[PR] Metro takes additional steps, coordinates with public health authorities on COVID-19

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Updated 3/29/20

Week ahead: Sharply reduced Metro service for essential travel only; trains, buses will operate on same schedule as last week

 For the upcoming week (Monday-Friday), Metro will use the same service plan as last week, which provides connectivity throughout the region for essential trips, but with sharply reduced train and bus frequencies. Metrorail ridership is now less than a tenth of its normal level, and bus ridership has been reduced by up to 75 percent. 

Metro continues to urge the public to travel if absolutely necessary during the COVID-19 public health emergency to ensure that limited transit capacity is available for those who need it most and to allow for safe social distancing.

Monday, March 30 – Friday, April 3, 2020

Metrorail 

  • Open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

  • Trains every 15 minutes on Red Line, every 20 minutes on all others

  • 19 stations are closed until further notice. Trains will pass these stations without stopping; no alternate service. 

Metrobus 

  • Buses run on a modified Sunday schedule throughout the week.

  • Supplemental trips will not operate. However, some routes that provide weekday-only service to essential federal workplaces have been added to the schedule.

  • Visit wmata.com for a list of routes that are – and are not – operating this week.

  • Enter and exit the bus using the rear doors only, except customers requesting the bus to kneel or use of the wheelchair ramp.

  • Due to rear-door boarding, fare collection is temporarily suspended on Metrobus only.

MetroAccess

All subscription trips remain canceled. Please limit travel to only the most essential trips.

Since Metro began urging the public to limit use of the system to “essential travel only” on March 13, rail ridership has declined with each successive commuting day as customers follow guidance to stay home and maintain safe social distancing. These strategies are the only effective ways to flatten the curve (rate of community spread of COVID-19) and save lives.

Metrorail ridership on Friday was less than 50,000 for the day, plunging 92 percent versus last year. Ridership information is available at wmata.com/covidstats.

Metro’s Pandemic Response remains at Phase 3, the highest response level, and will remain there until the COVID-19 public health emergency subsides. Metro may make emergency service reductions at any time if necessary to protect employees and riders. Because emergency changes may occur with little or no advance notice, customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts email and text messages at wmata.com/metroalerts. 

IF YOU FEEL ILL, DO NOT USE PUBLIC TRANSIT. Instead, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your travel needs. Follow their guidance.


RESOURCESThe Advoc8teWMATA, COVID-19Comment