Computer History: Underground Trains: I rode the Washington DC Computerized Metro in 1977 and loved it It was a great experience, just like being transported into the future! For historical review and comment, we look back at how the system worked in its first several years of operation. British reporter Bernard Falk gives an inside look at the early system of the late 1970’s. His view focuses on how early computers are affecting our lives and jobs, back in the late 1970’s. A great deal has been improved and expanded since then. Significant upgrades in service and service area has been achieved by the DC Metro. If you have experience with riding on or working for the Metro, your comments are most welcome!

For information on how it was physically constructed, see:

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/...
and
https://architectofthecapital.org/pos...

Restoration film excerpt courtesy of Speakeasy Archives
https://www.laserfilmlab.com


In memory of British reporter Bernard Falk (1943–1990)


Background from WMATA web site:
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) was created by an interstate compact in 1967 to plan, develop, build, finance, and operate a balanced regional transportation system in the national capital area.
Metro began building its rail system in 1969, acquired four regional bus systems in 1973, and began operating the first phase of Metrorail in 1976.
Today, Metrorail serves 98 stations and has 128 miles of track. Metrobus serves the nation's capital 24 hours a day, seven days a week with 1,500 buses. Metrorail and Metrobus serve a population of approximately 4 million within a 1,500square mile jurisdiction. Metro began its paratransit service, MetroAccess, in 1994; it provides about 2.3 million trips per year.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
https://www.wmata.com/about/history/