DC Metro prepping map for makeover

[Forest Glen]

WASHINGTON -- The multi-colored Metro map -- an instantly recognizable part of the D.C. region -- is about to change.

 

With the transit system expanding to Dulles International Airport, a possible shift in direction of the Blue Line as it heads into D.C., and potentially longer station names (such as Navy Yard/Ballpark), the iconic map is being prepped for a makeover.

 

"Over the next 18 months or two years, Metro is going to grow. And we need to look at how that might have an impact on our customers and then how that is reflected in the map," Barbara Richardson, Metro's head of marketing, tells WTOP.

 

But Metro is very aware of the connection to its map.

 

"We know that a lot of people feel very strongly about the map, because the map is Metro. It is iconic. And as we go forward to figure out the best way to communicate how we are changing, we are going to keep that in mind," Richardson says.

 

As far as how the map changes, it may not happen the way many think.

 

Contrary to popular belief, the rail extension out to Dulles International Airport has not officially been selected as the "Silver Line," although it is commonly called that now.

 

"I think we need to take into account that people have referred to it in that way (though), and then put it in our planning and see where we go," Richardson says.

 

Asked about the possibility of Metro moving away from a color-based system and more toward a system with rail lines identified by numbers (like in New York City), Richardson wouldn't rule out the possibility.

 

"We have not heard that, but if someone wants to send us a proposal, certainly we will take a look at it," she says.

 

Metro says it will be consulting with customers and reaching out to the public about potential changes to the Metro map.

 

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