The Silver Line to Dulles is a bigger deal than I thought it would be

Submitted by MrMoustachio55 t3_125qknf in washingtondc

I take metro almost every day. I like to trash WMATA as much as anyone for the horseshit they make me go through sometimes. But the line to Dulles is a massive convenience.

The silver flyer bus, although only a few minutes from Wiehle-Reston, complicated things enough for me to try and avoid the trip. It was also an additional $5 and you had to wait at the counter to pay. I also hate forking over $50+ each way for a ride share.

Last week, I took a flight out of Dulles that was $250 cheaper than DCA. I came back on a Saturday, and had a $2 flat fare to Capitol South. Each way was an hour and 10 minutes.

I saved a couple hundred bucks, timed my trip more efficiently, and sat/listened to a podcast watching the train scoot through NOVA.

1,428

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

Cooking_with_MREs t1_je5dzun wrote

>and sat/listened to a podcast watching the train scoot through NOVA.

​

That's the biggest plus for me (of Metro in general). I don't have to deal with the stress and headache of other drivers. I don't have to think about where I'm going (other than the station), I don't have to worry about turns, getting in an accident, or bad weather.

Yeah, it might take a bit longer to Metro to Dulles vs. driving, but I lived in East Tennessee for ten years. Your options were fly out of Knoxville and pay a LOT of money, fly out of Chattanooga and drive an extra 1.5 hours, or get a cheap flight from Atlanta but die in Atlanta traffic. All of which included parking at the Airport.

648

ertri t1_je5ko9v wrote

You also get off the train and just walk in. I’ve been stuck more than a few times in the drop off line which really sucks. Like 40 minutes to the airport, 15 to get out of the car.

176

jblah t1_je5qdvi wrote

It really is a huge thing. Back when I did the whole M-F work travel thing, when I was in cities without easy transit to the airport (coughcoughLGA), there were plenty of times I'd miss my flight due to sitting in traffic at the airport.

59

Kylearean t1_je7qfls wrote

Not to mention JFK, getting stuck on Belt pkwy and literally being able to see your plane, that you missed, taking off.

15

shanem t1_je5qlhu wrote

I don't know about "just walk in" given all the walking under the parking lot, but I've also learned to add 15m when i go to Dulles to just walk through the massive place

16

sandman8727 t1_je5soma wrote

I think what they mean is that the walk from the station to the terminal is always going to be the same amount of time every trip.

40

ertri t1_je5vcrr wrote

It’s like 6-7 minutes from baggage claim to the platform.

24

shanem t1_je5xhq1 wrote

The long underground walk way to the metro? Maybe it just feels like forever to me.

2

ertri t1_je612xp wrote

I timed it a few trips ago. I actually made it from the escalator to baggage claim in 3 minutes to make a train last week but would heavily not recommend.

14

shanem t1_je61rxq wrote

wow, :)

3

ertri t1_je7feif wrote

Yeah like I was full blown running pretty hard to the last escalator but it’s doable

6

marvsup t1_je6eq75 wrote

Yeah I feel like you walk a lot further in 6-7 minutes than you'd think. Especially in a tunnel with not a lot going on.

8

Tigerzof1 t1_je6ietj wrote

And the power of the moving walkways, when they’re working

9

SgtPeppy t1_je5lryn wrote

Never got the complaints of how slow Metro trains are. Yeah, they're marginally slower (sometimes, depending on where you're going and the traffic situation). They also give you time to decompress, not stress out about all the idiot drivers on the road, maybe read a book, listen to some music, play something. It doesn't have to be "wasted" time.

69

mediocre-spice t1_je6g6k3 wrote

It really depends on where you are. For some people it's an extra 15 min, for some people it's 2-3x longer than driving because you have to transfer, do the metro, etc. I like it but it really really really depends where you live.

27

UmbralRaptor t1_je6yhf5 wrote

Yeah, it's an extra 1-1.5 hours at a minimum for me. Potentially 2-3 on the return leg if I get unlucky with buses / have to walk from Vienna.

4

[deleted] t1_je9zefz wrote

[deleted]

2

UmbralRaptor t1_jeadq3f wrote

Busses getting stuck in traffic may slow them down, but that's not why they're slow. I'd be more interested in BRT after there's a 3rd (2nd off-peak) bus running on those routes.

2

WeaselWeaz t1_je6aes2 wrote

Some people enjoy driving and being by themselves. I get that, especially if you can't tune out everyone around you. For me, Metro is faster than driving from MoCo and best opportunity to relax before my kid goes to bed.

7

MFoy t1_je68yiq wrote

This is why I always take Amtrak to NYC instead of driving.

