If you can't afford to keep a car on campus or really just can't navigate D.C. traffic circles, you'll find yourself looking to use the city's public transportation. D.C. public transportation is surprisingly clean and relatively cheap, considering the high price of gas. Here are some tips for traveling through the city:
- You will need to become familiar with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Web site - www.wmata.com. This site has plenty of maps and features to help passengers figure out where in the city the Metro will take them. The site also provides information about delays on the Metrorail or Metrobus schedules.
- Be respectful of other passengers. If you see someone more in need of a seat than you, just give up your seat. A new one will probably open in a few stops, anyway.
- Try not to be too obnoxious. Of course when you're out with your friends, you'll be talking and laughing, but be mindful of the other passengers who may not be interested in your conversations.
- Don't stand in front of the doors when other people are trying to get on or off the train or bus.
- A SmarTrip card can save you quite a bit of time. It costs $5 to buy, either on WMATA's Web site or at certain Metrorail stations. The cards can store up to $300.
- If you need walking directions, or a better idea of which bus or train to get on, check out www.hopstop.com. This site will give you both Metrobus and Metrorail directions to a particular location, and can help you decide which method of travel is most efficient.
Metrorail
- Metrorail opens at 5 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends. Don't forget it closes at midnight between Sunday and Thursday and at 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. There are always cabs that can take you back to campus at all hours of the night. The AU shuttle follows the same hours as Metrorail.
- The cost of a fare depends on where and when you want to travel. "Regular fare" hours run from Metrorail's opening time to 9:30 a.m. and from 3 to 7 p.m. The period between 2 a.m. and Metrorail's closing time are also regular fare hours on weekends.
- Be certain that you're on the right train. Check the maps to make sure the train you are on is going toward your destination.
- Don't get caught eating or drinking on the Metrorail system - it's against WMATA rules. Fines can be pretty high for people who get caught in the act.
- When you're on the escalators, don't forget to stand to the right and walk to the left. People in a hurry will get sassy with anyone who gets in their way on the escalator.
Metrobus
- A Metrobus fare costs $1.25 if you use your SmarTrip card, and $1.35 if you use cash. If you get back on bus within a couple of hours, you can use a transfer and save your money.
- A SmarTrip card will keep track of the transfer for you, or the driver of the first bus can give you a transfer card if you ask.
If you're on the wrong side of the street, the bus will take you in the wrong direction. Make sure you double check that you're in the right place.
- Metrorail will not take you directly to Georgetown - it's a bit of a walk. The bus is far more efficient. Bus stops on Wisconsin Avenue by Best Buy and the Container Store will take you straight to Georgetown. Make sure you get on a bus numbered 30, 32, 34, 35 or 36. Make sure you double-check the timetables online so you can be certain to get a bus back.
Taxis
- Taxis are an expensive way of getting to places in D.C., but they are usually the easiest. Make sure you have cash on you if you are taking a taxi. However, drivers are usually willing to stop near the ATMs on campus.
- Fares are now based on a meter system, rather than the zone system. The meters make calculating your fare much easier.
- Make sure you keep a few phone numbers saved in your phone, in case you need to call a cab to get somewhere. Check out Yellow Cab Company and Diamond Cab Company, both of which frequently serve the AU community.
