street Bridge, currently used by
the remaining 13.5 miles (21.7 km) of the 103-mileYellow Line trains. This Blue Line realignment would
(166 km) system, completed via the execution of fullincrease service directly to downtown and relieve
funding grant agreements, with a 63% federal/37%congestion at the Rosslyn tunnel. If implemented, the
local matching.new service between Franconiapringfield and
The highest ridership for a single day was on the dayGreenbelt stations may be referred to as a new line.
of the inauguration of Barack Obama, January 20,Fort Belvoir and Fort Meade extensions
2009, with 1,120,000 riders. It broke the previous record,In 2005, the Defense Department announced that it
set the day before, of 866,681 trips. June 2008 setwould be shifting 18,000 jobs to Fort Belvoir in Virginia
several ridership records: it set the single-monthand at least 5,000 jobs to Fort Meade in Maryland by
ridership record of 19,729,641 total riders, the record for2012, as part of that year's Base Realignment and
highest average weekday ridership with 772,826Closure plan. In anticipation of such a move, local
weekday trips, had five of the ten highest ridershipofficials and the military proposed extending the Blue
days, and had 12 weekdays in which ridership exceedand Green Lines to service each base. The proposed
800,000 trips.extension of the Green Line could cost $100 million per
In February 2006, Metro officials chose Randi Miller, amile, and a light rail extension to Fort Belvoir was
car dealership employee from Woodbridge, Virginia, toestimated to cost up to $800 million. Neither proposal
record new "doors opening", "doors closing", andhas established timelines for planning or construction.
"please stand clear of the doors, thank you"Potomac Yard station
announcements after winning an open contest toIn 2008, officials began to explore the possibility of
replace the messages recorded by Sandy Carroll inadding a station in the Potomac Yard area of
1996.Alexandria on the Blue and Yellow Lines between the
Metro networkNational Airport and Braddock Road stations. The
See also: List of Washington Metro stationsproject remains in the exploratory stages, and
System mapsconstruction funding (estimated at $150 million) has not
Stylized map of existing lines and stations, based onbeen approved.
official published mapNon-Metrorail projects
Map of system drawn to scaleProposed route of the Purple Line
Since opening in 1976, the Metro network has grownA number of light rail and urban streetcar projects
to include five lines, 86 stations, and 106.3 mileshave been proposed to extend or supplement service
(171.1 km) of track. The rail network is designedprovided by Metro. Like the Silver Line in Virginia, the
according to a spoke-hub distribution paradigm, with railproposed Purple Line has been in planning since the
lines running between downtown Washington and its1980s. The project was originally envisioned as a
nearby suburbs. The system makes extensive use ofcircular heavy rail line connecting the outer stations on
interlining  running more than one service on the sameeach branch of Metrorail system, in a pattern roughly
track. There are five operating lines and one line undermirroring the Capital Beltway. The current proposal
construction:would create a light rail system in Maryland between
Line Namethe Bethesda and New Carrollton stations by way of
OpenedSilver Spring and College Park. Such a plan would
Stationsconnect both branches of the Red Line to the Green
Terminiand Orange Lines, and would decrease the travel time
 between suburban Metro stations. The project is still
Red Lineundergoing regulatory approval but has received
1976significant backing from local officials and Maryland
27lawmakers in January 2009.
Shady Grove - GlenmontThe Corridor Cities Transitway (CCT) would link
 Clarksburg, Maryland in northern Montgomery County
Blue Linewith the Shady Grove station on the Red Line. The
1977CCT is currently scheduled to open in 2016. In 2005, a
27Maryland lawmaker proposed a light rail system to
Franconiapringfield - Largo Town Centerconnect areas of Southern Maryland, especially the
 rapidly-growing area around the town of Waldorf, to
Orange Linethe Branch Avenue station on the Green Line. The
1978project is still in the planning stages.