It might take an extra 20 minutes (or might not), and my time is limited by the train, but the Amtrak fare is usually cheaper than tolls and parking, and I can just veg and listen to whatever on my phone.

35

zwiazekrowerzystow t1_je6hbgo wrote

You also don’t get stuck in the Lincoln Tunnel!

20

MFoy t1_je6hqaj wrote

I did have to sit near Havre de Grace for about 20 minutes last time.

6

dwalls90 t1_je7l35r wrote

I think even the Amtrak regional is faster than driving (Acela blows driving out of the water). When driving, It's very difficult to avoid DC and NYC traffic, which can easily tack on 30-60 min (at a minimum). It's at least a 3.5 hour drive without traffic but you have to be speeding to accomplish this.

6

eponinesflowers t1_je5ldy8 wrote

I’m from Western Kentucky, so I feel you. I got into a couple of accidents when I was a teenager, and I have a lot of anxiety around driving. I love being able to just zone out on public transit lol. Much better than driving two hours to the nearest airport

20

Brickleberried t1_je64vag wrote

I can drive to work in rush hour in about the same time it takes me to metro, but metro is free, and I can be on my phone the entire time instead of stressing out driving in the car.

11

TheDroidMan t1_je5oa03 wrote

I grew up in Atlanta and live in Chattanooga now, and you're absolutely right. I dislike Chattanooga airport because, in addition to the higher prices, they have fewer flights in a day so if there is a cancellation it takes way longer to get rebooked than Atlanta flights. I'm lucky my parents live in Atlanta so I can park at their place and take MARTA to the airport (otherwise I wouldn't since MARTA doesn't run up I-75) but still a hassle.

5

rocketman1969 t1_je7hmku wrote

Seriously considering a move to Nooga. Any other insider tips?

4

TheDroidMan t1_je8gez8 wrote

The first advice I'll give is that I haven't met anyone that calls it Nooga (just like in Atlanta no one actually called it Hotlanta haha). We say the full name or just Chat. Funny you're considering a move here because I'm considering a move to Alexandria in mid-2024.

I like Chattanooga though, lower cost of living, lots of natural beauty, big enough to still have some fun stuff but more quiet/calm than a huge city. Lots of places to hike and climb and also two lakes. Internet here (in city limits) is world class, being cheaper, faster, and more reliable than my ISP in Atlanta. Being only ~2 hours from Atlanta and Nashville is also super nice.

For insider tips I'd probably need to know more of your specifics, like what are you hoping to get moving here, or what do you dislike about the DMV area that you're hoping to minimize here. For example, with Chat right on the TN-GA border, most people live in the TN side because we have no income tax and most the jobs are on the TN side, but if you have kids you might want to pay the 5%-6% income tax on the GA side since I hear the schools are better there. If you also don't have a lot of income to tax and want cheaper housing, GA would also be better.

You can also check out r/Chattanooga, although I'd recommend searching for older posts instead of making your own; the people on the subreddit seem pretty anti-transplant, blaming us for all their housing and traffic woes. They also over hype how bad the traffic is; it's probably worse than a similar size city due to all the natural bottlenecks (mountains, tunnels, rivers), but compared to Atlanta or the DMV it's really good.

1

LetThemEatVeganCake t1_je7g01i wrote

I’m from Knox and fully agree! Everyone always asks why I drive home. And my husband always bitches when I want to take a cheaper flight out of Dulles. I’m so used to driving everywhere because flying is so expensive from TYS that an extra 30 minutes to get to the airport doesn’t phase me lol

My husband went down a week after me for Christmas and I had him fly to BNA instead of TYS for a $300 savings. I think he understands the reason I’m so willing to go an extra 30 minutes for a cheaper flight now lol

3

jxf t1_je7omt2 wrote

You were driving from Tennessee to Atlanta to fly somewhere? 😯 My sympathies!

3

Yithar t1_je8kfx3 wrote

As someone who lives in MD, even though BWI is technically closer, IAD is far easier to get to via public transportation. The MTA 201 bus only runs in the morning and afternoon for a few hours while the Metro runs pretty much all day from 5 AM - 12 AM.

3

_-nocturnas-_ t1_je6uvqz wrote

I hate driving. So the metro is even better for me. It’s not efficient by any means but I don’t have to worry about speeding, merging, and traffic

2

rlbond86 t1_je5sz5s wrote

WMATA gets a lot of shit, but compared to the sorry state of public transportation in the US it's not that bad. They're trying and they're stuck balancing the desires of three states, two of which need to appease suburban commuters. And the Federal Government is here and sometimes meddles. Yeah it could be improved but we are still top 3 in the US.

