I lived in the D.C. area for three years and one of the things I loved the most about it was Metro. As far as subway systems go it’s clean, easy-to-navigate and altogether swell. The only problem -- which was way bigger for me when I was 23 than it would be now -- is that it closes at around midnight, so if you’re going to a late show or event, you’re on your own for the ride home.
Most Washington Nationals games end well before midnight, but some don’t. Rain delays. Extended extra-inning affairs. For those sorts of contingencies, the city of Washington pays Metro overtime to run late to accommodate the baseball crowd. But that may not last:During past seasons, the city covered the costs of bringing in extra trains if there was a long rain delay or an epic 18-inning contest that caused a game to end past Metro’s normal operating hours. But that agreement is unique. All of the other sports teams and concert venues in our area pay Metro for any late-night service. Council Member Tommy Wells says he would like to see the Nationals pick up the tab, which Metro says costs $90,000 per hour.
This service benefits the Nationals first and foremost. Having it there encourages and allows their fans to come to the ballpark in comfort, allows them so buy hot dogs and beer and big foam fingers, knowing that they have a ride home. I can’t see why the Nationals shouldn’t pay for late service like everyone else does.
