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Originally Posted by Gordo
Are there any upgrades to the core system that can be made without tremendous expense? I only ever see extensions mentioned, never upgrades to the core.
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Yes.
1) Do you include light rail and BRT? A generation from now, central DC (and Arlington and Alexandria) will be supplemented by an expansive streetcar and BRT system that will provide substantial relief to the Metro.
2) Metro is looking at building underground pedestrian connections (and allowing free transfers) between some of the close together downtown stations. The best opportunities for this are at the two Farragut stations and between Metro Center and Gallery Place.
3) Metro is in the process of lengthening all trains from 6 cars to 8.
5) Metro just announced a $177 million rehab/upgrade project for the Red line. It's mostly track work and whatnot, but it dispels the myth that big money only goes to the suburbs.
6) A few years ago DC opened a new infill Metro station at New York Avenue. Alexandria is considering one at Potomac Yards.
7) 2nd entrances with new mezzanines are being planned at some stations, such as Rosslyn, Ballston and East Falls Church.
Now all that having been said, you're right that it's really easy for suburban jurisdictions to talk about Metro extensions, and harder to expand in the core, but there is plenty of talk and money going to core issues.
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Originally Posted by OhioGuy
Doesn't the purple line have higher ridership projections than the red line?
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For the highest investment light rail alternatives: 68,000 daily for the Purple line, 42,000 daily for the Baltimore Red line.