244

MrMoustachio55 OP t1_je6925x wrote

The fact that you can go ~50 miles without leaving your seat (silver line) on a metro is very underrated.

94

SandBoxJohn t1_je75gha wrote

Fun fact, From the seat of a Silver line train you can see a tidal river and a mountain range.

56

Uses_Comma_Wrong t1_je7a1p4 wrote

It’s pretty crazy. In London that type of distance is covered only by regional railways. Couldn’t imagine the tube taking a track out to Gatwick.

19

logitaunt t1_je7gpa0 wrote

I don't know if it's an advantage or disadvantage that our inner city rail has to schlep out to the suburbs on each trip. Most cities seem to prefer keeping inner city rail and commuter rail as separate entities. DC is weird.

18

thereadingbri t1_je65tfc wrote

100% I came to the DMV from the Atlanta area and Atlanta’s subway system, MARTA, is terrible. Doesn’t pick up where people are, doesn’t drop off where they want to go, and is all around nasty and run down despite being younger than WMATA. Granted MARTA has had some serious corruption issues but its still not a good public transit system and WMATA is miles above them.

21

chippywatt t1_je7u0wc wrote

I came from NJ, bruh compared to NJ Transit WMATA is a godsend. I have no clue why anyone even complains about it. You can get from Maryland to Virginia for $5

13

Desertortoise t1_je5ub9v wrote

I agree but I would say top 4 after NYC, Chicago and Boston.

4

digitall565 t1_je6397e wrote

I can't speak to NYC and Chicago but I feel like DC and Boston are pretty neck and neck when it comes to transportation, with DC maybe even slightly ahead. The combined metro and bus system in DC is pretty robust in terms of reach.

47

[deleted] t1_je6cxbm wrote

DC metro is also way cleaner. Like the dirtiest metro station I have ever been is cleaner than the cleanest NYC subway station.

46

DfcukinLite t1_je6olml wrote

The NYC metro has about a hundred years on DC and stations of varying ages/grit. City’s are gritty, especially old east coast cities.

18

Desertortoise t1_je6onpq wrote

I mean, sure, but Metro ridership is less than 1/10 of New York’s, according to pre-pandemic figures. Personally I’d opt for the functional but dirty system, but that’s just me.

16

UD88 t1_je8ch4u wrote

You wait in those stations for at most 1-2 minutes though. The sheer number of trains running is a game changer and makes getting around up there a lot easier than in DC

5

[deleted] t1_je8ecm0 wrote

For sure, don't disagree, just saying Metro is WAY cleaner

6

UD88 t1_je8fa8c wrote

I mostly agree with this…though metro center and gallery place can get to that nyc level.

3

zed910 t1_je6f0qs wrote

Boston is actually number 2 in the country for annual transit ridership per track mile (a distant 2 behind NYC).

4

dwalls90 t1_je7lbi8 wrote

Boston residents definitely love the T. However, as someone who has lived in both Boston and DC, the metro is much cleaner, faster, and overall more efficient.

9

Otree38 t1_je7j6x9 wrote

Lifetime DC resident, current Boston college student, and transit fan: WMATA is (at the moment) leagues better than the MBTA. Even when the T is functioning (which it isn’t right now, think SafeTrack era level of fucked up) it doesn’t go nearly as far out (which some see as a plus) and isn’t as convenient, clean, and comfortable as Metro. Sure, they have more robust commuter rail, but the headways are way worse, fares are more expensive, and it’s generally just more of a hassle. Coming back to DC is such a breath of fresh air.

10

Desertortoise t1_je7p53b wrote

Cheapest DC fare is $2, but it goes up to $6, while the T is always $2.40. Advantages of the two layouts and neighborhood discussions are probably too complex for a Reddit comment. DC itself is much smaller than Greater Boston, so I think it really depends. Both have green lines that go to baseball, at least. 😄

4

Otree38 t1_jeccrir wrote

I was specifically referring to the commuter rail fares vs metro fares. The $10 weekend passes help but it’s often more expensive than a comparable distance on the Metro (say, like going to Shady Grove or Ashburn)

1

Desertortoise t1_jeccy2d wrote

That’s more like a MARC or VRE ticket, then, which are also about that much.

1

TheCoelacanth t1_je75ery wrote

I would put DC ahead of Chicago. Chicago's coverage is decent, but it's really slow compared to DC.

3

Zyneck2 t1_je7pjvz wrote

Chicago has 10% more riders annually, and two of its lines (red and blue) are 24/7. Yes there are swaths of transit deserts on the south and west sides, but one can say the same for all public transit systems in the USA. Chicago is also much, much bigger geographically.

