01Metro / rail
Use WMATA, VRE, MARC, SEPTA and Amtrak resources as relevant to the actual journey. Review route maps, operating days, first and last departures, connections, station access and parking. Proximity to a station does not establish a workable trip.
02Roads / tolls
Review road projects, construction alerts and current road conditions through the appropriate transportation agency. Confirm toll calculators, payment methods and occupancy rules with the operator of the road you plan to use; do not assume a single toll system applies everywhere.
03Airports
Compare ground transportation, parking, terminal access and the time needed before a flight. Use official Dulles, Reagan National, BWI Marshall and Philadelphia International resources for the airports relevant to your travel.
04Commute research
Commute times vary materially by day, time and route. Verify using current mapping/transit tools for the actual trip. Test the return journey, off-hours travel and a backup route as well as the morning trip.
05Access & reliability
Check accessible stations, elevator notices, parking permits and building access requirements directly. A physician’s call schedule, a changing office schedule or frequent airport travel may require several different trip plans.