26In Washington, a new DC Streetcar system is under
Vienna/Fairfax-GMU - New Carrolltonconstruction to link various neighborhoods to
 Washington Metro stations. The first tram line will
Yellow Lineconnect Bolling Air Force Base to the Anacostia
1983station and is expected to open in late 2009. Streetcar
17routes have been proposed in the Atlas District, Capitol
Huntington - Fort Totten / Mt Vernon Sq/7thHill, and the K Street corridor. In Virginia, the Pike Transit
St-Convention CenterInitiative is a streetcar project that will link Annandale,
 Virginia along Columbia Pike to the Pentagon City
Green Linestation in Arlington. The streetcars are expected to
1991begin service in 2011.
21See also
Branch Ave - GreenbeltList of rapid transit systems
 List of United States rapid transit systems by ridership
Silver Line (under construction)Transportation in Washington, D.C.
2013United States Capitol Subway System
23References
Route 772 - Stadium-Armory^ Dawson, Christie R. (June 8, 2009). "Heavy Rail
There are 40 stations in the District of Columbia, 14 inTransit Ridership Report, First Quarter 2009". American
Prince George's County, 12 in Montgomery County, 11 inPublic Transportation Association. Retrieved
Arlington County, 6 in Fairfax County, and 3 in the City2009-08-16.  See also:
of Alexandria. The Silver Line will add 11 new stations,^ Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority,
8 in Fairfax County and 3 in Loudoun County, Virginia.Frequently Asked Questions, accessed July 2009:
About 50 miles (80 km) of Metro's track is"What do I need to know to build near Metro
underground, as are 47 of the 86 stations. Track runsproperty? Metro reviews designs and monitors
underground mostly within the District and high-densityconstruction of projects adjacent to Metrorail and
suburbs. Surface track accounts for about 46 milesMetrobus property..."
(74 km) of the total, and aerial track makes up^ a b c d e f g "WMATA Facts". WMATA. August
9 miles (14 km). At 196 feet (60 m) below the2008. Retrieved 2009-01-27. 
surface, the Forest Glen station on the Red Line is the^ Dawson, Christie (December 4, 2008). "Heavy Rail
deepest in the system. There are no escalators;Rapid Transit Ridership Report, Third Quarter 2008".
high-speed elevators take 20 seconds to travel fromAmerican Public Transportation Association. Retrieved
the street to the station platform. The Wheaton station,2009-01-27. 
next to Forest Glen station on the Red Line, has the^ a b c "215 million people rode Metro in fiscal year
second-longest continuous escalator in the world, the2008". WMATA. July 8, 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-27. 
longest in the Western Hemisphere, at 230 feet^ "Harland Bartholomew: His Contributions to American
(70 m). The Rosslyn station is the deepest station onUrban Planning" (PDF). American Planning Association.
the Orange/Blue Line, at 97 feet (30 m) below streetRetrieved 2006-11-22. 
level. The station features the third-longest continuous^ Schrag, Zachary (2006). The Great Society Subway:
escalator in the world at 205 feet (62 m); anA History of the Washington Metro. Johns Hopkins
escalator ride between the street level and theUniversity Press. ISBN ISBN 0-8018-8246-X. 
mezzanine level takes nearly two minutes.^ a b c d "WMATA History" (PDF). WMATA.
The system is not centered on any single station, butRetrieved 2009-01-26. 
Metro Center is at the intersection of the Red, Orange^ a b Schrag, Zachary M.. "Planning: The Adopted
and Blue Lines, the three busiest lines. The station isRegional System, 1966-1968". Retrieved 2006-08-17. 
also the location of WMATA's main sales office.^ "Washington, DC Metrorail Construction". Federal
Metro has designated five other "core stations" thatTransit Administration. Retrieved 17 December 2008. 
have high passenger volume, including: Gallery^ WMATA (2009-01-21). "Metro sets new record for
Placehinatown, transfer station for the Red, Green andhighest ridership day of all time". Press release.
Yellow Lines; L'Enfant Plaza, transfer station for the^ Layton, Lyndsey (February 2, 2006). "Metro Chooses
Orange, Blue, Green and Yellow Lines; Union Station,New oors' Voice". The Washington Post: p. B01.
the busiest station by passenger boardings; Farragut^ "Construction". Metropolitan Washington Airports
North; and Farragut West. In order to deal with the highAuthority. Retrieved 2009-04-21. 
number of passengers in transfer stations, Metro is^ "Dulles Metrorail Project Overview". Metropolitan
studying the possibility of building pedestrianWashington Airports Authority. Retrieved 2009-01-28. 
connections between nearby core transfer stations.^ "Discover A New Horizon". Rosslyn Magazine 1 (2):
For example, a 750-foot (230 m) passage between21. Summer 2006. 