7

MattCaff89 t1_jeaw63y wrote

I also think The ‘L + Metra make Chicago MUCH more comprehensive and helps with the speed question (where Metra can essentially function as an express line).

2

sporkityfork t1_je5fw2k wrote

I really wish more jurisdictions in Virginia would get on board with funding and approvals for more connections to Metro. Having that kind of connectivity to the city and airports makes life better IMO. I live in what most in this sub would consider the hinterlands, but I typically drive to the nearest Metro station whenever I need to get somewhere. It's just more pleasant.

146

22304_selling t1_je5h9se wrote

I mean Arlington and Alexandria both heavily use their bus systems as feeder networks to their respective Metro stations. Fairfax Connector as well, to a certain extent. Not sure what Loudoun is up to with its bus fleet - I only know of their commuter coach buses.

The fact is that the further you get from the core of the region, the more that park-and-ride stations make sense. It's not very cost effective to run low-ridership buses, when you can instead build a parking garage to absorb riders arriving by automobile. That's why stations like Franconia-Springfield and Vienna make sense to have large garages. By contrast, the small paid lot at Braddock Road never made any sense to me.

59

sporkityfork t1_je5jbm0 wrote

Yeah I'm not saying it makes perfect fiscal sense for everywhere, it's just a "wish". I'm actually quite happy with 66 to get me to a station, but I envision a region fully connected by rail. Not based in reality just a dream haha

16

22304_selling t1_je5r70s wrote

you could always opt to live in an area which has bus and rail connections

−5

sporkityfork t1_je5s53n wrote

People live where they live for many reasons. Transit options aren’t always the top reasons. No need to get into that when I’m just saying it would be good for my state to invest in more good stuff :)

17

mpyne t1_je7yxyb wrote

We can't all just choose to move near to a convenient rail access, there's not nearly enough housing for that.

2

moonbunnychan t1_je8i5jg wrote

Most of Loudoun's busses stop running at 7pm so...ya. It's also stupidly difficult to get to the new Loudoun Metro stations unless you wanna go during normal commuting times.

3

LS6 t1_je5svme wrote

Where do you live that you don't have a bus route nearby but there's a metro station a short drive away?

All of the close-in jurisdictions have extensive connections to metro.....the only caveat is they're only for those which don't turn up their nose at walking a few blocks to then get on a bus.

7

sporkityfork t1_je5t99n wrote

Front Royal. The end of 66. It’s about an hour to a metro station, not bad really.

9

__main__py t1_je611bz wrote

That's pretty damned far for Metro to run. Commuter rail that ran all the way to Union Station would probably better service Front Royal, maybe with a transfer at East Falls Church.

15

sporkityfork t1_je627xn wrote

Yeah, I agree that it shouldn't be DC's problem at all, it's Virginia's problem. I think Maryland's MARC is a great example of what can be done. You can take rail from Baltimore to Harpers Ferry. That rules. Virginia has VRE but it's pretty limited.

For us out here, we have Vienna, Reston, and Ashburn as good options. And some people use the Loudoun commuter buses when it makes sense for them to. I personally use either Reston or Vienna metro.

Imagine if you dudes could take rail out to Shenandoah National Park. That would be cool IMO. Not as big of an impact of being able to take rail to Dulles, but still cool.

EDIT: It's incredibly dumb IMO that Harpers Ferry has rail services but Winchester doesn't. Plenty of commuters in both places.

10

sylver_dragon t1_je6in6f wrote

> Virginia has VRE but it's pretty limited.

Ya, this system really needs to be expanded. When I was still commuting to DC, I took the VRE in from Fredericksburg and it made for a much better commute than driving. The only downside is that it's very focused on the 0700-1600 workers. If you aren't planning to be out of the city by 1700, you're skating on thin ice. I think they've expanded slightly in the last year or so; but, it's still aimed squarely at early workers.

What I really wish for is that they would expand service to cover weekends. It'd be great to take the family up to DC on a Saturday and not fight traffic. Also, better tracks for faster trains. It's shameful that driving in traffic is somehow faster than a dedicated set of rails.

7

sporkityfork t1_je6kz7y wrote

Yeah. I've lived that life. VRE didn't make sense to me at the time based on where I had to work. I also wasn't very familiar with the bus system in that area at the time. This is why I95 is such a hellish road between DC and FXBG...

Virginia planners would rather build an expensive privately operated toll road than to put rail in....

It is really wonderful that Loudoun County planners have been supportive of comprehensive rail and bus transit. Other counties that really should be like Stafford haven't been...

