Papal Metro Advisory – Heads Up Brookland – Also More Emergency No Parking

Photo by PoPville flickr user Elvert Barnes

From WMATA:

“Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015

Hours: Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight.
Fares: Normal weekday fare policies in effect.
All Metrorail stations will be open; however, selected station entrances may be closed due to security needs.
Regular rush hour train service during the AM and PM commute.
Additional train service during midday and late evening hours. There will be no scheduled track work on any rail line, and trains will run at near rush-hour service levels during midday and late evening hours to provide additional capacity for riders. Riders should note that it is not possible to add trains or cars during rush hours, as every available car is already being used for service. As a result, the system is expected to be extremely crowded during the traditional rush hour periods
Metrobus will operate on a regular weekday schedule, including all DC public school trips. Riders should expect detours and delays on all routes serving Downtown DC.
MetroAccess will operate on a regular schedule with detours, delays and service adjustments as a result of Papal events and associated road closures. MetroAccess customers should allow extra time due to increased traffic if traveling during the Papal visit. Door-to-door service may be limited near Papal events. To cancel a non-essential trip, call 301-562-5360 or visit wmata.com/metroaccess. For updated service information, sign up for MetroAlerts email and text messages at wmata.com/metroalerts.

Brookland Station

To support the expected 25,000 guests arriving for Mass at the Basilica on Wednesday afternoon, Brookland Station may be designated “exit only” prior to the event and “entry only” following the event (exact times TBD)
Due to capacity issues at Brookland Station, riders may wish to consider using two adjacent stations: Rhode Island Avenue and Fort Totten. Rhode Island Avenue is about a 1 mile (20 minute) walk to Brookland; Fort Totten is about 2 miles (35 minutes) away. DC Circulator will offer limited bus service between the stations and the event (fare $1 each way).

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015

Hours: Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight.
Fares: Normal weekday fares in effect.
Parking: Regular rates apply at all Metro-operated facilities.
Stations: All Metrorail stations will be open; however, selected station entrances may be closed due to security needs.
Regular rush hour train service during the AM and PM commute.
Additional train service during midday hours. There will be no scheduled track work on any rail line, and trains will run at near rush-hour service levels during midday hours to provide additional capacity for riders. Riders should note that it is not possible to add trains or cars during rush hours, as every available car is already being used for service. As a result, the system is expected to be extremely crowded during the traditional rush hour periods.
Metrobus will operate on a regular weekday schedule, including all DC public school trips. Expect detours and delays on all routes that travel near the U.S. Capitol (morning event) and Gallery Place (afternoon event).”

and

“In honor of the Papal visit, Metro will offer a limited-edition SmarTrip® commemorative sleeve to anyone purchasing a SmarTrip® card at Metro Sales Offices starting Monday. The protective sleeve features a prominent picture of Pope Francis, marking his three-day visit to Washington, D.C. Tuesday, September 22, through Thursday, September 24.”

Ed. Note on the sleeve – weak!!!

Thanks to Victoria for sending what was mentioned in this morning’s rant/revel:

“Papal parking restrictions. Irving St. And Columbia road NW between 14th and Sherman Ave.”