Metro Center and Gallery Place stations would allow^ a b "Media Guide 2008". WMATA. Retrieved
passengers to transfer between the Orange/Blue and2009-01-28. 
Yellow/Green Lines without going one stop on the Red^ a b "Core Stations Capacity Enhancements".
Line. Another tunnel between Farragut West andWMATA. October 21, 2008. Facilities.pdf. Retrieved
Farragut North stations would allow transfers between2009-01-28. 
the Red and Orange/Blue lines, decreasing transfer^ "July 4th, 2005 Operations Plan". WMATA. June 16,
demand at Metro Center by an estimated 11%.2005. Retrieved 2009-01-28. 
Metro runs special service patterns on holidays and^ "Several Metrorail stations to be entry/exit only on
when events in Washington may require additionalInauguration Day". WMATA. January 13, 2009.
service. Independence Day activities require Metro toRetrieved 2009-01-28. 
adjust service in order to provide extra capacity to^ a b "Tuesday Red Line service altered as a result of
and from the National Mall. WMATA makes similarMonday collision". WMATA press release. June 23,
adjustments during other events, such as presidential2009. Retrieved 2009-06-23. 
inaugurations. Metro has altered service and used^ "Glossary". WMATA. Retrieved 2009-01-28. 
some stations as entrances or exits only to help^ WMATA (April 9, 2009). "Metrorail system adds
manage congestion.trains to fleet". Press release. Retrieved 2009-07-16. 
Rolling stock^ "NTSB Accident Report RAR-06-01, Collision
Main article: Washington Metro rolling stockBetween Two Washington Metropolitan Area Transit
Train of Rohr cars arriving at the Cheverly stationAuthority Trains at the Woodley Park- Zoo/Adams
Metro's fleet consists of 1,126 rail cars, each 75 feetMorgan Station in Washington, D.C. November 3,
(23 m) long. Trains have a maximum speed of2004". National Transportation Safety Board. pp. 56.
59 miles per hour (95 km/h), and average 33 milesRetrieved 2009-05-04. 
per hour (53 km/h) including stops. All cars operate as^ "Railcars Semi-Annual Update". Washington
married pairs (consecutively numbered even-odd), withMetropolitan Area Transit Authority. February 8, 2007.
systems shared across the pair. Metro currentlyRetrieved 2009-01-28. 
operates 850 cars during rush hours. 814 cars are in^ "7000 Series Railcar Program: Overview". WMATA.
active service, and the remaining 36 cars composeSeptember 25, 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-28. 
gap trains to serve as backup should a train^ "Precision Station Stopping Progress Update".
experience problems.WMATA. March 21, 2005. Retrieved 2009-01-27. 
Metro's rolling stock was acquired in six phases, and^ La Vigne, Nancy G. (November 1997) (PDF). Visibility
each version of car is identified with a separate seriesand Vigilance: Metro's Situational Approach to
number. The original order of 300 rail cars (290 ofPreventing Subway Crime (Research in Brief). National
which are in operation as of June 2009[update]) wasInstitute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice.
manufactured by Rohr Industries, with final delivery in^ a b La Vigne, Nancy G. (1996). "Safe Transport:
1978. These cars are numbered 10001299 and wereSecurity by Design on the Washington Metro (Chapter
rehabilitated in the mid-1990s. Breda Costruzioni6)". in Clarke, Ronald V. (editor). Preventing Mass
Ferroviarie (Breda) manufactured the second order ofTransit Crime. Criminal Justice Press. ISBN
76 cars delivered in 1983 and 1984. These cars,1881798283. 
numbered 20002075, were rehabilitated in the early^ "Metro Transit Police". WMATA. Retrieved
2000s by Alstom in Hornell, New York. A third order of2006-08-19. 
288 cars, also from Breda, were delivered between^ Sullivan, Emmet G. (2003-09-30). "Hedgepeth v.
