Washington, DC - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes and Yes. - May 2016
Public transport is ok. The metro (subway) system is great - most of the time. But it's underfunded and oversubscribed. And you can wait up to 15 minutes on weekends or late at night for a train. That said, it's the preferred commuting option for most DC residents. However, the metro does not run 24hrs a day. Buses are pretty good, very safe, and bus drivers generally quite helpful if you don't know where you're going. Again check the schedules. I think fares are cheap compared with travel in other cities. Taxis - the pricing system is obscure. Get yourself a map of taxi zones and work out the most cost efficient way to get there. Generally they'll only try and rip you off if they think you're a tourist (like all taxi drivers around the globe!)Getting a taxi during a rainstorm or snow can be a challenge. But, unlike the metro, taxis are available after midnight on weekdays. - Jun 2006