And it doesn't help that a lot of people that live that far out, certainly out where I live, see DC as practically Mordor...

6

bubbabubba345 t1_je5e12l wrote

Yeah, if you can bear the trip distance it’s great. And of course, a drive from capital south is probably around an hour or more, so it’s not that much longer at the end of the day.

66

EhrenScwhab t1_je5rlcv wrote

NOVA dude here with a pal who lives and works around Woodley Park who recently mentioned nearly identical sentiments as OP.

Of course, he's also one of those guys who think one needs a Sherpa and oxygen bottles to travel from DC to Fairfax County to hit Udvar-Hazy. As a former Springfield, current Ashburn resident, I love me some blue and silver line....

37

ShiftedLobster t1_je5una9 wrote

“A Sherpa and oxygen bottles” had me unexpectedly cracking up. I know people like that too lol

19

thrownjunk t1_je7kjln wrote

It’s so far out! Getting to the beltway is rough, past it? That is a real trek! Mentally if I’m going that far, might as well go Baltimore or something.

7

sporkityfork t1_je5upwo wrote

Lmfao. I had a great bartender at Solly’s describe my area as “somewhere in southern VA” but we are really only 70 miles out and still in the northern part of the state. It’s kinda fun living in scary barbarian lands…

7

EhrenScwhab t1_je5y06b wrote

It is ABSOLUTELY like telling my pal we're going to cross Hadrian's Wall and go to unconquered Caledonia when I invite him up to have a drink at my place and catch a Loudoun United game or some such thing....

12

sporkityfork t1_je5z6th wrote

I kinda get it. If you live in DC there's not really much reason for you to go out there. It's a perspective thing. Especially if you don't have a car, somehow getting out to some place in the mountains can kinda suck.

17

Gumburcules t1_je9ybik wrote

> It is ABSOLUTELY like telling my pal we're going to cross Hadrian's Wall and go to unconquered Caledonia when I invite him up to have a drink at my place

To be fair you're asking someone to drive 2+ hours round trip if they're coming from DC, and since they're driving they can't even fully participate in the activity you're inviting them to do.

I'll make that drive and stay sober no problem for a fun activity you can only do in the boonies - hiking, kayaking, biking, etc. But asking someone to drive an hour each way to nurse a couple beers on the couch while you never have to leave your house is definitely a lopsided ask. At least meet them at a bar in the middle somewhere.

1

EhrenScwhab t1_je9zw90 wrote

He's not driving. He's taking the metro. Which now that the Silver Line is done, goes to about 5 minutes away from my home. Plus crashing at my place. He and I constantly trade barbs about how neither wants to come to the others house but we always manage to make it work, being friends and all. Thanks for the lecture though.

1

bubbabubba345 t1_jeahmow wrote

Yep! Of course if a family member WANTS to pick me up or drop off I probably wouldn’t say no but like, 45-60min in the car or 50-60min on the train depending where you get on… it’s really a great new option. And, I feel like the occasional Metro delay is not as often as rush hour traffic or other driving shenanigans

1

Minute_Procedure_883 t1_je5i8ld wrote

From a Capitol Hill neighbor - completely agree! I tried to use the metro to get home from a flight that landed at 9:40pm one Sunday but missed the last train by two minutes. Wish they would extend the service hours.

47

spvvvt t1_je63glf wrote

Agreed, caught a red-eye into Dulles and had to wait for the Metro from 5am to 7am for service to start up. Never so upset that the flight landed 30 minutes early!

12

Torn8oz t1_je5n6xa wrote

It's nice! I know there were talks about having an express train to Dulles that skipped a lot of the local VA stops, but it was determined that wouldn't save much time since you'd be limited by the next train at a point with the lack of express tracks :(

Riding it recently, I was thinking they should continue tracks in the median of 267 next to Tysons between 123 and route 7, so an express train could skip local Tysons stops and leapfrog a train there. It would be very little track to add and would probably make a significant difference in travel time. Unfortunately, it'll never happen that way though

37

yasssssplease t1_je5js2o wrote

Oh, I’m love that extension to Dulles. I have been able to fly back home to San Diego on a nonstop flight instead of transferring nonsense. The effort to get to Dulles before wasn’t worth it. The silver line is great. I have timed it up well.

27

Separate-Ad9400 t1_je5zyti wrote

Yeah, it’s a huge deal for the area. The DMV has a lot of complainers, but between metro, the Marc train, and Amtrak, it has one of the most connected and convenient metro systems in the country— and all very cheap!

