The Metro system, once a reliable point of pride for D.C.’s boosters, has had a rough few years: Safety problems, escalator outages, and rising prices have made the subway a regular subject of local griping. At times, it can be hard to keep up with the torrent of unflattering Metro-related scoops. As a public service, Washington City Paper is offering beleaguered riders this irregular round-up of recent media lowlights:
- Escalators at the Dupont Circle station will undergo renovations, to the tune of $12 million. It’s possible that the south entrance to the station will be shut down entirely for what could be a year.
- Union Station’s front yard is getting a face lift. The planned 18-month renovation to Columbus Plaza and Massachusetts Avenue started this week.
- The student D.C. OneCard system is glitchy.
- A new proposed Metro map could shake things up for Tysons Corners residents.
- Is catching the Metrobus a problem for you? You are not alone.
- Emergency Intercom proven to have glitches, yet nothing is being done to fix it.
- This coming weekend, between Sept. 16 and 18, prepare for delays on the Red, Orange, Blue, and Yellow lines. That’s right: 4/5, 80 percent, and, well, the majority of the routes will be subject to 20-minute headways.
- If you are a Redskins fan with tickets to a game this season, here are some tips for traveling via Metro.
- A poorly written email sent to select SmarTrip users is confusing, rather than exciting.