34 Years Ago Today Saturday 03 27 1976

[Sand Box John]

WMATA opens the first segment of the metrorail system 4.2 miles Rhode Island Ave to Farragut North.

I was there along with thousands of others.


Before the crowds arrived.


Mayor Walter Washington


Presentation of the Colors.


The ceremony begins.


The ceremony


Ribbon cutting
WMATA Photo


First train out


Opening day program
WMATA Photo


Line for opening day rides
WMATA Photo


Line for opening day rides
WMATA Photo


All ages there opening day
WMATA Photo

[LandoverDivision]

Very nice!

[Sand Box John]

It was a wild day. Lot of stuck doors. Made a couple of round trips out of Rhode Island Avenue. Exited at Farragut North only to discover I had to get in line to reenter. Walked to Metro Center and reentered. On one train I was on that arrived at Farragut North the operator opened the doors on the wrong side, luckily no one stepped off into the light troff.

They were doing stuff to keep the trains running that day that would get people fired today.

I wish I had taken better care of the slides I took back then.

[Tritransit Area]

Wow, thanks for sharing John!  I can only imagine the excitement the crowds felt at seeing such a brand new, state of the art, rail system in their area!  There must have been such a strong sense of pride out there!

Heh, too bad I was born over 10 years past this date, but it seems like it was quite an exciting time!