1984 and 1988. These cars are numbered 30003291WMATA, et al." (PDF). United States District Court for
and were rehabilitated by Alstom in the early 2000s.the District of Columbia.
An order of 100 cars from Breda, numbered^ Hedgepeth v. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit
40004099, were delivered between 1992 and 1994. AAuthority, 386 F.3d 1148 (D.C. Cir. 2004) (Argued
fifth order of 192 cars was manufactured bySeptember 17, 2004 decided October 26, 2004)
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) of^ Layton, Lyndsey (2003-01-05). "If You Have to Go,
Spain. These cars are numbered 50005191 and werePerhaps Soon You Can Go on Metro". The
delivered from 2001 through 2004. A sixth order of 184Washington Post: p. C04.
cars from Alstom Transportation was delivered^ WMATA (August 10, 2006). "Metro steps up security
between 2005 and 2007. The cars have body shellsas a precaution after foiled London terror plot". Press
built in Barcelona, Spain with assembly completed inrelease.
Hornell, New York.^ Lena H. Sun (2008-10-28). "Metro to Randomly
The 7000 series of cars, currently in development, areSearch Riders' Bags". The Washington Post: p. A01.
planned to go into service beginning in 2012. The new^ Appeals court decision: Brieant, Charles L.; Newman
cars will be different from previous models in that theyand Straub, Circuit Judges (August 11, 2006). "Brendan
will operate as quads instead of pairs. The new designMacWade and four other Plaintiffs v. Raymond Kelly,
will allow for increased passenger capacity, eliminationDefendant". Americans for Effective Law
of redundant equipment, greater energy efficiency, andEnforcement. Retrieved November 7, 2009.  Original
lower maintenance costs. Metro plans to eventuallycomplaint: New York Civil Liberties Foundation (August
purchase up to 748 cars to increase system capacity4, 2005). "MacWade v. Kelly" (PDF). FindLaw.
and replace its older rolling stock.Retrieved November 7, 2009. 
Signaling and operation^ "News Q & A: MTPD Security Inspection
Main article: Washington Metro signaling and operationProgram". WMATA. Retrieved 2009-01-27. 
During normal passenger operation on revenue tracks,^ "Metro Transit's Top Cop Discusses New Search
trains are controlled by an integrated Automatic TrainPolicy". The Washington Post. 2008-10-28. Retrieved
Operation and Automatic Train Control system that2009-01-27. 
accelerates and brakes the trains automatically without^ "Bruce Schneier Talks Metro Bag Searches". The
operator intervention. However, all trains are mannedWashington Post. 2008-10-31. Retrieved 2009-01-27. 
with train operators who close the doors (they can be^ Dr. Gridlock (2008-12-07). "Discussion Overdue On
set to open automatically), make stationMetrorail Bag-Search Policy". The Washington Post:
announcements, and supervise their trains. Thep. C02.
operator can manually drive a train when necessary.^ Becker, Jo; Lyndsey Layton (2005-06-06). "Safety
SecurityWarnings Often Ignored at Metro". The Washington
Main article: Metro Transit Police DepartmentPost. Retrieved 2009-06-25. 
Metro planners designed the system with passenger^ "Railroad Accident Report: Collision of Washington
safety and order maintenance as primaryMetropolitan Area Transit Authority Train T-111 with
considerations. The open vaulted ceiling design ofStanding Train at Shady Grove Passenger Station,
stations and the limited obstructions on platforms allowGaithersburg, Maryland, January 6, 1996". National
few opportunities to conceal criminal activity. StationTransportation Safety Board. 1996-10-29. Retrieved
platforms are built away from station walls to limit2009-01-27. 
vandalism and provide for diffused lighting of the^ Layton, Lyndsey; Steven Ginsberg (2004-11-04). "20
station from recessed lights. Metro's attempts toInjured in Crash of 2 Red Line Trains". The Washington
reduce crime, combined with how the stationPost: pp. A01. Retrieved 2009-01-27. 
environments were designed with crime prevention in^ Sun, Lena H. (2006-03-23). "Dozing Operator Blamed
mind, has contributed to Metro being among the safestin Rail Accident". The Washington Post: p. A01.
