50 Facts About WMATA: A Comprehensive Overview of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), commonly known as Metro, is a vital part of the Washington metropolitan area. It serves millions of residents and visitors, providing essential transportation services. Here are 50 fascinating facts about WMATA that highlight its history, operations, and impact on the region.

Formation and Creation

WMATA's origins date back to the late 1960s when it was established to create a unified transit system for the Washington metropolitan area.

1. WMATA was created by the United States Congress as an interstate compact between Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
2. The authority was formally established on February 20, 1967.
3. Its primary purpose is to plan, develop, build, finance, and operate a balanced regional transportation system.
4. WMATA serves a population of approximately 4 million within a 1,500-square mile jurisdiction.

Governance and Structure

WMATA operates under a unique governance structure that involves multiple jurisdictions.

5. WMATA's headquarters is located at L'Enfant Plaza in Washington, D.C.
6. The board of directors consists of two voting representatives each from D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and the U.S. federal government.
7. Each jurisdiction also appoints two alternate representatives.
8. The compact grants WMATA sovereign immunity by all three jurisdictions, with certain limited exceptions.

Historical Background

The history of transportation in the Washington area is rich and varied, leading to the creation of WMATA.

9. Starting in the mid-19th century, the area was served by private bus lines and streetcar services.
10. Most of these services were absorbed into the Capital Transit Company, formed on December 1, 1933.
11. The Capital Transit Company was created by merging the Washington Railway and Electric Company, Capital Traction, and the Washington Rapid Transit bus company.
12. Financier Louis Wolfson acquired the company in 1949 but lost the franchise in 1955 due to a strike.

Transition to WMATA

The transition from private companies to a regional transit authority was a significant milestone.

13. O. Roy Chalk was awarded a 20-year concession to replace the city's streetcars with buses by 1963.
14. The National Capital Transportation Agency (NCTA) negotiated with Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. to form WMATA.
15. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Compact was approved by Maryland in 1965 and by Virginia and Congress in 1966.
16. WMATA was officially founded on February 20, 1967.

Expansion of Services

WMATA's services have expanded significantly since its inception.

17. The original compact provided only for rail service.
18. By 1970, the need for reliable bus services led to calls for WMATA to overhaul the entire bus system.
19. The compact was amended in 1971 to allow WMATA to operate buses and take over bus companies.
20. On January 14, 1973, WMATA condemned D.C. Transit and its sister company, acquiring their assets for $38.2 million.

Metrobus System

The creation of the Metrobus system was a pivotal development for WMATA.

21. The acquisition of bus companies led to the creation of the Metrobus system.
22. Metrobus serves the nation's capital 24 hours a day, seven days a week with 1,500 buses.
23. Metrobus carried its three billionth rider on November 3, 1996.
24. The system continues to be a crucial part of WMATA's operations.

Metrorail Construction

The construction of the Metrorail system marked a new era in public transportation for the region.

25. Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on December 9, 1969.
26. The first phase of Metrorail began operating in 1976.
27. The initial system included five lines, with the Red Line being the first to open.
28. Today, Metrorail serves 98 stations and has 129 miles of route.

MetroAccess Paratransit Service

WMATA also provides services for people with disabilities through MetroAccess.

29. MetroAccess began in 1994 to provide transportation for people with disabilities.
30. This service ensures that all residents have access to public transportation.

Ridership and Service

WMATA serves millions of riders each year, making it a vital part of the region's transportation network.

31. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 239,741,800.
32. On average, about 844,000 people use WMATA services per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.
33. The highest ridership day in Metro’s history occurred on January 20, 1993, with 804,000 trips.

Infrastructure and Maintenance

Maintaining a vast infrastructure is essential for WMATA's operations.

34. WMATA maintains 98 stations and 129 miles of track.
35. The agency operates a fleet of 1,500 buses under the Metrobus brand.
36. Continuous upgrades to tracks, stations, and buses ensure efficient and reliable service.

Joint Development Projects

WMATA has been involved in several joint development projects to enhance the region's infrastructure.

37. The White Flint East project includes 1.2 million square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of retail space, and 1,338 residences.
38. These projects aim to improve accessibility and efficiency for commuters.

Accessibility Initiatives

WMATA has made significant efforts to ensure accessibility for all users.

39. President Nixon signed the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973, authorizing funds for making Metrorail accessible for persons with disabilities.
40. These initiatives have made public transportation more inclusive.

Awards and Recognition

WMATA has received numerous awards for its services and achievements.

41. In 1997, the American Public Transit Association awarded WMATA its Outstanding Achievement Award.
42. WMATA celebrated 50 years of Metrobus service in 2023.

Police Force

WMATA has its own police force to ensure the safety of its passengers.

43. The Metro Transit Police Department provides law enforcement services to the transit system.
44. This dedicated police force helps maintain a safe environment for all riders.

Funding and Revenue

WMATA relies on funding from its member jurisdictions for its operations.

45. WMATA has no independent taxation authority.
46. It depends on its member jurisdictions for capital investments and operating funding.

General Management

The board appoints a general manager to oversee WMATA's daily operations.

47. Richard A. White was sworn in as WMATA’s new General Manager in 1996.
48. The general manager supervises the day-to-day operation of the authority.

Community Engagement

WMATA engages with the community through various initiatives and events.

49. WMATA supports large community events by providing service on request.
50. The agency's services are essential for the economic and social well-being of the Washington metropolitan area.

WMATA's Ongoing Impact

WMATA has been a cornerstone of the Washington metropolitan area since its inception in the late 1960s. With its extensive Metrorail and Metrobus systems, it serves millions of commuters daily, making it an essential part of the region's infrastructure. From its humble beginnings to its current status, WMATA has continuously evolved, adding new lines, stations, and services like MetroAccess. The agency's commitment to accessibility, community engagement, and sustainability highlights its dedication to meeting the needs of its diverse user base. Recent projects, such as the extension to Dulles International Airport and the Potomac Yard station, show WMATA's ongoing efforts to improve and expand its services. As it looks to the future, WMATA remains focused on enhancing its infrastructure and services, ensuring it continues to play a vital role in the region's economic and social well-being.