Van Ness–UDC station is an elevated rapid transit station on the Washington Metro system, serving the Green Line in Washington, D.C. The station is located at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue NW and Van Ness Street NW, adjacent to the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and the Van Ness–U District neighborhood.
Key characteristics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Metro line | Green Line |
| Station code | E06 |
| Opening date | May 11, 1991 |
| Structure type | Elevated (above ground) |
| Platform layout | Two side platforms |
| Tracks | Two |
| Accessibility | Fully accessible via elevators and ramps (compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act) |
| Parking | No dedicated park‑and‑ride lot; limited street parking nearby |
| Bicycle facilities | Bicycle racks and Capital Bikeshare station nearby |
| Bus connections | Served by several Metrobus routes, including 70, 71, 74, and 80, providing connections to surrounding neighborhoods and the UDC campus |
| Ridership | In 2022, average weekday boardings were approximately 1,800 passengers, according to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) data |
Design and surroundings
The station’s elevated design allows the tracks to pass over Connecticut Avenue, minimizing interference with vehicular traffic. The platform canopies provide shelter for passengers, and the station house contains fare gates, ticket vending machines, and a mezzanine level connecting the two platforms.
The surrounding area includes residential buildings, commercial establishments, and the University of the District of Columbia’s main campus. The station’s name combines the adjacent Van Ness Street and the university abbreviation “UDC,” reflecting its primary service to both the local community and the campus population.
Historical context
Van Ness–UDC station was part of the Green Line’s Phase 2 expansion, extending service from the earlier terminus at Fort Totten northward toward the Maryland border. Its construction was completed in the late 1980s, and the station opened to the public on May 11, 1991, as part of the broader effort to increase transit accessibility in Northwest Washington, D.C. The opening coincided with the inauguration of several other stations along the same extension.
Operations
The station operates from approximately 5:00 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, with slightly reduced service hours on weekends and holidays. Trains typically run at 6‑minute intervals during peak periods and 10‑15‑minute intervals during off‑peak times. Service patterns and schedules are managed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
References
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). “Green Line – Van Ness–UDC Station.” WMATA official website.
- WMATA ridership reports, 2022.
- University of the District of Columbia campus map and transportation guide.
