The Washington subway system is clean, pleasant, and has a unique character. It isn't as busy as New York City or Montreal's subway, nor as extensive. The stations look newer than the NYC ones, but the trains look older, but in better condition. The signs are mildly confusing, but there are electric displays of time until the next train, as in Madrid. The stations smell clean, unlike the Paris and New York subways. The surveillance is also better; the multiday passes can't easily be shared by many people.
The D.C. subway is friend of tourist, vistor, and native alike. Although less popular than the New York subways, a fair number of residents use them. Tourists can travel from the Smithsonian Museums and the Mall to the Pentagon and other sights. Vistors can park in Silver Spring, MD, and take the subway in to avoid parking trouble. The D.C. subways are safe and pleasant, and run until 2:09 a.m. many nights.