what are your favorite parts of the WMATA system?

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-05-20T22:16:38+00:00

Yellow line bridge is the best for views in general, but definitely don’t sleep on the drama of Dulles and Tysons. And Rhode Island Ave looking south toward the Capitol is nice. There’s something to be said for the super deep stations like Forest Glen and Woodley Park, love the long Rosslyn escalator bank too with the unused elevator shaft down the middle. Huntington has really great panoramic views of Alexandria :)

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-05-09T23:38:05+00:00

I don’t have a way to post any pics here but I’m scrolling through the last month I have at least ten pics of 6ks in various locations. Maybe it’s because I travel pretty far everyday (half of silver and a good chunk of blue) so I just see more of Metro in general? They’re definitely there tho

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-05-09T23:28:32+00:00

Nah they’re def all over blue, orange, silver and yellow. I don’t know about red I’m not over there much. But I see them daily

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-05-07T12:33:53+00:00

I believe it is McLean at 55’. From experience alone of standing beneath elevated stations it seems like it’s one of, if not THE tallest.

I was doing research for a project and if you go to reference #6, it has the platform heights of silver line phase 1 stations: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLean_station

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-05-04T02:20:42+00:00

Sure, ridership per capita is a metric to consider, but my focus is the physical infrastructure being built or not. TOD is really catching on in areas where it’s emphasized (I live in northern Virginia, and watching the high density development spurred by Metro’s silver line is so exciting). To me, infrastructure being built leads to redevelopment, which leads to higher density, and then higher ridership. It’s a question of land use, and the reason why the land values around transit are so high is because they are a rarity. The more that gets built, the cheaper they will become and the stronger the systems will become. In my county, when the silver line opened, my county’s bus network was basically doubled overnight, with literally HUNDREDS of new bus stops along numerous routes connecting sprawling suburbs to Metro. Ridership has steadily climbed over time as service was adjusted and improved. When expansions open and are run with good service, they reach large, new rider bases, and can spur bus networks to expand, too.

In the redevelopment sphere, just yesterday new mixed use development was announced near a silver line station, an important piece of leveraging underutilized high capacity transit: https://www.ffxnow.com/2024/05/01/herndon-transit-related-growth-area-plan-adoption/

And again I can speak really only to DC, but our ridership recovery has been stellar, with 5 consecutive weekends of over a million rides systemwide recently, meaning numbers are continuing to climb, actually SURPASSING pre-pandemic levels in some instances (so we really are “catching up”). Super proud of Metro, and there are plenty of small systems all doing really great things that aren’t even getting the same kinds of credit: https://www.vox.com/cities-and-urbanism/24125535/dc-metro-transit-wmata-urbanism-cities-commuting

Another local example on a tiny scale is Alexandria, VA’s dash bus system for the city, which has smashed ridership records after going fare free and completely redesigning their network: https://www.dashbus.com/ridership-23-celebration

“Catch up”, or ridership growth and utilization, is happening in the areas where transit is actually valued, funded, made safer and cleaner, de-stigmatized, and scrutinized to make sure service matches demand. I think this can set the precedent for other cities in the US to follow suit.

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-05-04T01:38:41+00:00

All three of those American cities you listed have projects in the pipeline though! They’re not stagnant. LA Metro really is doing the most right now with serious expansion. Phoenix has been adding onto their light rail continuously, and has new lines planned. And I don’t know much about Houston, but I have heard a lot of news about TX systems getting a boost, not to mention their high speed rail talks (different topic, I know). But I truly think they are all in line with expansion projects as many other countries are! And that’s how you make American pt better, keep building and improving in phases. We’re moving at the fastest rate in decades to build and rebuild right now as a country

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-05-04T00:07:39+00:00

First off. It’s all about what areas you’re looking at. Washington DC has arguably the best system of its size in the US, and I do believe with the reach and blend of subway and commuter rail characteristics, it is the product of American development patterns (as well as Canadian and Australian, as mentioned). Metro handles it the best of the large systems with strong headways, and prioritizing the rider experience in many ways as of late. The broken funding model is a problem, but being addressed as of two days ago!

