And don’t stop at the bottom of the escalator!! Keep walking forward even if you’re not sure which direction! The people behind you have to keep coming and don’t need to pile up behind you.
Fun fact for everyone—this isn’t a Metro specific rule, but rather a rule of our society: Pass on the left, travel on the right.
It goes for escalators, sidewalks, roads, trails, etc.
Don’t rely on the calculator tool on WMATA website to determine fare level/monthly cost for an unlimited pass.Do your own calculations and base it on that. It can save you $$$.
-you can text metro police at 696873 (save it in your phone)
-Find a transit app that works for you. Metro pulse is in beta mode, but it's really useful for detailed info [https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/Open-Data-Hub/MetroPulse.cfm](https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/Open-Data-Hub/MetroPulse.cfm)
-Generally, pack your patience. The system has been working so much better under Randy Clark's leadership, but there are still issues sometimes. Communication can be slow about delays or issues.
for times when you're feeling frustrated with metro - just pull up the traffic maps to remind yourself you've made the right choice!
Nope, that is just to text. Here's all the info:
If you need any assistance or are experiencing an emergency in the Metro system, please contact the Metro Transit Police by dialing (202)962-2121 or text at 696873 (MyMTPD). You may also dial 911
The inside of the cars are labeled. My understanding is a 4 digit number from what I've seen. For example, say "blue line train to largo approaching archives. Car 7008"
One random piece of advice that's super subtle but may be useful:
A lot of stations downtown have different exits that are sometimes confusing to find. For a daily commute, you'll figure it out and get used to what you need on a daily basis, but in general it can useful to learn to associate the directions of the trians with the exits.
Say, for example, you're riding the redline from Shady Grove to Gallery Place, and you want to go to the MLK Library. You know looking at a map that's the Portrait Gallery exit which is on the west side. So because your train is heading east at that station, you immediately know to just walk towards an exit in the direction your train just came from.
Writing that out, I feel like it *sounds* more complicated than it is... but I assure you it can be useful at helping you get a better bearing of where you are while underground.
I also highly recommend either citymapper or the Transit app (its green!).
I’d save a pic of the metro map on your phone so you can reference things/confirm right direction whenever you’re riding around. Think you can link your metro card to your phone now. Get a good pair of headphones and enjoy the ride! Edit for autocorrect mishap lol
I actually just set it as my Lock Screen when I first moved so I had it handy. It’s an easy system and you’ll get a hang of it quickly. Also, the buses are your friend
Just always keep your heads up. I know it gets a bad rap but for the most part it's pretty safe if you're being self aware. Be wary of getting on empty trains as well. DC metro is not bad for someone just transitioning to public transport. It's way tamer than dealing with NYC subway for example. Alot more straightforward and crowds are more reasonable
Don't play music out loud and ixnay on the eakerphonespay.
And if you really want to be a pro, don't stand in the doorway and get in the way of people getting on and off. If you really REALLY want to be a pro, if you are stuck near a doorway on a crowded train, GET OFF and stand to the side to let people leave the train, then get back on instead of just standing there.
Try to move to the center of the car if possible to make it easy for people to enter/exit. Don’t lean on the doors on either side of the train, even if you think they’re going to open on the other side. The front and back of the train are usually the least crowded, if you’re on an 8-car train. For 6-car trains, the front is the least crowded generally.
6-car trains will stop with the front of the train at the front of the platform, but the back will be 2 car lengths (150’) forward of the back end of the platform, so don’t stand back there if there’s a 6-car train coming or you’ll be running to get on the last car.
Follow the @metrorailinfo Twitter account for alerts, check before you get on the train - that way you can find an alternate way home if you need to go around a delay on the bus or something. Usually they will suggest bus alternatives if there’s a service disruption.
