Article Text
Metro is celebrating 50 years of service, marking a half-century of carrying riders to major regional events and the everyday destinations that shape their lives.
WMATA Board Chair Valerie Santos called Metro “the connective tissue of our region,” saying the transit system has supported the area’s growth and economic vitality. Over the decades, it has transported billions of riders to presidential inaugurations, World Series celebrations, cherry blossom festivities and Fourth of July events, as well as workplaces, schools, healthcare appointments, restaurants and family gatherings.
The Golden Anniversary celebration will continue in the coming months with special 50th anniversary Smart Trip cards, vehicle wraps, pennants, trading cards and merchandise. A commemorative coffee-table book is also scheduled for release later this year.
Riders can explore a historical timeline, photographs and pennants from previous decades at Metro50th.com.
A public celebration is planned Friday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Metro Center. Metro employees will thank customers and distribute pennants and other anniversary giveaways, while a gallery will showcase images from the system’s history.
Contest winners will take part in an exclusive anniversary ride Friday afternoon. Additional events will be announced through Metro’s 50th anniversary newsletter.