and cleanest subway systems in the United States.^ "Metro: Train operator not using cell phone 
Metro is patrolled by its own police force, which iswtop.com". 2009-06-25. Retrieved 2009-07-16. 
charged with ensuring the safety of passengers and^ "Metro  Home page". Retrieved 2009-07-16. 
employees. Transit Police officers patrol the Metro^ "Metro Trains Collide; At Least 1 Dead". Retrieved
system and Metrobuses, and they have jurisdiction and2009-07-16. 
arrest powers throughout the 1,500-square-mile^ "Photos from the scene". Retrieved 2009-07-16. 
(3,900 km2) Metro service area for crimes that occur^ "9 Killed, 76 Injured in Deadliest Disaster in Metro
on or against transit authority facilities, or withinHistory|ABC 7 News". 2009-06-23. Retrieved
150 feet (46 m) of a Metrobus stop. The Metro2009-07-16. 
Transit Police Department is the only U.S. police^ Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
agency that has local police authority in three different(November 29, 2009). "Two trains collide inside rail
"state"-level jurisdictions (Maryland, Virginia, and theyard". Press release. Retrieved 2009-11-29. 
District of Columbia).^ Klein, Allison; Martin Well (2007-01-08). "Green Line
Each city and county in the Metro service area hasMetro Train Derails; at Least 18 Hurt". The Washington
similar ordinances that regulate or prohibit vending onPost: pp. A01. Retrieved 2009-06-24. 
Metro-owned property, and which prohibit riders from^ a b Weiss, Eric M. (2007-01-09). "Federal
eating, drinking, or smoking in Metro trains, buses, andInvestigators Question Metro's Safety". The
stations; the Transit Police have a reputation forWashington Post: pp. A01. Retrieved 2009-01-27. 
enforcing these laws rigorously. One widely-publicized^ Sun, Lena H.; Daniela Dean (2008-06-10). "Metro Train
incident occurred in 2000 when police arrested aDerails, Causing Major Delays". The Washington Post:
12-year-old girl for eating french fries in thepp. B01. Retrieved 2009-06-24. 
Tenleytown-AU station. In a 2004 opinion by John^ Sun, Lena H. (2008-06-11). "Metro Says Operator
Roberts, now the Chief Justice of the United States,Wasn't First to Detect Derailment". The Washington
the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the girl's arrest.Post: pp. B01. Retrieved 2009-06-24. 
By then WMATA had answered negative publicity by^ "D.C. Metro train derails at Farragut North".
adopting a policy of first issuing warnings to juveniles,Washington Post. February 12, 2010. Retrieved
and arresting them only after three violations within aFebruary 13, 2010. 
year.^ John Hughes (July 9, 2009). "Washington Metro Train
Metro's zero-tolerance policy on food, trash and otherOperators Caught Texting Will Be Fired".
sources of disorder embodies the "broken windows"^ a b "Metrorail Fares". WMATA. Retrieved
philosophy of crime reduction. This philosophy also2009-01-27. 
extends to the use of station restroom facilities. A^ "General Manager Fiscal 2008 Proposed Operating
longstanding policy, intended to curb unlawful andand Capital Budgets". WMATA. 2006-12-14. Retrieved
unwanted activity, has been to only allow employees2009-01-27. 
to use Metro restrooms. Station managers may make^ "How to Use Metrorail Faregates, Farecards, and
exceptions for passengers with small children, thePasses". WMATA. Retrieved 2009-01-27. 
elderly, or the disabled. Metro now allows the use of^ "Metro Pass and Farecard Options". WMATA.
restrooms by passengers who gain a stationRetrieved 2009-01-27. 
manager's permission, except during periods of^ "Important Information about SmarTrip". WMATA.
heightened terror alerts.Retrieved 2009-01-27. 
Random bag searches^ Tyson, Ann Scott (January 8, 2010). "10-cent fare
On October 27, 2008, the Metro Transit Policehike proposed for Metro". Washington Post: p. B1.
