Washington, D.C.: Getting Around

If you’re planning a trip to D.C., the most important tip I can give you is this: leave the car at home. Please. The traffic here is awful, the parking is worse, & there’s nothing that can put a damper on a great vacation more than circling endlessly looking for a parking meter or spending $20 to park your car in a garage for the day.One of the reasons you can leave the car at home is because D.C. has a great public transportation system. It’s relatively easy to navigate, clean, stops at all the major tourist attractions, &, unlike in some places (ahem *Atlanta*), it’s used by all demographics of people at all hours of the day.

Some tips to help make your trip more enjoyable, from someone who has commuted daily on the Metro for the past three & a half years:

– we know you’re from out of town before you even tell us (&, for some reason, you will find it necessary to tell me). How do we know? You’re excited about riding the subway. You’re regularly checking the map. You’re talking loudly to your companions & maybe even yelling across the car. You’re allowing your child to use the pole that’s meant for those of us who have to stand as a stripper pole & he’s kicking everyone (parents, please don’t let your kid swing on the pole. Please. Such a simple request.)

– want to look like you’re not visiting? Sit quietly to yourself, neutral expression, book or newspaper in hand, iPod on. When the train is approaching your stop, just get up & walk off. No drama necessary.

– this is most important: stand to the *right* on the escalator. To stand on the left is to receive the ire of every commuter just trying to walk up the escalator to get to work. If you stand on the left, you will be probably be shoved out of the way, as the busy Washingtonian mumbles to “stand on the right, !&*@.” We’re not proud of this, but it must be done. In fact, I did it this morning.

– the fare system is confusing. I get this. Everyone who rides Metro gets this. There are signs in the stations with the fare posted, & if you’re still not sure, ask the station manager. There’s nothing worse than holding up everyone behind you at the turnstile because your fare card doesn’t have enough money on it.

– if you find the system to be in anyway confusing, or this is your first time riding public transit, wait until after 9:30am to head into the city & either leave the city before 4pm or wait until after 6pm. You’ll avoid rush hour crowds & rush hour fares. It’ll make the trip easier for everyone involved, especially if you have a stroller.

– don’t eat or drink on the train. I know you can in New York, but this isn’t New York. It’s not always the best rule to live by, but it’s better than getting a $100 ticket from Metro police.

– most importantly: go with the flow. If there’s a delay, there’s a delay (& more than likely there will be). If it’s crowded, don’t push & shove. You might have to wait for the next train, & that’s okay. Remember that most people you’re riding with are either visitors like you, or are just trying to get to & from work.