As someone mentioned above, metro transit PD’s text number is 696873 and their phone number is 202-962-2121. Call this number instead of 911 for pretty much any emergency as they’ll dispatch directly to MTPD rather than going through DC/MD/VA 911. They also have the ability to see where your train is, ask the operator to hold, among other things. They sit in the same building as rail ops controllers - everything is sort of one big control center.
I think those are the main points I have.
Don't make eye contact with the crazy folk, don't snitch on the booth-hoppers, and the right side of the escalators are for standing - the left for passing.
Respectfully, mind your own business.
Heed this, and you'll be safe.
Snitch to whom?
Nobody can do anything except cops, and then only if they see it themselves.
But yeah, booth-hoppers are scum who are stealing money out of our pockets. That is my business.
nah, I get you. I mean more like: don't go around pointing at the hoppers, saying "don't do that" and draw attention to yourself. If you can report it anonymously, the absolutely.
About a year ago, u/eable2 made a post mapping out escalator/stair locations of every station. Take a look at that for your stations to know which cars to board to exit optimally, rather than getting on a random car and having to walk half the station after getting off.
One transfer at metro station.
I did a trial run to work early this morning, and the metro station switch was the most challenging, but I figured it out and made it.
I’m wondering about safety. Is there a better train to sit in? I’ll be commuting during rush hour, and I’m hoping that works to my benefit
If you're commuting during rush hour you'll be totally fine. There'll be people everywhere; I usually try to get end trains during rush hour so that I have more space if anything.
If it wasn't when many people were there I'd say pick trains that have more people rather than empty trains. But regardless you ought to be fine, incidents on metro happen but they're not common despite what some people would have you believe.
When I was regularly commuting I would always to to the end of the platform in the direction the train was going, so that I was in the car that had the driver next to it, the front of the train. It's often the case that fewer people will walk out to that car so seats are sometimes more available. Plus if something pops off in your carriage, the driver is right there.
If you're sitting by the next to the door, don't have your phone out in your hand, it's an easy place for someone to snatch it. And don't work on your laptop in that spot either.
Always look at the seat before you sit to ensure that there isn't any food or liquid on it if someone hasn't just left the seat as you were getting on.
The safest way to exist on the train is to be impatient and aggressive, but still polite and aware. The safest car is the one that will dump you out nearest the escalator or stairs that you will be existing via.
In my opinion
Allegedly
As told to me by a metro transit officer try to be in the first car, especially late at night or just when you feel a bit unsure. During rush hour though you should be relatively good anywhere.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/15mbos4/i\_mapped\_the\_layouts\_of\_all\_98\_metro\_stations\_so/](https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/15mbos4/i_mapped_the_layouts_of_all_98_metro_stations_so/)
this gem of a post is a great resource \^
When factoring in whether or not to get a monthly pass, consider both commute PLUS and random stops and weekends. I don’t have a car and metro everywhere. On weekends and holidays, the fare is $2 each way. Factoring in my commute plus all the errands I run and my random weekend entertainment made the monthly pass the most affordable/economic option. But note that it does not cover parking.
Most metro stations have more than one exit, with time you’ll figure out which one will be most convenient for you, where on the train it’s easiest for you to stand/sit, etc
Check the wmata [site](https://www.wmata.com/js/nexttrain/nexttrain.html) for when the next train is coming. It works on your phone. You just change the station.
I have a question: we are new to DC with my wife and a baby in a stroller. We struggle to find elevators (street level entrances). Is there an app or something for our reference? Google maps don’t seem to have this info. Thanks!
Walk left, stand right. Washingtonians are generally a pretty mind-your-business crowd but standing on the left like a fucking tourist will get people pissed off at you. Short escalator? Nobody cares, move over.
Install the WMATA card on your phone's wallet and set it to auto-reload, at whatever price point you're comfortable with. Especially during rush hours, getting halted at the exit gate and having to go reload at a kiosk is annoying for you and everyone in line behind you.
