COMMUTING: Broken Train Vexes Red Liners

A broken train bound for Glenmont/Silver Spring somewhere in the vicinity of Farragut North and Dupont Circle has caused people across the Northwest quadrant to fight for cabs this morning ... or try to find the 42 bus or a crosstown D6. Trains were single tracked between Dupont Circle and Judiciary Square.

While I made it from Woodley Park to Union Station without many delays, others faced a much more troublesome trip downtown or to Capitol Hill this morning. My train operator, sensing the chaotic and stressful trip, was very reassuring and jovial through the whole ordeal. "I'm not sure what's going on. I think someone didn't have their Starbucks this morning. But we'll get through this." As the train pulled into Union Station, he said: "Sorry for the delays. Don't let Metro ruin the rest of your day."

For some people who are easily agitated, it was too late.