Washington Metro

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Washington Metro
System map System map
Overview
Locale	Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia
Transit type	Rapid transit
Number of lines	6
Number of stations	91
Daily ridership	626,000 (2019)
Annual ridership	182.5 million (2019)
Chief executive	Randy Clarke
Operation
Headway	4-8 minutes
Technical
System length	117 miles (188 km)
Track gauge	Standard gauge (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in or 1,435 mm)

The Washington Metro, commonly referred to as the Metro, is a rapid transit system serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including parts of Maryland and Virginia. It is operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The system opened on March 27, 1976, and has since grown to include six lines, 91 stations, and 117 miles (188 km) of track.

History

The Washington Metro was conceived in the 1960s as a solution to the growing traffic congestion in the Washington, D.C. area. Construction began in 1969, and the first segment of the system, the Red Line, opened in 1976. The system expanded rapidly in the following decades, with the most recent addition being the Silver Line, which opened in 2014.

Lines and Stations

The Washington Metro consists of six lines, each identified by a color:

• Red Line
• Blue Line
• Orange Line
• Yellow Line
• Green Line
• Silver Line

The system's 91 stations are strategically located to serve key areas in Washington, D.C., and its suburbs. Major transfer stations include Metro Center, L'Enfant Plaza, and Gallery Place.

Operations

The Washington Metro operates from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends. Trains run at intervals of 4-8 minutes during peak hours and 12-20 minutes during off-peak times. The system uses a fare structure based on distance traveled and time of day, with higher fares during peak hours.

Safety and Security

Safety and security are major concerns for the Washington Metro. The system has implemented various measures, including surveillance cameras, emergency call boxes, and a dedicated police force, the Metro Transit Police Department. Despite these efforts, the system has faced challenges, including accidents and incidents of crime.

Future Expansion

Plans for future expansion include the completion of the Silver Line to Dulles International Airport and the construction of additional infill stations. Long-term proposals also consider the possibility of new lines and extensions to better serve the growing population of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Related Pages

• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
• Red Line (Washington Metro)
• Blue Line (Washington Metro)
• Orange Line (Washington Metro)
• Yellow Line (Washington Metro)
• Green Line (Washington Metro)
• Silver Line (Washington Metro)
• Metro Center (WMATA)
• L'Enfant Plaza (WMATA)
• Gallery Place (WMATA)