Boundary Stones
Happy Birthday, Metro!
3/27/2026 | 1m 40s
Washington's Metrorail system carried its first passengers on March 27, 1976.
On March 27, 1976, Metrorail carried its first riders as five downtown stations opened and the Red Line officially launched. With free rides and massive crowds, more than 51,000 people showed up—far more than expected. While the debut wasn’t perfect, it marked a turning point for public transit in the nation’s capital.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Boundary Stones is a local public television program presented by WETA
Boundary Stones
Happy Birthday, Metro!
3/27/2026 | 1m 40s
On March 27, 1976, Metrorail carried its first riders as five downtown stations opened and the Red Line officially launched. With free rides and massive crowds, more than 51,000 people showed up—far more than expected. While the debut wasn’t perfect, it marked a turning point for public transit in the nation’s capital.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Boundary Stones is a local public television program presented by WETA