They ended up going with a much more modest solution. Custom built Studebaker electric cars were brought in to shuttle Senators back and forth along the short tunnel. The cars are shown in the image at the top of the article.

Enthusiasm was high for the system when it was initially built. Contemporary newspapers were full of stories about Senators, tourists, and even the Vice President enjoying joy rides on the early automobile.

The Washington Post amusingly wrote that "the question of a speed limit in the subways has not been raised, but there will be no chickens in the road, and as the walk for pedestrians is fenced off, there is thought to be no reason why the senators should not have a run for their money if they wish."

By 1915 the Senate had tired of the cars and was in search of elegant means of transportation. A unique monorail was built by the Columbia Construction Company for $9,500. The contraption was built nearby at the Washington Navy Yard.

Senators could summon the trains by ringing a bell three times. According to a Washington Post article from the time, the subway's wicker seats could accommodate "12 senators" or, rather absurdly "36 pages."