In September, 2002 WMATA released its official plan outlining where the system will go over the next 10 years. The plan includes 114 miles of new service, more than doubling the existing 103 mile Metro system. BeyondDC thought this presented a perfect opportunity to take the next step and see what the face of transit in DC could look like 10 years, 20 years, or a further generation in to the future.
Before readers begin browsing our study, please take a moment and read the following definitions, which will help in understanding each map. Also note that while in many cases BeyondDC has obtained the exact right-of-way for proposed lines, there are also some where the exact route isn't known, and estimations have been made.
Existing lines:
An active Metro line currently in operation as of November, 2002.
2010 lines:
BeyondDC refers to several lines as part of the system in 2010. This doesn't necessarily mean these lines will actually be complete by 2010, though in many cases they could be. Rather it means work is currently going on in an official manner, and that barring delays, NIMBYs or lack of funding, the lines will be built eventually.
2020 lines:
Just as the with the case of 2010, lines designated as 2020 won't necessarily be complete by that date. Rather it means that plans for the corridor exist in an official long-range plan, but significant work has yet to begin on their study.
Speculated lines:
Speculated lines are those that don't currently exist on any official plans. In most cases they're educated guesses on the part of BeyondDC as to where Metro might think about going when its current 10 year plan is complete. In other cases they're lines that residents or local civic leaders have expressed interest in, but have yet to be made part of an official plan.
Metro line:
A transit line with heavy third-rail trains, such as the current Metro system.
Light Rail line:
A transit line with light electrically charged trains, such as the current Baltimore Central line. Streetcars and Trolleys are the same as Light Rail for our purposes. In most cases proposals for Light Rail lines also contain provisions for BRT service in place of rail.
BRT line:
"Bus Rapid Transit". A transit line with large, electrically charged buses designed to look and operate in a similar manner to light rail trains. In most cases proposals for Light Rail lines also contain provisions for BRT service in place of rail.
Commuter or Regional line:
A longer distance transit line with heavy trains designed to operate on freight tracks and be pulled by locomotives (though recent technological advancements have eliminated the need for locomotives). Examples include MARC and VRE. Note that the link leading to information about Baltimore's planned system uses "Regional" in a different context, meaning simply "within the Baltimore Metropolitan Area".
Maglev line:
A high speed train running on magnetic levitation rather than traditional tracks.
