The DC Traveler

Initially, Washington, DC’s Metro system announced that on January 20, 2009, Inauguration Day, it would charge riders the lower, off-peak fares all day long. 
It seems like the initial thought was that since Inauguration Day is a work holiday for Federal workers in DC, and parts of Virginia and Maryland, Metro would charge the lower off-peak fare.
But I suspect Metro financial troubles has caused Metro officials to rethink (and I believe correctly), to charge peak rates all day on Inauguration Day.   The higher fares are based on a high price it will cost to keep Metro running with lots …read more

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Besides normal heavy Labor Day holiday weekend traffic in and around Washington, DC, there’s a couple major issues to plan around this Labor Day weekend.

 
If your travels take you to Reagan National Airport , expect a 30+ minute delays on Metro’s Blue and Yellow line subway trains this weekend. Metro is replacing tracks south of Reagan National and riders arriving from the south or heading towards Alexandria , Virginia , will be shuttled by bus around the effected area.

And if your plans take you to a final summer weekend at the beach, your fun in the …read more

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CHECK OUT MY LATEST CIRCULATOR UPDATE FROM MAY 10, 2009
Click here for Circulator New Routes and Update.
The bright red DC Circulator busses drive three circular routes to and from many major tourist and dining areas in DC for only $1.00 per trip (half price for seniors and the disabled).  The $3.00 one-day pass is a great deal if you are planning on lots of sightseeing.  Busses stop every couple blocks and you can get on and off at any stop.
Convention Center – SE Waterfront Route – This route runs from the DC Convention Center through The National Mall to the …read more

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DC has a fairly extensive but somewhat quirky public bus system. Timetables and schedule can vary so it’s best to plan your trip in advance. Some buses only run during the rush hours, especially the DC to/from suburban routes.
 
The fare for the bus is $1.25, $3.00 for express buses, and $.60 for seniors and persons with disabilities.  On Metro buses, either a Metro Farecard or exact change is accepted.  However, your Farecard must have enough fare to pay for your ride as your board.  
 
Metro Bus stops are designated with red, white and blue signs.  Make sure you check the bus …read more

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The Washington subway system (The Metro) is a great way to get around the area.  Using a hub and spoke layout, there are five lines or routes – the Red, Yellow, Green, Blue and Orange Lines that cover different areas of the metro Washington area. Train lines interconnect at various stations, sometimes requiring the rider to change subway levels within a station.  System maps are posted at each station and on all trains or available online.  
Farecards & MetroRail Passes
The cost to ride the metro is based on the distance you travel and the time of day (rush hour is a …read more

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