Metro could study feasibility of rail service between Alexandria and National Harbor

Metro is considering a study that would weigh the feasibility of rail service between Alexandria and the National Harbor, using part of the 12-lane Woodrow Wilson Bridge

Nothing has been decided yet, but it is possible that Metro will open a new station next to the MGM National Harbor -- and some of the people FOX 5 spoke to Wednesday are excited about the idea because they say it will dramatically reduce the commute from Alexandria to Maryland.

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge was designed to carry the weight of a rail system. For many Green Line commuters, that makes the idea of a train operating between Alexandria and National Harbor an exciting one.

"I think that's a great idea. You don't have to transfer or get on the bus... go straight there," said one woman.

Whereas nothing has been built -- and according to a Metro spokesperson, it's way too early to talk about -- in 2018, Maryland passed State Bill 277, also known as the Maryland Metro/Transit Funding Act, which will allow funding for a feasibility study.

Some who ride Metro regularly say on the surface, the plan sounds like a great idea, but before the transit agency moves forward, more information is needed.

"We do need to use 'emotion,' as well as the data, to guide our decisions," one man told FOX 5.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, more than 200,000 trips are made across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge every day, so we all know that a new train could help to ease the commute in the area.