Green Line (Washington Metro)

Green Line (Washington Metro)
source
Name	Green Line
Type	Rapid transit
System	Washington Metro
Status	Operational
Locale	Washington, D.C., Prince George's County, Maryland
Start	Branch Avenue
End	Greenbelt
Stations	21
Open	1991
Owner	Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Operator	Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Character	At-grade, elevated, and underground
Linelength	23.04 mi (37.08 km)

Green Line (Washington Metro) is a heavy rail line forming part of the Washington Metro system, operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. It primarily serves Southeast Washington, D.C. and Prince George's County, Maryland, connecting the Branch Avenue and Greenbelt terminals. The line's construction was a significant civil rights achievement, providing long-delayed transit access to historically underserved African American communities in the District of Columbia.

History

Planning for the Green Line began in the 1960s as part of the original Adopted Regional System for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Its construction was delayed for decades due to political disputes, funding shortages, and contentious debates over routing through neighborhoods like Anacostia. The first segment, from U Street to Anacostia, opened in 1991, with then-Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly presiding over ceremonies. Subsequent extensions reached Branch Avenue in 2001 and Greenbelt in 1993, finally completing the line as envisioned in the initial master plan. The line's development was closely watched by the United States Congress and advocacy groups like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Route and stations

The Green Line runs approximately 23 miles between its two termini in Maryland, traversing the heart of Washington, D.C.. From Greenbelt, it travels south through College Park and Hyattsville, entering the District at Fort Totten, where it shares a transfer point with the Red Line. It proceeds underground through neighborhoods such as Shaw and the U Street Corridor, passing beneath Howard University. After crossing the Anacostia River via the Anacostia River Bridge, it serves Anacostia and Congress Heights before terminating at Branch Avenue in Prince George's County. Key transfer stations include Gallery Place with the Red Line and Yellow Line, and L'Enfant Plaza with the Blue Line, Orange Line, and Silver Line.

Service and operations

The Green Line operates with service frequencies ranging from every 8 minutes during peak periods to every 15-20 minutes late at night, as part of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's integrated schedule. It provides critical connections to major employment centers like the Downtown core, Navy Yard, and the University of Maryland. Special event service is common for games at Nationals Park and Audi Field, requiring close coordination with the Metro Transit Police Department. Operational challenges have included single-tracking for maintenance and disruptions due to incidents like the 2009 Fort Totten collision.

Rolling stock

The line is served by the 7000-series railcars, which were introduced system-wide beginning in 2015 by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. These cars, manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, gradually replaced the older 2000-series and 3000-series models that originally operated on the line. All rolling stock is maintained at the Greenbelt Rail Yard, a major facility that also services the Yellow Line. The railcars operate in fixed six-car or eight-car consists, compatible with the ATO signaling system used throughout the Washington Metro.

Future plans

Long-term proposals within the Metro Momentum strategic plan include potential infill stations, such as one near Poplar Point, to further serve developing areas. There have also been historical studies for extending service beyond Branch Avenue further into Southern Maryland, though such projects lack dedicated funding. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is also focused on modernization efforts that will impact the Green Line, including the Back2Good rehabilitation program and the eventual replacement of the 7000-series fleet. Any expansion remains subject to approval by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board of Directors and funding from jurisdictions like the Maryland Department of Transportation.