Department announced plans to immediately beginRetrieved January 8, 2010. 
random searches of backpacks, purses, and other^ "Metro details improvements to meet future capacity
bags. Transit police would search riders at randomneeds". WMATA. 2008-04-18. Retrieved 2008-12-08. 
before boarding a bus or entering a station. It also^ a b "Dulles Metrorail is Coming" (PDF). Dulles Corridor
explained its intent to stop anyone acting suspiciously.Metrorail Project. April 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-25. 
Metro claims that the United States Court of Appeals^ Gardner, Amy (2008-12-04). "Silver Line To Dulles
for the Second Circuit decision in MacWade v. Kelly,Wins Crucial Federal Okay". The Washington Post:
which upheld random searches on the New York Cityp. A01. Retrieved 2008-12-07. 
Subway, allows Metro Transit Police to take similar^ "Project Timeline". Metropolitan Washington Airports
action. Metro Transit Police Chief Michael TabornAuthority. Retrieved 2009-09-14. 
stated that, if someone were to turn around and simply^ "Metro Long Range Planning". National Association to
enter the system through another escalator orRestore Pride in America's Capital. Retrieved
elevator, Metro has "a plan to address suspicious2009-01-25. 
behavior". Security specialist Bruce Schneier^ Whoriskey, Peter (2005-04-15). "Choke Point Slows
characterized the plan as "security theater against aOrange Line Trains". The Washington Post: p. B01.
movie plot threat", implying that he does not believe^ "New Rail Service, Franconia-Springfield to
that these random searches will actually help improveGreenbelt". WMATA. October 2008. Line Split RAC
security.Presentation, October 8, 2008.pdf. Retrieved
Metro Riders Advisory Council recommended to2009-01-25. 
WMATA board of directors that Metro hold at least^ Smith, Leef (2005-05-20). "Metro Studies Ft. Belvoir
one public meeting regarding the search program. AsExtension". The Washington Post: p. B01.
of December 2008[update], Metro had not conducted^ McGowan, Phillip (2005-06-09). "Fort Meade
a single bag search.proposes Metro extension". The Baltimore Sun.
Accidents^ Sun, Lena (2008-06-06). "New Push For Metro
Main article: Incidents on the Washington MetroStation in Alexandria". The Washington Post: p. B01.
Several collisions have occurred on Washington Metro,^ a b Shaver, Katherine (2009-01-23). "Leggett
resulting in injuries and fatalities, along with numerousEndorses Light-Rail Plan". The Washington Post:
derailments with few or no injuries. WMATA has beenp. B03. Retrieved 2009-01-26. 
criticized for disregarding safety warnings and advice^ "Where Would the Purple Line Go?". Sierra Club.
from experts. The Tri-State Oversight CommitteeRetrieved 2009-01-26. 
oversees WMATA, but has no regulatory authority.^ "Overview  The Purple Line". Maryland Transit
Metro's safety department is usually in charge ofAdministration. Retrieved 2009-01-26. 
investigating incidents, but cannot require other Metro^ "The Corridor Cities Transitway". Montgomery
departments to implement its recommendations.County Planning Department. Retrieved 2009-01-26. 
Collisions^ "Major Transit and HOV Improvements". Metropolitan
Accident at the Shady Grove station on January 6,Washington Council of Governments. 2008-11-19.
1996Retrieved 2009-01-26. 
During the Blizzard of 1996, on January 6, a Metro^ Paley, Amit (2005-02-15). "Dyson Pushes Light Rail,
operator was killed when a train failed to stop at theExpansion of Bridge". The Washington Post: p. SM01.
Shady Grove station. The four-car train overran the^ Sun, Lena (2008-07-13). "Transit Plan on Track". The
station platform and struck an unoccupied train thatWashington Post: p. C01. Retrieved 2008-07-13. 
was awaiting assignment. The National Transportation^ Laris, Michael (2008-01-14). "Streetcar Plan Has
Safety Board (NTSB) investigation found that theMoney and Desire". The Washington Post: p. B01.
crash was a result of a failure in the train'sRetrieved 2009-01-26. 
