How DC Metro compares to other metro systems in the U.S.

By ADINA YOUNG
Observer Staff
Nov. 15, 2007

With Metro fares potentially increasing in January 2008, it is important to ask, “How does the Metro compare to other subway systems in major cities across the country?”

The “EL” or the “L”, both short for “elevated railroad system,” is the name of the Chicago subway system that is “a unification of lines built and formerly operated by competing companies,” according to Chicago-l.org.

It is the only subway system out of these four systems that offers college students a discount. Sold at participating colleges and universities in the Chicago area, the “U-pass” allows unlimited rides on the “L” for one academic term.

The New York City subway, which opened in 1904, allows pets, so long as they are in a carrier. Service animals, however, do not need to be, according to the New York City subway Web site.

Suzie Jang, 22, traffic coordinator for RMG Connect in New York City, said that she feels safe on the subway despite its stereotype of being dangerous.

“There are always people on the subway no matter what time of night it is,” said Jang. “And there are conductors so you don’t feel alone. I ride cabs home after the club if I’ve had drinks but not because I feel unsafe.”

Nyree Neil, 30, a convention services manager at the Convention Center in Washington, lived in Boston most of her life where the rail system, called the “T”, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Neil said that although she pays more to ride the Metro in Washington than she paid for the “T”, she appreciates the cleanliness of the Metro.

“D.C. [Metro] is way cleaner,” Neil said. “The first thing I said when I got here was ‘Oh my God, I can sit down on the platform,’” she added.

The Metro, the newest of the other three subway systems, is proposing an increase in Metro fare of 6.5 percent. It is the only one that does not offer 30-day unlimited ride passes and that is not open 24 hours a day.

The last increase was on July 1, 2004.