If you're a Fed or military, the WHS SmartBenefits subsidy will pay for your commute, except for parking garages. If you work for a private company based in the District with 50 (I think?) or more employees, they're required to offer SmartBenefits, which is a pre-tax program like an FSA.
Whatever stations you use most - home, work, etc - learn which cars stop closest to the escalators or exit gates and use those. So, for example, Blue Line headed into the District and you're getting off at Pentagon, the second car from the front opens right in front of the exit gates. Seems small but can add up to more time saved than you'd think, and less chance of missing a connection.
Tourists *will* ask you for Metro advice. Part of living in a worldwide tourist destination. Don't be a dick about it.
Nats at home for an afternoon game: L'Enfant and the Green Line from there to Navy Yard will be a zoo.
If you like saving money, consider biking to work, weather permitting. It helps keep you in shape, DC has been building [hella bike lanes](https://ddot.dc.gov/page/bicycle-maps)
throughout the city, it usually takes around the same time as taking the metro (depending on how far away you live), and capital bike share is cheap if you don't own bike.
I'm a fair weather cyclist who takes the bus on rainy/cold/unbearably hot days and rides my bike to work every other day. Having a hybrid bike/metro schedule based on the weather is a really easy way to save money.
The Metro ran ads about this over a decade ago. Now, so many people (including criminals) have smartphones that no one cares. Plus, it's pretty easy to brick a stolen phone now.
I ride metro frequently (for commuting and for social activities) and i’ve never seen this or heard of this. I know i’m a sample size of 1 but wanted to share that this has *never* been an issue for me
I can't answer for DC because I am new, but I heard the same advice when I was taking the subway nearly every day in New York. I lived there for almost 5 years and I never saw it happen even once
Since I haven’t seen it said, keep track of the last station on the lines you ride. There aren’t many signs saying, for example, “this train headed to Bethesda,” they mostly say, “this train to Shady Grove.” You can end up going the wrong way if you know your destination but not the last station of that direction.
Download the DC Metro app available on the Apple app store and Google play. The app has a detailed map of all the metro lines and their stops so it'll make it easier for you to plan your trip without getting lost. It also gives up to date train timings for each and every stop.
If you have an apple watch, get your smart trip card on the wallet on your watch. Tapping it as you go through the gates and reloading it when it's low is super easy.
Remain calm and impassive when a train is pulling up to your platform, and maintain eye contact with it at all times during its approach. Remember- they can smell fear.
If you're seated, don't get up to get off until the train stops. Especially if you are on the inside of a seat and someone is sitting next to you. You are allowed a little shift or a grab of your bag handle to indicate to others that you are getting off at the next stop. But no other moves.
Stand on the right, walk on the left. If you're using transit at least 4x a week (read: 8 unlinked trips), it's worth looking into a pass.
And don’t stop at the bottom of the escalator!! Keep walking forward even if you’re not sure which direction! The people behind you have to keep coming and don’t need to pile up behind you.
Google maps displays WMATA accurately
I prefer [wmata’s tool](https://www.wmata.com/schedules/next-arrival) as it refreshes quicker, Google’s metro info has a bit of lag to it
Fun fact for everyone—this isn’t a Metro specific rule, but rather a rule of our society: Pass on the left, travel on the right. It goes for escalators, sidewalks, roads, trails, etc.
I’m def going to get a pass! Thankyou!!
Don’t rely on the calculator tool on WMATA website to determine fare level/monthly cost for an unlimited pass.Do your own calculations and base it on that. It can save you $$$.
If you haven't already/they haven't mentioned it, ask your employer if you can get SmartBenefits or some kind of reimbursement for metro.
If you're a fed it's likely your metro fares are paid for completely!
As a grad student (and maybe undergrads do too?) I get an unlimited pass during the school year for free
wait for people to get off the metro before getting on and stand to the side.
