D.C. Metro's Plan to Relieve Congestion: Focus on Existing Network

In what might be viewed as a transit version of "fix-it-first", Metro will focus on alleviating congestion within the existing system rather than pursue costly regional expansions. Plans for ten new stations and a new tunnel are being considered.

1 minute read

December 21, 2013, 5:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


"More stations and tunnels are needed, Metro officials argue. Not to reach new and different parts of the region, but to take the pressure off its most heavily used and crowded lines," writes Jonathan O’Connell

Metro’s biggest choke point is already in Rosslyn, where rush-hour commuters in both directions regularly see filled-to-the-brim train cars pass them by. Metro began raising the possibility of a new underground tunnel between Rosslyn and Georgetown nearly a year ago, part of $26 billion in overall improvements the agency has proposed.

Metro planners also dismissed the idea that other transit modes could alleviate the congestion, arguing "that adding longer cars or building various streetcar, light-rail and bus rapid transit systems that have been proposed for the region isn’t likely to be sufficient to solve the problem," writes O’Connell,

According to a report [PDF] released this month from George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis, "one in seven [14 percent] of the region’s commuters use public transit." However, the subscription rate varies by geography, with close-in suburbs using it at much higher rate.

  • The District, Arlington County and Alexandria, at 32.7 percent, on average
  • For Montgomery [MD.], Prince George [MD.]’s and Fairfax [Va.] counties, the rate is 13.7 percent, 
  • Farther-out suburbs, including parts of West Virginia, the rate of commuting by public transit is 3.9 percent.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing