The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) manages the DC Metro, also known as “America’s Transit System”. WMATA was created in 1967 to provide a regional transportation system to the nation’s capital area. Today, it provides safe, clean and reliable transportation service to more than a third of the federal government employees going to and from work, as well as millions of tourists to the landmarks in the Nation’s Capital. DC Metro is the second largest rail transit system and the fifth largest bus network in the United States. Construction of the Metrorail system began in 1969 and actual operation began in 1973. The final leg of the 103-mile Metrorail System was completed in 2001. Also, four area bus systems were acquired and added to DC Metro system in 1973. Today, the system serves approximately 42 percent of those who work in the core of Washington, DC. Since the DC Metro was primarily designed as a suburban commuting resource to connect suburban parking lots, bus stops, and the clusters of apartment buildings with the large numbers of office buildings in the downtown Washington area, the subway and bus systems have provided service to both the District of Columbia business community and the nearby Maryland and Virginia suburbs. The Washington DC area is a community made up of several unique district neighborhoods. A very densely populated area, Washington DC, neighborhoods have developed around the public transportation hubs for the sake of convenience. Among the neighborhoods and activity hubs on the DC Metro lines are: - Dupont Circle, an eclectic neighborhood of upscale homes and a variety of international shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Apartment buildings and row-houses are found in the U Street and Shaw neighborhoods, and Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant, north of Adams Morgan, also offers row-housing.
- Woodley Park and Cleveland Park neighborhoods are located on the Connecticut Avenue Corridor which is lined with apartment buildings within walking distance to shopping and nightlife hotspots.
All of these areas are accessible via the DC Metro (subway/bus) and are located relatively close to Rock Creek Park, the Smithsonian, and other downtown attractions. Future Plans for Washington DC Transportation The DC area is experiencing a great deal of population growth, and the WMATA expects to serve an average one million Metrorail riders each day by year 2030. Therefore, it sees the need to increase capacity to approximately 220 additional subway cars and is planning to re-route trains to alleviate congestion at its busiest stations. Additionally, the projected population growth for the region has revived efforts for construction on two additional suburban Metrorail lines, as well as a new “light rail” system to connect the city's neighborhoods. The first tram line is expected to begin operation in late 2009. 
|