Mark, the Metro does, indeed, kick ass. The major complaint is that it took too long (it was supposed to be finished years ago), mainly because of engineering complications, though. (They underestimated the amount of granite they would have to tunnel through, for example). The other major complaint is that since it concentrated on relieving commuter congestion, and reducing car pollution, it served affluent neighborhoods way before poorer neighborhood, leaving them to the buses. On the other hand, it is efficient, and well- maintained. It is beautiful, and kept clean. Compared to the New York subway system, it is like riding in a luxury liner.
We live in Annapolis, and my wife has to commute to the Dupont Circle area. By car, when the traffic is light, it takes 45 minutes to an hour, but during rush hour, it would take a couple of hours, traffic is that bad. So she takes a commuter train at a station down the highway, sails into Union Station, and catches the Metro. She gets out at the north side of Dupont Circle, and walks about 10 minutes. Altogether, it takes an hour and a half, saving a half an hour, and letting her relax and get out of the car. (We will move back to DC when our son finishes high school). Apart from the length of the commute, she is very pleased with the accommodations........ |
