This section of InsideTransit will help you to understand how the Washington DC subway system works, pricing, routings, tips, and more.

Allen's System Overview

This May I had my first opportunity to ride the WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) and learn the workings of the system for InsideTransit. The system reminds me a lot of Atlanta's MARTA in its map design and station layout.

Some of the pros of the system:

• Excellent air conditioning - it was very warm and on each carriage I entered, the A/C was great
• Easy accessibility to the Ronald Reagan Airport - The Yellow and Blue lines stop at the airport
• Good signage in the stations showing next train and repair/maintenance work
• Excellent accessibility for handicapped/luggage - they claim that the entire system is handicapped accessible. This is the first system I have come across that makes this claim

Some of the cons of the system:

• Many of the stations are very dark - I would be a bit concerned to travel on this system late at night
• The system feels "old" -- most of the cars appear to be at least 15-20 yrs old (though I admit they are in pretty good shape)
• Too many automated announcements - one on station entry, one on station stop, one on station exit
• and the biggest con -- very, very confusing payment scheme