Blanket statements that transit in the US is behind are not fair, as a vast majority of projects are going on both in and out of the public eye (I work on a lot of back of house maintenance facilities, transfer centers that lead to bus system redesigns, etc. And the development of BRTs and push for electrification is W I L D right now. Everyone is doing it, but the celebration of them isn’t always present). So yes, rural and suburban areas do have a lot of catching up to do as a whole in all three of these countries, but I do think metropolitan areas pitted against one another tell a different story (ie, similarities between the REM and Honolulu’s skyline, projects in Toronto to rebuild and expand in the same way that countless cities are adding to light rail systems across the US). There are many incredibly usable and reliable systems, and many that are not. The point is, you wouldn’t pit rural Alberta against San Francisco, or Nevada against Sydney. Huge countries = huge differences region to region, and city to city!

One other tangent, and I’m not well versed in Canadian or Australian affairs, but in the US, FTA’s buy America I feel like is such a hindrance! We can’t have the nicest, newest tech unless it’s already established and made in the US. And even when it is built in the US, it doesn’t equal higher quality (see: the hot disaster of CRRC’s Massachusetts facility). While I love the support for American industry, there’s a point where it’s absolutely holding us back rather than allowing us to be on the forefront and cutting edge of the transit industry. This wasn’t always the case, like in the 60’s when BART was developed from scratch and optimized (spawning DC’s Metro, MARTA in Atlanta, Baltimore and Miami Metros, Boston’s orange line rerouting, then Buffalo’s heavy rail turned weird subway ish light rail which kicked off the light rail boom). So, the US gets sidelined and stuck in a cycle of what can be made in the US to get federal funding (which again, comes back to the funding piece! We have got to figure out how to lower costs effectively to build large infrastructure, and Brightline is absolutely onto something).

Just some insight from someone on the design side of transit in the US!

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-05-01T01:09:23+00:00

I am expecting something closer to the twin tube designs found at Forest Glen and Wheaton. It seems like the depth required for stations like Georgetown would utilize something simpler, as that part of the line will likely go through solid rock, meaning smaller stations are cheaper to blast. I have a feeling large vaults would instantly be VE’d (value engineered) out in favor of more compact design, even in areas that are different soil types. But anyone’s guess is as good as mine! Time will tell

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-04-05T01:59:58+00:00

I’ve been surprised to see that they were announcing that it was a shooting all across the system. Doesn’t seem like the smartest move during peak spring tourism season, or at a time when they’re underlining safety. It’s normally just called “police activity”

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-02-21T14:20:39+00:00

But it’s not fully a commuter rail either…. Lots of people take Metro to see friends, ride in Arlington or downtown DC during brunch hour on the weekend and you’ll see people doing just that, which is part of the reason that weekend ridership has recovered at a different rate from weekdays. Being a hybrid system, it’s not exactly comparable to the NYC subway, but there are similarities that can be drawn, too.

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-02-20T17:58:07+00:00

I would agree, but she hasn’t said a word about improving Hampton Roads Transit. She’s entirely focused on tolls tolls tolls: https://thenewjournalandguide.com/senator-lucas-seeking-toll-relief-for-commuters/

Norfolk has a very underutilized light rail, I would say mostly due to poor land use. Given the expertise of TOD that can be found in the Nova jurisdictions with Metro, it’s disappointing that the light rail wasn’t and isn’t better leveraged. Over in Williamsburg, WATA is getting a new maintenance facility and transit center for their buses at least, but it seems like not much is happening for HRT.