26

SSSS_car_go t1_je5j8rm wrote

It's also a great way to access the W&OD trail. [edit: via Wiehle Reston]. Yes, it's a long ride from Silver Spring (maybe 75 minutes?), but I love riding my bike back from there and it's well worth the trip.

23

[deleted] t1_je5s2hz wrote

[deleted]

7

VibeyMars t1_je5t0sy wrote

Not OP but there’s an entrance to the W&OD trail around the corner from Wiehle Reston stop, it’s on wiehle Ave by the pupatella

13

SSSS_car_go t1_je5w73j wrote

Yes, it’s Wiehle Reston. The trail is super close. If you’re unfamiliar, use CityMapper app from there and ask it for directions via bicycle to your destination, and it always puts me on the W&OD. Iirc, I take my bike up via elevator, walk over the overpass then through the square with Founding Farmers, to Wiehle Ave on the other side of that square. Go left on Wiehle, past all the construction, and the trail is about a block or two away.

I just learned that the construction is to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to access the trail! https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/projects/wiehle-wod-trail

4

MFoy t1_je69n6t wrote

The trail is probably closest at Reston Town Center. but the ease of access might be better at Wiehle.

Actually, East Falls Church might be the closest metro to W&OD.

6

SSSS_car_go t1_je6lr8o wrote

Dunn Loring also has pretty good access but I like to make my ride a bit longer. If anyone knows how to access the trail from stations farther out—even from Dulles?— I’d love to hear.

5

MFoy t1_je6m0q4 wrote

It’s not too hard from Innovation Station, but there isn’t the best/safest infrastructure for bikes. It’s about a mile from the station to the trail, which you catch about 1/4 of a mile West of the Fairfax/Loudoun border.

3

mmmggg1234 t1_je67yjo wrote

WOW I am SO trying this. How hilly is the route?

3

hoos30 t1_je6az1u wrote

It's smooth and mostly flat. Best trail in the region by a long shot.

5

thekingoftherodeo t1_je5taus wrote

Wish it ran earlier & longer to make early/late flights possible. I think on weekends, if you're coming from DC the earliest flight you could conceivably take would need to be no earlier than ~9.45am.

17

No-Lunch4249 t1_je69l08 wrote

Also something I think a lot of people don’t realize about the silver line: the most recently completed extension was a 10% increase in Metros total track length. It was a massive expansion of the overall system to the point where it’s borderline outside of MetroRail’s scope.

17

[deleted] t1_je6db1o wrote

Yeah the thing I think we need more of in the area is honestly more commuter rail. Expand MARC and VRE to cover more places with better frequency and fewer stops

12

No-Lunch4249 t1_je6ume0 wrote

Yeah if it wasn’t for IAD they never would have extended Metro that far. This is also why all those fantasy metro maps that do things like extend the Orange Line to Annapolis or the Green Line to Laurel, etc are totally bonkers. It’s just not appropriate for the subway and should be handled by moderate frequency but much faster regional rail as you said.

13

colglover t1_je838zt wrote

We’re currently polling on a MARC expansion in Maryland. Who knows how long it’ll take to actually show up but the plan does exist!

5

[deleted] t1_je88r3j wrote

Yeah, really hopeful it happens because we just NEED to be getting cars off the road along the 295 corridor.

3

aurora4000 t1_je5niiw wrote

It is great. Yay to Metro. It took a long time - but it was worth it.

15

MFoy t1_je69vcd wrote

I'm someone doing the reverse of this.

My wife and I go to NYC every December, and leave out in Loudoun. But now, we're about 1 mile from a metro, and we were able to take the Silver Line to Union Station to take a train up to Manhattan. It was great.

13

SandBoxJohn t1_je73s40 wrote

Thank you for pointing out that the Silver line is not only about accessing Dulles Airport.

9

Joelpat t1_je5oexc wrote

I had a very early flight last week and was bummed I had to drive and park in economy.

12

Nastronaut18 t1_je5rcus wrote

It’s wonderful. I flew in to Dulles last month because it was so much cheaper and it was only $2 and 1 hour 5 minutes from Dulles to Eastern Market. Was happy to wait for the train.

10

FlamingTomygun2 t1_je6disb wrote

the new metro GM is doing a really good job with the hand he's been dealt.

9

harkuponthegay t1_jea0py1 wrote

The silver line was in the works for a long time before he became GM- not that I disagree with you, I have no complaints. But what things do you feel he's done well?

The only memorable things from his tenure I can think of have been the shutdowns on the green/yellow (and soon orange) lines, the problems with the 7000 series. That mass shooting at Eastern Market. And a lot of talk about fare evasion but no big changes so far. But I probably am forgetting some stuff.

