The g-word has, unfortunately, led to some changes that have impacted the system's aesthetics over the past few years. Lighting was brightened and switched to white LEDs in many stations, ruining the ambiance. This was echoed on the newer trains, which also feature "hostile architecture" style seating and flooring that doesn't absorb as much of the operational noise as those in the older models did. Finally, WMATA has taken to painting (rather than cleaning) several of the vault stations, covering and disfiguring the bare concrete.

Stations used to feel cozy and chill, and a break from sensory overload above ground. Now walking in and getting on a train just feels a lot more stressful. It's a shame that wooing transplants took precedence over maintaining an architectural wonder. (Sometimes I think they secretly only feel safe when they're stressed.)