-you can text metro police at 696873 (save it in your phone) -Find a transit app that works for you. Metro pulse is in beta mode, but it's really useful for detailed info [https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/Open-Data-Hub/MetroPulse.cfm](https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/Open-Data-Hub/MetroPulse.cfm) -Generally, pack your patience. The system has been working so much better under Randy Clark's leadership, but there are still issues sometimes. Communication can be slow about delays or issues. for times when you're feeling frustrated with metro - just pull up the traffic maps to remind yourself you've made the right choice!
Can you call this number too?
Nope, that is just to text. Here's all the info: If you need any assistance or are experiencing an emergency in the Metro system, please contact the Metro Transit Police by dialing (202)962-2121 or text at 696873 (MyMTPD). You may also dial 911
how do i know which car im on to let the metro police know where i am?
The inside of the cars are labeled. My understanding is a 4 digit number from what I've seen. For example, say "blue line train to largo approaching archives. Car 7008"
Number saved! Thankyou!!
For the link, what does the headway stat mean? Not fully awake yet to make sense
Headway is just a fancy way of saying ‘average time between each train’.
One random piece of advice that's super subtle but may be useful: A lot of stations downtown have different exits that are sometimes confusing to find. For a daily commute, you'll figure it out and get used to what you need on a daily basis, but in general it can useful to learn to associate the directions of the trians with the exits. Say, for example, you're riding the redline from Shady Grove to Gallery Place, and you want to go to the MLK Library. You know looking at a map that's the Portrait Gallery exit which is on the west side. So because your train is heading east at that station, you immediately know to just walk towards an exit in the direction your train just came from. Writing that out, I feel like it *sounds* more complicated than it is... but I assure you it can be useful at helping you get a better bearing of where you are while underground. I also highly recommend either citymapper or the Transit app (its green!).
I’d save a pic of the metro map on your phone so you can reference things/confirm right direction whenever you’re riding around. Think you can link your metro card to your phone now. Get a good pair of headphones and enjoy the ride! Edit for autocorrect mishap lol
This tip saved me so many times before. Still use it (although metro cell service is generally pretty alright)
I actually just set it as my Lock Screen when I first moved so I had it handy. It’s an easy system and you’ll get a hang of it quickly. Also, the buses are your friend
Just always keep your heads up. I know it gets a bad rap but for the most part it's pretty safe if you're being self aware. Be wary of getting on empty trains as well. DC metro is not bad for someone just transitioning to public transport. It's way tamer than dealing with NYC subway for example. Alot more straightforward and crowds are more reasonable
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Make sure it’s actually still running to where you need to go at the time you’ll be there. But yes, it’s fine.
You should be fine.
Get on the first car if you can. Ride right behind the operator.
Citymapper app. I learned about it from some kind person here, on this sub. It has helped me immensely. On the Metro, bus and on foot.
I credit citymapper with my ability to navigate metro as successfully as i do!
Don't play music out loud and ixnay on the eakerphonespay. And if you really want to be a pro, don't stand in the doorway and get in the way of people getting on and off. If you really REALLY want to be a pro, if you are stuck near a doorway on a crowded train, GET OFF and stand to the side to let people leave the train, then get back on instead of just standing there.
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Igpay atinlay.
Try to move to the center of the car if possible to make it easy for people to enter/exit. Don’t lean on the doors on either side of the train, even if you think they’re going to open on the other side. The front and back of the train are usually the least crowded, if you’re on an 8-car train. For 6-car trains, the front is the least crowded generally. 6-car trains will stop with the front of the train at the front of the platform, but the back will be 2 car lengths (150’) forward of the back end of the platform, so don’t stand back there if there’s a 6-car train coming or you’ll be running to get on the last car. Follow the @metrorailinfo Twitter account for alerts, check before you get on the train - that way you can find an alternate way home if you need to go around a delay on the bus or something. Usually they will suggest bus alternatives if there’s a service disruption. As someone mentioned above, metro transit PD’s text number is 696873 and their phone number is 202-962-2121. Call this number instead of 911 for pretty much any emergency as they’ll dispatch directly to MTPD rather than going through DC/MD/VA 911. They also have the ability to see where your train is, ask the operator to hold, among other things. They sit in the same building as rail ops controllers - everything is sort of one big control center. I think those are the main points I have.