I do appreciate that he's from Austin and that he rides the system himself and is likable. He's also low key attractive and fairly young which is cool.

1

atomicitalian t1_je5tu6e wrote

Yep, I made this same trip last month for work, and it was a super easy go. Big success on that line imo.

6

thinkfirstyo t1_je5xytq wrote

Way over budget and years behind schedule, but big success?

−5

atomicitalian t1_je61b3t wrote

I'll pout about it the next time I'm taking a far more convenient trip to the airport, just to make you happy

4

MrMoustachio55 OP t1_je69t1m wrote

It’s a valid point. But considering debt is for the birds / future generations…it’s a big success for our immediate travel convenience.

2

goba101 t1_je6r8wz wrote

It cost me $6 to go to the airport, instead of a $60 Uber ride. Love the silver line. Maryland and Virginia need to expand the metro rather than building more highways. Like a redline from Frederick, Clark’sburg etc

6

colglover t1_je832ui wrote

Live near Frederick, would kill for metro access. We’re polling on expanding the MARC runtimes, routes, and reverse service out here and if that goes through it’ll be a huge improvement in terms of viability. Right now it’s good enough for 9-5 commuters but largely precludes use for cultural/evening events.

5

Midnight_Morning t1_je7ee0v wrote

Going from Benning Road Station to Shinjuku Station is now a thing thanks to the Silver Line.

6

timeywimeyprincess t1_je5z9hw wrote

Agreed. Rode the metro back home from Dulles this past Sunday (about an hour and forty), which was only half an hour more than driving or Uber for significantly less. Twas worth not having to deal with cherry blossom traffic!

5

mjc6290 t1_je6s73d wrote

I think most everyone in the dmv area thought it was a big deal; they just were annoyed by how long it took

5

moonbunnychan t1_je8ipau wrote

I remember being in highschool over 20 years ago now when they first started doing the planning and excited I'd be able to take the Metro to Dulles "soon". When I look at other various projects being considered around the area I figure I'll be retired before they come to any type of fruition.

2

classicalL t1_je88ttm wrote

I mean you aren't alone but it shows how petty and myopic people get about things.

I will repeat as I often do: WMATA is a good system. It should be even better but damn we are lucky to have it. I've been to so many world cities and it is ridiculous the comparisons made. There are only a handful of places that really are better, and the population of DC is only 650k, the region is like 6 million. When WMATA was at is peak there were 800k trips on the rail alone... That's more than a trip a person for the population. A system that sucks does not get that kind of use. Even now it hits 300k+ which is still a large fraction. I would guess about 1.5 million live within 2 miles of a station on the rails. Given counties like MoCo have populations of 1 million. The system will get back up to 800k a day in a few years.

People are radically underestimating the purple line also I think, though it will be 4 more years. It is going to be a lot more Red line use in the ends of the system because you skip going downtown and back out, its a big deal. That said there needs to be another alt east-west line closer into the core built as purple doesn't really allow a bypass if they want to shut down the Or-Sv-Bu core line. If they can build another core line and make a grid maintenance will get a lot less painful. If we fund that line today it might be complete in about 2040. I will be quite old... But I hope they build it for all the people who are teens today.

4

campbeer t1_je5ph3f wrote

I also took the silver line for the first time for a flight out of Dulles. Front door to terminal was 2 hrs and 15 min, CABI to Shaw to Dulles.

3

Where_is_it_going t1_je5w1ul wrote

I did it from Arlington and it was great. Saved so much money in parking and/fares for a week long trip, and it was super easy.

3

Technicolor_Reindeer t1_je62dec wrote

I rode the line out there for fun not long after it was finished, lovely scenic route! It was always a pain for me to get to Dulles, no longer!

3

13toros13 t1_je78496 wrote

At some point Id like to see express metro trains to the airport that merely slow down at intermediate metro stops. Say they depart from the easternmost station, stop at Cap South, LEnfant, Metro Center, Federal, Foggy B, et cetera. Just jump a few here and there and it could save another 20 mins easy.

Downtown DC to Dulles in 45 mins is the goal and is doable

3

dont-eat-tidepods t1_je7dpcq wrote

You’re ignoring the trains in front of the hypothetical express train. It’s not possible without new tracks unfortunately. WMATA did a study on doing it with existing infrastructure, and it saves 6 minutes. Huge oversight IMO, it would have been worth the cost.

8

13toros13 t1_je7i0fj wrote

In a stubborn way I feel like something could be done but youre right!