computer-controlled braking system. The NTSBExternal links
recommended that Metro grant train operators theWikimedia Commons has media related to:
ability to manually control the braking system, even inWashington Metro
inclement weather, and recommended that MetroWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
prohibit parked rail cars on tracks used by inboundOfficial site
trains.Metro Transit Police Official site
Accident at the Woodley Parkoo/Adams MorganStationMasters Online Neighborhood maps and
station on November 3, 2004panoramic photographs of each station
On November 3, 2004, an out-of-service Red LineMetroRiders.Org Metro Passenger Advocacy Group
train rolled backwards into the Woodley ParkooDulles Corridor Metrorail Project
Adams Morgan station and hit an in-service trainDulles Corridor Rail Association
stopped at the platform. No one was killed, but 20Building the Washington Metro
people were injured. A 14-month investigationTransit enthusiast sitesworld.nycsubway.org
concluded that the train operator was most likely notWashington Metro
alert as the train rolled backwards into the station.The Schumin Web Transit Center (Washington Metro)
Safety officials estimated that had the train been full, atOren's Transit Page (Washington, D.C.)
least 79 would have died. The train operator wasUrbanRail.net Washington Metro
dismissed and Metro officials agreed to add rollbackJohn R. Cambron. "Various Documents, Pictures and
protection to more than 300 rail cars.Maps of Washington Metro". Archived from the original
On June 22, 2009 at 5:02 p.m., two trains on the Redon 2007-05-09.
Line collided. A southbound train heading toward ShadyHome Page of John R Cambron
Grove stopped on the track short of the Fort Totten"The Pipeshaft: Infrastructure of the D.C. Metrorail".
station, and another southbound train collided with itsArchived from the original on 2007-04-17.
rear. Four of the cars were stacked on top of eachGP Bus Gallery
other, and passengers were trapped in the train. NineMaps
people died and more than 70 were injured, dozens ofInteractive map of the DC metro system that
which were described as "walking wounded".calculates distances from addresses to the nearest
According to WMATA, trains were not single-trackingMetro stop and provides useful info like next train
in the area when the crash occurred, but the trainstimes.
were on the same track. Red Line service wasGoogle Maps representation of Metrorail with address
suspended between the Fort Totten and Takomalookup.
stations, and New Hampshire Avenue was closed.An alternate Google Maps representation showing all
One of the dead was the operator of the train thatlines drawn in
collided with the stopped train.Archived version of a track map on nycsubway.org
On November 29, 2009 at approximately 3 a.m., twothat was removed post-9/11 at the request of
trains collided at the West Falls Church train yard. OneWMATA.
train pulled in and collided into the back of the otherTrack schematic of 106 Mile System
train. No customers were aboard, and only minorTrack schematic of 129 mile system (Dulles Corridor
injuries to the operators and cleaning staff wereMetrorail Project)
reported.Planned 2030 Track schematic
DerailmentsStationmasters, map of the Washington Metro with
Green Line train following the January 7, 2007360-degree photos of each station's surroundings and
derailmenthighly detailed local maps
On January 13, 1982, a train derailed at a malfunctioningWashington Metro daily rail operations visualized (Java
crossover switch south of the Federal Triangle station.applet, unofficial)
In attempting to restore the train to the rails,Equipment
supervisors failed to notice that another car had also"Document describing line nomenclature, operation and
derailed. The other rail car slid off the track and hit asignaling". Archived from the original on 2007-02-10.
tunnel support, killing three people and injuring 25."Traction Motor Repair". Swiger Coil Systems.
Coincidentally, this accident occurred as Air Florida"On Track With Added Value". Engineered Casting
Flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge during aSolutions. November/December 2005. Archived from
major snowstorm.the original on 2006-10-20.
On January 7, 2007, a Green Line train carryingWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
approximately 120 people derailed near the MountServices
Vernon Square station in downtown Washington. AtMetrorail  Metrobus
the time trains were single tracking, and the derailmentMetrorail lines
of the fifth car occurred where the train was switching     Red Line       Orange Line       Blue
from the south to northbound track. The accidentLine       Yellow Line       Green Line
injured at least 18 people and prompted the rescue ofFuture projects
60 people from a tunnel. At least one person had a     Silver Line       Purple Line  Columbia
serious but non-life-threatening injury.Pike Streetcar  DC Streetcar
The Mount Vernon Square accident was one of aGeneral managers
series of five derailments involving 5000-Series cars,Jackson Graham  Warren D. Quenstedt  Theodore
with four of those occurring on side tracks and notC. Lutz  Richard S. Page  Carmen E. Turner 
involving passengers. On June 9, 2008 an Orange LineWilliam A. Boleyn  David L. Gunn  Lawrence G.
train (2000-series) derailed between the Rosslyn andReuter  Robert Polk  Richard A. White  Dan
Court House stations.Tangherlini  John B. Catoe Jr.
