I don't think that's right. I've heard this story before too, but I don't think it played much of a role in the Metro layout. The system map implies the exact o

I don't think that's right. I've heard this story before too, but I don't think it played much of a role in the Metro layout. The system map implies the exact opposite of what you're saying: it's very good at bringing people from the suburbs to downtown and back. That's actually one of the main criticisms of it today: that it is set up like a commuter rail and not a subway.