Low Ridership

This series focuses on the Washington, DC Metro system during times of low ridership. During those times, metro cars can have entire rows or sections with no one occupying them. The lack of bustling crowds causes an almost eerie stillness, with only the sounds of periodic arrival or departure of trains and public address announcements. The metro station’s facilities, such as escalators and parking lots, are largely unoccupied, and any background sounds such as moving escalators are more noticeable due to the absence of people. ​

These moments of quietude offer a focused perspective, highlighting the metro system’s architecture and design details that often go unnoticed amid the usual crowds. The interplay of light and shadow becomes more pronounced, casting long reflections across empty platforms and seats. This environment also evokes a sense of solitude and introspection, as the few passengers present navigate through expansive, tranquil spaces. As a result, the images in this series provide considerable focus on the small number of metro customers that are present during times of relative quiet.