On the Legacy of the Great Society: the Washington, D.C. Metro

As part of an ongoing celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Great Society, the Washington Post examines the urban focus and mass transit benefits of President Lyndon B. Johnson's unprecedented programs.

1 minute read

May 27, 2014, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

Shu-Hung Liu / Shutterstock

Katie Zezima writes about the D.C. Metro as one of the legacies of the Great Society as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

The D.C. Metro was precipitated by the Urban Mass Transit Acts of 1964 and 1966, according to Zezima, which "gave federal funds to public agencies that operated regional transit systems, helped public and private transportation companies improve facilities, funded research and development and provided fellowships for young people who wanted to study mass transit."

Then, in 1965, "federal legislation allowed for the creation of a mass transit system for Washington, D.C." The 1965 law created a small, 25-mile system, which would be expanded by plans created in 1969.

FULL STORY: Do you ride the D.C. Metro? Thank the Great Society.

Friday, May 23, 2014 in The Washington Post

Infrastructure Transportation District of Columbia Washington D.C. Great Society Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority View More

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

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