The trains are exactly like the Dallas or Salt Lake City trains. Portland: I spent a day riding Portland’s MAX Light Rail. Trains are at least as clean as our Metro. Most trains are more packed than WMATA trains and for more of the time. The trains are frequent, announced and on time. The system services 6 million riders a day. All rides anywhere, anytime cost less than 25 cents (five pesos). Mexico City: I rode the extensive metro there for a week in January. A significant number of people on my flight had counted on being able to take Metro to their destination. The airport Metro station was already closed. My flight was delayed by more than an hour, and I arrived 15 minutes after the last train left Rosslyn for Wiehle. I returned home via a flight to Reagan National Airport. The train system runs until at least midnight every night. All trains were announced via LED display and clear speaker. Every train of the 10 or so I took arrived on time. The system is extensive, including a train to Fort Worth and both major airports. I am from Dallas but left before DART was built, so this was my first time on it, and I was eager to see my hometown from public transportation. The system is open until midnight, maybe later, depending on the line and the night.ĭallas: I spent half of one day riding the DART system light rail. All were well described via clear loudspeakers and LED displays.
In the core downtown area, riding the train is free an announcement is made at a certain point telling passengers that after the next stop, riders will have to be in possession of a paid ticket. A one-day pass for the whole system costs $6.25 for an adult.