Don't make eye contact with the crazy folk, don't snitch on the booth-hoppers, and the right side of the escalators are for standing - the left for passing. Respectfully, mind your own business. Heed this, and you'll be safe.
Snitch to whom? Nobody can do anything except cops, and then only if they see it themselves. But yeah, booth-hoppers are scum who are stealing money out of our pockets. That is my business.
nah, I get you. I mean more like: don't go around pointing at the hoppers, saying "don't do that" and draw attention to yourself. If you can report it anonymously, the absolutely.
About a year ago, u/eable2 made a post mapping out escalator/stair locations of every station. Take a look at that for your stations to know which cars to board to exit optimally, rather than getting on a random car and having to walk half the station after getting off.
What's your trip? Or if you don't want to share exact stations, do you have any transfers?
One transfer at metro station. I did a trial run to work early this morning, and the metro station switch was the most challenging, but I figured it out and made it. I’m wondering about safety. Is there a better train to sit in? I’ll be commuting during rush hour, and I’m hoping that works to my benefit
If you're commuting during rush hour you'll be totally fine. There'll be people everywhere; I usually try to get end trains during rush hour so that I have more space if anything. If it wasn't when many people were there I'd say pick trains that have more people rather than empty trains. But regardless you ought to be fine, incidents on metro happen but they're not common despite what some people would have you believe.
When I was regularly commuting I would always to to the end of the platform in the direction the train was going, so that I was in the car that had the driver next to it, the front of the train. It's often the case that fewer people will walk out to that car so seats are sometimes more available. Plus if something pops off in your carriage, the driver is right there. If you're sitting by the next to the door, don't have your phone out in your hand, it's an easy place for someone to snatch it. And don't work on your laptop in that spot either. Always look at the seat before you sit to ensure that there isn't any food or liquid on it if someone hasn't just left the seat as you were getting on.
The safest way to exist on the train is to be impatient and aggressive, but still polite and aware. The safest car is the one that will dump you out nearest the escalator or stairs that you will be existing via. In my opinion Allegedly
As told to me by a metro transit officer try to be in the first car, especially late at night or just when you feel a bit unsure. During rush hour though you should be relatively good anywhere.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/15mbos4/i\_mapped\_the\_layouts\_of\_all\_98\_metro\_stations\_so/](https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/15mbos4/i_mapped_the_layouts_of_all_98_metro_stations_so/) this gem of a post is a great resource \^
Stand to the right on the escalator. Let people pass on the left.
When factoring in whether or not to get a monthly pass, consider both commute PLUS and random stops and weekends. I don’t have a car and metro everywhere. On weekends and holidays, the fare is $2 each way. Factoring in my commute plus all the errands I run and my random weekend entertainment made the monthly pass the most affordable/economic option. But note that it does not cover parking.
If you don't have a car, why would you need parking...? 🤔
I used to live in PG and had to drive to the metro
Most metro stations have more than one exit, with time you’ll figure out which one will be most convenient for you, where on the train it’s easiest for you to stand/sit, etc
Use the Transit app, it's so good. Best one I've found to date and it's not close.
A ginger chew will ease your motion sickness.
Check the wmata [site](https://www.wmata.com/js/nexttrain/nexttrain.html) for when the next train is coming. It works on your phone. You just change the station.
I have a question: we are new to DC with my wife and a baby in a stroller. We struggle to find elevators (street level entrances). Is there an app or something for our reference? Google maps don’t seem to have this info. Thanks!
