When the Green Line was extended deeper into southern Prince George's County in January, there was some concern that the new stops would not provide sufficient ridership to make a profit. Those doubters were never more wrong. Ridership from the very first commute stuffed the Metro cars, and that outrageous volume has been sustained since. In the eight months since extending deeper into the county, daily use of the rail cars is up 40,000 commuters. If Metro were a private business, the CEO would have ordered branch offices be opened immediately.
Nothing involving public transportation is, sadly, ever done immediately.
Nearly 200 more cars have been ordered, and the first of those went into service last week. The four cars added, naturally, did little to relieve the stress and congestion of the commute, but the additional cars serve as evidence that work is progressing. Much, however, waits to be completed. Welcome to the club. Metro rail is 25 years old and provides a much-valued service along its 103 miles of track.