The Letter "L"

We walked to most all of our destinations, though we also took the Metro. In Washington, the Metro is a fast and a relatively inexpensive way to travel, unless you are homeless and have no money at all. Here is some information about the cost:

Metro fares vary based on the distance traveled and the time of day at entry. During regular hours (weekdays from opening until 9:30 a.m. and 3–7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday nights from 2:00 a.m. to closing), fares range from $1.75 to $4.60, depending on distance traveled. At all other times, fares are $1.45, $1.95, or $2.45, based on distance traveled.

Discounted fares are available for school children, the disabled, and the elderly. Metro charges reduced fares on federal holidays except those during which it provides rush hour service, including Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Presidents Day.

Standard self-service vending machines for passes and farecards are located at each station. Riders enter and exit the system using a stored-value card in the form of a paper magnetic stripe farecard (shown above) or a proximity card known as SmarTrip. The fare is deducted from the balance of the card upon exiting the system. Farecards are purchased primarily at vending machines in each station.

On January 7, 2010, the WMATA board approved hearings to consider a temporary 10-cent fare increase on rail and bus fares to take effect in April through July 2010 in order to make up for a budget shortfall. The increase was approved, took effect on February 28, 2010, and will last through June 26, 2010 (unless the board takes further action to extend or increase it). We just missed the increase.

It is unlikely that homeless persons would find much comfort in the rules of the Metro. There is no eating, drinking, or smoking allowed and no public restrooms. There is warmth, however, and several homeless persons could be seen regularly ~ either sleeping, visiting together, or selling newspapers~ at the exit or entrance end of Metro stations thoughout the city.