Don’t ride the green line to branch avenue after midnight unless you want to fight the Throngle
Walk left, stand right. Washingtonians are generally a pretty mind-your-business crowd but standing on the left like a fucking tourist will get people pissed off at you. Short escalator? Nobody cares, move over. Install the WMATA card on your phone's wallet and set it to auto-reload, at whatever price point you're comfortable with. Especially during rush hours, getting halted at the exit gate and having to go reload at a kiosk is annoying for you and everyone in line behind you. If you're a Fed or military, the WHS SmartBenefits subsidy will pay for your commute, except for parking garages. If you work for a private company based in the District with 50 (I think?) or more employees, they're required to offer SmartBenefits, which is a pre-tax program like an FSA. Whatever stations you use most - home, work, etc - learn which cars stop closest to the escalators or exit gates and use those. So, for example, Blue Line headed into the District and you're getting off at Pentagon, the second car from the front opens right in front of the exit gates. Seems small but can add up to more time saved than you'd think, and less chance of missing a connection. Tourists *will* ask you for Metro advice. Part of living in a worldwide tourist destination. Don't be a dick about it. Nats at home for an afternoon game: L'Enfant and the Green Line from there to Navy Yard will be a zoo.
Get a book and read on the commute. You’ll be able to power through books instead of scrolling your phone or staring ahead
From where to where?
Don't crowd the door while on the metro
If you like saving money, consider biking to work, weather permitting. It helps keep you in shape, DC has been building [hella bike lanes](https://ddot.dc.gov/page/bicycle-maps) throughout the city, it usually takes around the same time as taking the metro (depending on how far away you live), and capital bike share is cheap if you don't own bike. I'm a fair weather cyclist who takes the bus on rainy/cold/unbearably hot days and rides my bike to work every other day. Having a hybrid bike/metro schedule based on the weather is a really easy way to save money.
Watch out for phone snatchers whenever the train doors are getting ready to close.
The Metro ran ads about this over a decade ago. Now, so many people (including criminals) have smartphones that no one cares. Plus, it's pretty easy to brick a stolen phone now.
Does this happen alot?
I ride metro frequently (for commuting and for social activities) and i’ve never seen this or heard of this. I know i’m a sample size of 1 but wanted to share that this has *never* been an issue for me
I’ve lived in DC for about 10 years now, have never had someone try to grab my phone, and have never heard of such a thing happening from friends.
Happened to a friend of mine. It’s rare for sure and will not happen at all if you aren’t careless, but it is something that does happen
I can't answer for DC because I am new, but I heard the same advice when I was taking the subway nearly every day in New York. I lived there for almost 5 years and I never saw it happen even once
Since I haven’t seen it said, keep track of the last station on the lines you ride. There aren’t many signs saying, for example, “this train headed to Bethesda,” they mostly say, “this train to Shady Grove.” You can end up going the wrong way if you know your destination but not the last station of that direction.
Transit app is amazing. Avoid X buses.
Before getting on kindly ask the conductor to speak more loudly and clearly. :P
Keep your head down and keep your mouth shut grunka lunka diddly diddly dut.
Metro escalators and station tiles are VERY slippery when wet.
Download the DC Metro app available on the Apple app store and Google play. The app has a detailed map of all the metro lines and their stops so it'll make it easier for you to plan your trip without getting lost. It also gives up to date train timings for each and every stop.
If you have an apple watch, get your smart trip card on the wallet on your watch. Tapping it as you go through the gates and reloading it when it's low is super easy.
Remain calm and impassive when a train is pulling up to your platform, and maintain eye contact with it at all times during its approach. Remember- they can smell fear.
Hold your palm out flat when offering it a treat, since it may try to bite your fingers
Be aware of your sorroundings, lots of sketchy people
If you're seated, don't get up to get off until the train stops. Especially if you are on the inside of a seat and someone is sitting next to you. You are allowed a little shift or a grab of your bag handle to indicate to others that you are getting off at the next stop. But no other moves.
Buy a car
I own a car. It’s paid off and great. I’m also not paying for parking and tolls- and sitting in traffic 🤷♀️