3

dont-eat-tidepods t1_je82ih3 wrote

Agreed. I’d even wonder if fewer trains could make it work. I know that’s not ideal, but it feels worth it if you do like Dulles, one of the Restons, Tysons, East Falls Church, Rosslyn. Probably not possible after that with the blue and orange lines. Someone other than WMATA should math this.

3

noquarter53 t1_je8uw7r wrote

Agreed! A $2 train ticket to save $200+ on a flight is a great deal.

3

Internetstranger9 t1_je6rpyd wrote

I live in Nova but need to travel frequently to MD where I volunteer. I can get 90% of the way there on metro. I don't own a car so this is great for me.

2

HelloJoeyJoeJoe t1_je730xs wrote

$2? Thats crazy.

I was paying like $15 a day for metro over a decade ago (parking included).

2

Devastator1981 t1_je7g2k9 wrote

It’s wonderful. I typically don’t travel with a suitcase/check in so it’s such a breeze. Saves me $150 on international trips ($75 in and out).

2

IcyWillow1193 t1_je9ag93 wrote

I recently drove to Dulles during rush hour and watching Silver Line trains go by as I sat in crawling traffic was enough to convince me to never drive there again.

2

SoftwareMaintenance t1_je6hezx wrote

Wow. If I could get direct flights out of Dulles to my destination, I'd like to hop onto that $250 savings. Regardless, I like that Metro can deliver me to DCA with little hassle. I was silly in the past asking people to drive me to the airport. No need.

1

webbmoncure t1_je9ceju wrote

I’ve been doing this for monthly trips EOTR to and from Central America on direct flights out of Dulles. Total game changer. I used to drive & park at Dulles or BWI. It saves me a lot of time & $$.

1

sagarnola89 t1_je9iowr wrote

Agree! Dulles is actually a reasonable option for me for the first time since I moved to DC.

1

alt52 t1_jeajma2 wrote

Investments to make good public transportation pays off immensely.

1

LisaSaurusRex83 t1_jebhdit wrote

I’ve always flown in to National because of the easy Metro access (I’m not a resident…this sub is excellent for travel info when I fly down, so thank you all!). My next flight is still cheaper into DCA, but having an option for Dulles is really nice.

1

dont-eat-tidepods t1_je7e5n9 wrote

I like to shit on the time it takes to get from Dulles to the city (example: Rosslyn to Largo is quicker than Rosslyn to Dulles, even with significantly more stops going to Largo and three lines of congestion). But you show a great contrast - it took me 90 min to get from Shirlington to the South Capitol Street exit on 395 this weekend. I can’t imagine what a drive from Dulles would have taken.

−2

myfadedsupply t1_je7kdwr wrote

I tried it frim IAD to Alexandria and regretted it. Takes way too long after a long flight. Not to mention a group of teenagers started screaming and physically fighting.

−3

ferrocarrilusa t1_je5nvts wrote

Just pray you don't catch a 7000 series train. The seat design is awful for long trips

−5

VibeyMars t1_je5t60e wrote

More leg room but way less cushion haha

2

ferrocarrilusa t1_je5tet1 wrote

They're good for short trips with the configuration but not long ones. Also the digital announcements sound like a drunk woman

4

gerd50501 t1_je6vams wrote

I live in reston. big increase in panhandling since the train expanded to reston several years and then more recently now that it hits reston town center. I am thinking its related. cause people hop on the train to move around.

−6

UmbralRaptor t1_je5qfok wrote

I mean, it's nice that getting to/from IAD has gone from a 4-seat ride to a 3-seat one, but it's not world-shattering.

Edit: apparently from the downvotes a lot of people don't know how much one needs to use buses to get to/from metro stations. (or deal with several mile walks). You should try actually using the transit here.

−17

Gumburcules t1_je9zafn wrote

My ride went from 2 seats to 1, it's almost like everybody's personal situation is different...

Also, you've got to be kidding me with "you should try actually using the transit here." You know who is downvoting you? The people who don't have 4-seat rides to Dulles precisely because they chose to live near transit and use it frequently.

1

UmbralRaptor t1_jead7d3 wrote

I could always try living somewhere where I'm not next to two bus lines, farther from work, and pay an extra $500-$1500/month, yes.

0

Gumburcules t1_jeapm3q wrote

Nobody cares what you could or couldn't try.

Public transit is for the public, not you specifically.

1

UmbralRaptor t1_jebifl2 wrote

Then who is it for? Why are so many stops so far away from everything? Why is it necessary to check across multiple apps (or pdfs) what the bus is so one can actually get from point A to B? Why is the "last bus problem" a constant threat meaning that you always have to be ready for a several mile walk? Especially if you're out after 4-8 pm (depending on the day of the week).

Is the goal actually to get people around?

1