Single tracking

Probably the most aggravating two words a metro rider will ever hear are "single tracking." This means that whatever lines are running in a particular direction are restricted over a set space to one line only. In other words, it blows. Invariably these always show up when you're in a hurry. Unlike on the beltway when people will jump on the shoulder if they're in a hurry, you have no where to go when this happens. Forget any immediate plans that you had because you're going to be sitting. Those two words ruin anyone's day because you automatically add 20-30 minutes onto your commute. That and the odds are that you are stopping and starting the entire single track stretch, so best of luck if you have motion sickness. If it's a cold day, like today, you have the joy of having the heat blasting with all the stopping and starting. You are at the mercy of public transportation. Fantastic times.