Riding and Research

When working at the United States Capitol, a big part of the experience is just being in Washington, DC. Although I'm living just outside of the city in Virginia (that's across the Potomac for those not familiar with the area), it means that getting to/from the office is something that you have to plan for.

The first couple of days of my Internship I was able to catch a ride from a fellow commuter. But beginning today, I became one of the tens of thousands who 'Ride the Metro' each way. The Washington, DC Metro is a great public transportation system, and it includes both Rail and Bus services. Luckily, from my home to the office, is only a Rail ride, and all without any transfers!

For me, I live next to what is known as an Orange line station at Dunn-Loring/Merrifield. At the other end of my daily commute is the station nearest the US Capitol and the office, at Capitol South. The ride takes about 40-minutes with five minutes at each end to walk to/from the station, so my total commute is just under an hour each way.

Driving the same route would be an unpredictable experience with the traffic in this area. In the morning it might take about 45 minutes, but in the evening it could be well over an hour (or more!) And one of the best things about the Metro is that once you're on, you can relax, read, listen to music or just zone in or out (depending on which way you're heading).