Metro lets riders transfer between Farragut West and Farragut North without paying because while the stations are on separate lines, they’re only a block apart. New data on who uses the “virtual tunnel” gives us perspective on how useful additional free transfers could be.

Usage of the Virtual Tunnel.

Between 15,000 and 18,000 people use the “tunnel” each month, which alleviates crowding at the Metro Center station. According to PlanItMetro, the crossing’s higher use comes in the warmer months of the year.

WMATA advertises the “tunnel,” but after PlanItMetro asked about ways to make even more people aware of the unusual but time-saving transfer, commenters suggested adding an actual note to Metro maps. New York City does this with its Subway maps.

Commenters also suggested another potential site for a similar crossing: between Metro Center and Gallery Place. Like Farragut West and Farragut North, these two stations are only a few blocks apart and could save Orange, Blue, and Silver who want to reach the Yellow and Green lines (and vice versa) from having to either transfer twice or ride all the way to L’Enfant Plaza.

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Tagged: blue line, farragut tunnel, metro, orange line, red line, silver line, transit

Canaan Merchant was born and raised in Powhatan, Virginia and attended George Mason University where he studied English. He became interested in urban design and transportation issues when listening to a presentation by Jeff Speck while attending GMU. He lives in Reston.