On February 12, 2010, a Red Line train derailed atMiscellaneous
about 10:13 a.m. as it left the Farragut North station inList of Metro stations  Metro Access  Metro Transit
downtown Washington. After leaving the station, thePolice Department  Major incidents  Metro rolling
train entered a pocket track. As it continued, anstock  Metro signaling and operation 
automatic derailer at the end of the pocket trackSmarTripv  d  e
intentionally derailed the train as a safety measure. TheTransit in Metropolitan Washington, D.C.
wheels of the first two cars in the six-car,Agencies
White-Flint-bound train were forced off the tracks,Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority 
stopping the train. Almost all of the estimated 345Maryland Transit Administration  District of Columbia
passengers were evacuated from the damaged trainDepartment of Transportation  Northern Virginia
by 11:50 a.m. and the NTSB arrived on the accidentTransportation Commission  Potomac and
scene by 12:00 p.m. Two minor injuries were reported,Rappahannock Transportation Commission
and a third passenger was taken to GeorgeMetrorail
Washington University Hospital. The cause is under     Red Line       Orange Line       Blue
investigation.Line       Yellow Line       Green Line  List
Safety measuresof stations
On July 13, 2009, WMATA adopted a "zero tolerance"Commuter Rail
policy for train or bus operators found to be texting orMARC Train  Virginia Railway Express
using other hand-held devices while on the job. ThisBus
new and stricter policy came after investigations ofArlington Transit  Connect-a-Ride  CUE Bus 
several mass-transit accidents in the U.S. found thatDASH  DC Circulator  Fairfax Connector 
operators were texting at the time of the accident.GEORGE  Loudoun County Commuter Bus 
The policy change was announced the day after aMetrobus (list of routes)  MTA Maryland Commuter
passenger of a Metro train videotaped the operatorBus  OmniRide  Ride On  TheBus  Metro Access
texting while operating the train.Paratransit service
Fare structureFuture projects
See also: SmarTrip     Silver Line       Purple Line  Corridor
Front face of a Metro farecard, listing declining-balanceCities Transitway  DC Streetcar  K Street
value remainingBusway  Pike Transit Initiative  Crystal City -
Metro fares vary based on the distance traveled andPotomac Yard Transitwayv  d  e
the time of day at entry. During regular hoursCurrently operating heavy rail rapid transit systems in
(weekdays from opening until 9:30 a.m. and 37 p.m.,the United States
and Friday and Saturday nights from 2:00 a.m. toMBTA (Blue, Orange, and Red Lines)  MTA (New
closing), fares range from $1.65 to $4.50, depending onYork City Subway and Staten Island Railway)  Port
distance traveled. At all other times, fares are $1.45,Authority Trans-Hudson  SEPTA (Marketrankford,
$1.95, or $2.45, based on distance traveled. DiscountedBroad Street and Norristown High Speed lines) 
fares are available for school children, the disabled, andPATCO Speedline  MTA Maryland (Metro
the elderly. Metro charges reduced fares on federalSubway)  WMATA (Washington Metro)  MARTA 
holidays except those during which it provides rushMiami-Dade Transit (Metrorail)  Tren Urbano  RTA
hour service, including Columbus Day, Veterans Day,Rapid Transit (Red Line)  CTA (Chicago 'L') 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Presidents Day.BART  LACMTA (Metro Purple and Metro Red
Standard self-service vending machines for passesLines)
and farecards located at each stationCoordinates: 385357 770144 / 38.89908N 77.02897W
Riders enter and exit the system using a stored-value38.89908; -77.
card in the form of a paper magnetic stripe farecard