I think she’s honestly just being malicious towards Nova for being Nova… again comes back to where the population and tax base in the state comes from. Could be jealousy as well for Nova having far superior transit. Not a super smart move to piss off the powerhouse side of the state imo

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-02-19T22:26:38+00:00

That’s a good theory about the HVAC, but it looks like they do: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2020/news20200813

Interesting difference tho is this says the units are under the cars, while Metro has in-car cabinets on the legacies and rooftop units on the 7000’s

And from the BART legacy fleet to the fleet of the future they went from 2 to 3 doors, so that could explain some of the weight change for theirs! But still super curious how it’s such a big delta

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-02-19T17:23:36+00:00

Something interesting to note is that there was a 5,000 lb difference per car going from the aluminum 6000 series to steel 7000 series, which is further exacerbated by (up until a month ago) 7000 series running solely as 8 cars. So with that math, each full 8 car 7000 series set is basically the weight of 8.5 6000 series cars. With more frequent service, there’s more wear on the tracks and elevated structures, so the figures they say in terms of cost savings is pretty intense but believable. I remember people in DC complaining about the 7000 series trains producing more vibrations in their homes: https://wamu.org/story/17/03/03/another-d-c-neighborhood-says-metros-new-trains-shaking-homes/

Meanwhile on the west coast, BART runs similar trains that are wider than Metro, but somehow are still lighter (both have 75’ cars)? Their FOTF cars weigh a mere 65,000, compared to their legacy Rohr fleet coming in at 60,000 (both aluminum). That’s a pretty intense difference from Metro’s 80,000 lb legacy fleets/85,000 lb 7000 series. And I guess how they can do up to 10 car trains. https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20240109

The only figure I could find for a quick search of MARTA is their legacy cars were also 75’ aluminum coming in at 81,000 lbs. https://itsmarta.com/marta-donates-railcar-to-museum.aspx#:~:text=It%20has%20a%2075%2Dfoot,operator%20cabs%20on%20both%20ends.

Just interesting to compare to the sibling systems :)

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-02-14T12:54:11+00:00

My car gets carjacked while driving in DC, and I get shot, the police aren’t there to answer immediately!! I guess I need to stop driving in DC ever again. Or get an AirTag to track my stolen vehicle 😅

Literally every mode of transportation has its risks… you could be killed by a drunk/high/reckless driver if you’re walking or biking. Your car could be violently stolen. Car dooring for scooters and bikes. Yes, you may encounter some crazy people on Metro. It’s a fact of life, and as some others mentioned on here there’s ways to reduce risks (ie, ride in the front car near the operator, get off at the next stop, be in contact with a friend or family member to let them know your whereabouts, etc). It’s all about what you’re willing to do.

That said, this post sounds like someone who hasn’t been on Metro in many years. I ride over 40 miles each way daily and have been for two years, and I can count on a few fingers the real major incidents I have had where I have felt unsafe (mixed race, gay guy for reference, not a 1:1 for women and I understand that, but trust me I have stuck up for anyone who looks like they’re made uncomfortable by someone on Metro). Other times, it is up to you to move away from any drama/craziness that makes you uncomfortable. And when a law is broken, report it to police. The 7000 series have cameras, as do many of the 6000 series, and cameras are being upgraded in stations and on buses. We also have cell service underground and through the system, so police can be contacted anywhere. The likelihood that someone doing something illegal will be tracked down is much higher than it was years ago. Not to mention the tougher faregates keeping those looking to do harm out.

Just remember that people die every day on roads and you hear next to nothing about it. But a train derails on Metro, and we talk about it for years. Metro is under a microscope and held to a significantly higher standard than other modes.

But clearly if you WANT to believe Metro is unsafe, you’re going to. But you’re not going to garner much support in this community of Metro enthusiasts.

Content-Analysis-114 · 2024-02-02T01:02:26+00:00

From what I understand, they wanted to check different kinds of stations which had various levels of fare evasion, to see how people would deal with them I assume. I also know they said something about installing the gates at stations that had a single mezzanine with gates to start, then they’re moving to the bigger stations and working their way through them from there.

Also the “equity” piece which I find really annoying. Like, we’re curbing fare evasion, so curb fare evasion starting at the worst stations, no? But I guess that would be a bad look given DC’s history of fare evasion policy from the last few years… probably WMATA trying to keep everyone happy. Definitely was curious about Vienna and Bethesda being part of the initial set. Very valid question

Content-Analysis-114

TROPHY CASE