Baghdad's First Commuter Train Line Carries Passengers Across Traffic Clogged Capital

BAGHDAD, IRAQ - FEBRUARY 18: A woman disembarks from a commuter train after it arrives at the central train station February 18, 2009 in Baghdad, Iraq. Iraq under Saddam Hussein had no commuter trains; traffic was light and Baghdad's broad highways were kept flowing. But since the US invasion traffic has grown nearly untenable in the capital, as hundreds of security checkpoints and especially the sealing of main highways crossing the central Green Zone have ground traffic to a halt. The Dora-to-Central Baghdad route is attractively priced: a $1 train ticket versus about $8 in a taxi, and the train conductor will even stop the train for riders to exit early if they ask. The train route began four months ago and ridership is still low, as most Iraqis don't realize it even exists yet. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)