Yellow Line to Huntington or Yellow Line to Mount Vernon Square? Coming from Texas, public transportation is not something that I use on a daily basis. When I arrived in Washington D.C., I was befuddled by the miles of track and large buses that I was seeing before my very own eyes. Luckily, I’ve compiled a list of tips for navigating the D.C. Metro:
1. Get your SmartTrip card on your phone
Before you can step foot on D.C. public transportation, you must acquire funds to use it! The SmartTrip card is essential for moving throughout the city, so make sure you add it to your phone’s wallet for the most convenient experience. Also, make sure to always have a phone charger! (They also have machines to purchase physical cards at *all metro stations.)
2. When using an escalator, keep right if you're stationary
D.C. is a very fast-paced city with people scurrying around all the time. If you’re not looking to run up or down the escalators, stand on the right to avoid looking too much like “that intern”. Trust me, when you’re in a hurry one day (it’s inevitable) you will very much appreciate the cleared path that others will leave for you.
3. Memorizing colors and end stations will benefit you
The WMATA has six color-coded rail lines: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, and Green. Memorize which lines you take often and the two stations at the end of those lines. If you do that, you will be navigating the metro better than any other intern!
4. Busses are your friend
Unfortunately, the rail lines do not cover every square inch of the city, so you will inevitably end up on a bus one day. Do not be scared; the buses are your friend! Use the maps app on your phone for real-time updates on arrival/departure times, locations of stops, and live tracking of the bus’ location!
5. Do not panic if you are lost :)
Navigating around, especially at first, can be tricky and you may be asking yourself, “Where am I?”, quite often. Always remember key landmarks, the end stations of your journey, and that the Maps app will save you! Whether using a bus, train, or bicycle, your phone will be able to deliver accurate directions to your destination.
All things considered, living in D.C. will be some of the best moments you have, so do not be afraid to venture out and explore. The city has a rich culture and meaningful history all around!
Best of luck navigating the city! Safe travels, my friend.
White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics
Washington, D.C. | summer 2024