New York City’s subway first opened in 1904, and Boston’s in 1908; but by the 1960s, Washington DC still had no subway system. A comprehensive plan designed at that time has by now been built, with a few changes. Therefore, WMATA has developed a new master plan to keep systems in good repair, extend trains to eight cars, make pedestrian access improvements, etc. And most excitingly, the plan also contains a variety of system expansion plans from Bus Rapid Transit to light rail to heavy rail.

The proposals listed include the Orange Line or BRT extension to Dulles Airport, a variety of line extensions or light rail lines feeding existing Metro lines, the Purple Line, and some local light rail lines inside the District (including one through Adams Morgan, which as one area I’m more familiar with, could certainly use it.)

Continue the conversation about urbanism in the Washington region and support GGWash’s news and advocacy when you join the GGWash Neighborhood!

Tagged: dc, transit, urban plans, wmata

David Alpert created Greater Greater Washington in 2008 and was its executive director until 2020. He formerly worked in tech and has lived in the Boston, San Francisco Bay, and New York metro areas in addition to Washington, DC. He lives with his wife and two children in Dupont Circle.