Use it!
CONTEXT
I take the subway to and from work every day.
PROS
- reliable - the trains are generally on time
- informative
- there are displays on every platform showing how long until the next train arrives - and how many cars that train has
- they have an API so mobile app makers can provide the same information on next trains, even before you get to the platform
- train operators and station managers are very good at making announcements about what is going on with the track your trains are on
- clean - there's no eating or drinking allowed so there's little risk of stepping in a puddle of Coke or sitting on a French fry
- kiosks - loading money onto your SmartTrip card is fast (I've done it while listening to my train pull up and still made the train)
CONS
- exiting - I never know if my SmartTrip card was read on the way out because the gates that open and close for each passenger are always open during rush hour (so I have to rely on looking to see if my balance is displayed to know if my card read properly)
- crowding - every once in a while (mainly during tourist season) I have to wait for the next train because there is no room
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
- walking - too far (would take 75 minutes each way)
- Capital Bikeshare - don't want to be sweaty when I get to work
Definitely think it is worth the $75 annual cost of a bikeshare membership. At this point there is a bikeshare at nearly every metro station. If you are only going down one or two stops on the metro, it is not worth the 10 - 15 minute wait on a weekend to wait for the next train. Plus it's free for less than a 30 minute bike rental.
ReplyDeleteSorry, just thought of another annoyance. There are too many led sign messages about unecessary and irrelevant elevator and escalator outages. The volume of these sometimes delays the showing of next train timings when I'm trying to rush to catch the train.
Deletegood point Anil - sounds like a great suggestion to post here (still haven't written up my recommendation to use Betterific)
Deletehttp://betterific.com/WMATA/399630