Transit Enthusiast Sets New 98-Station
Metrorail Speed Record of 8:20

Prior Fastest Washington Metro Rider

Reclaims Title after Potomac Yard Added

July 21, 2023

By LUCAS WALL

ASHBURN, Virginia – A 46-year-old transportation fanatic arrived into Ashburn Station at 3:28 this afternoon, completing all 98 Metrorail stations in 8 Hours 20 Minutes.

Lucas Wall of Capitol Hill set off from Huntington Station at 7:08 a.m. with a goal of crossing the finish line in less than 8.5 hours. Wall believes he’s the first person to accomplish seeing all 98 Metro stations consecutively since Potomac Yard Station opened in May. His 8:20 mark establishes the time to beat for future Metro racers.

“Today went incredibly well,” a jubilant Wall said after stepping off a Silver Line train at Ashburn Station in Loudoun County, part of the extension that opened Nov. 15, 2022. “I traveled 15 segments by train, bus, and foot, meaning I had to transfer 14 times. Amazingly I don’t think any connection lasted more than nine minutes. Metro ran extremely smoothly today. I’m not sure this race could have gone much better.”

The previous record before May’s addition of Potomac Yard, Metro’s 98th station was 8 Hours 36 Minutes set by Claire Aguayo , a transgender 16-year-old, in February. Wall set the original 97-station record Nov. 16, 2022, the first full day of service on the Silver Line extension from Reston/Wiehle East to Ashburn via Washington Dulles International Airport.

“With Potomac Yard Station coming online two months ago, Metro increased from 97 to 98 stations and the prior speed record is history. I’m happy to have set the new benchmark today,” Wall said. “As was the case last November when I first did this, I want to raise awareness of the importance of transit expansion in the national capital region. I’m ecstatic that I was able to complete the 98-station system in 16 fewer minutes than the prior record holder for the 97-station network.”

The racing rule is simple: pass through every Metrorail station in as short a time as possible using only transit and feet. Taking buses and walking between rail stations is permitted, but not driving or riding in a car.

An anonymous man dressed up in a Power Ranger costume attempted to complete all 98 stations June 1. But despite his claim, a close look at the video he posted on YouTube shows he skipped the four stations between L’Enfant Plaza and Stadium/Armory.

“Even if the costumed man actually visited all 98 stops, I still bested his purported 8:43 ‘record,’” Wall said.

Wall had planned to run the Metro race next week, but the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority announced Thursday with little warning that it is closing four Green Line stations for construction starting Saturday until Sept. 5. Just a few days ago, Metro reopened two Orange Line stations after rehabilitation work in Fairfax County, so there’s only been a narrow window this week to visit all 98 stations.

Photos of Wall’s journey today are posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lewnwdc. Read about his prior 97-station Metro record here.