If we can't do fare free (which I see a nightmare trying to get the state legislatures to fund that) or flat fares regardless of distance, I think a zone-based system is the next best alternative. Just not necessarily the ones showcased yesterday. I think five zones is still convoluted since you're trying to make it easier for not just residents but also business travelers and tourists to understand.

The more that I look at the three-zone plan the more that I like it with probably a few minor tweaks. (For example, I think King Street Station in Alexandria and East Falls Church should be in zone two with everything beyond those -- at least on Blue and Silver lines -- in zone 3 since they are transfer stations. I don't like the stops at Arlington Cemetery and Pentagon being zone 1 since if you were coming from Rosslyn you'd have to cross zone 1 just to get to office spaces at Crystal City in zone 2.)

I wish we could be having a different discussion about the Silver Line. Not that it's not open, not about express service, but rather just how long the entire line is from Ashburn to Largo. Wouldn't splitting that and only running Silver service into downtown D.C. be more efficient as far as train timing than a Silver Line Express? But I guess outside of Stadium-Armory there's not really another track to turn a train around on that corridor.

There have definitely been some pains throughout the past year(s), but I do appreciate Metro displaying these different ideas on how things could function in the future.