A reader writes in about a WMATA announcement, “A message to our customers regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)” they received this morning:

“I would be curious to know what “service changes” could/would be put in place… just not run the Metro at all? Not run certain lines or portions of lines? Yikes!”

The announcement says:

“Dear Metro Customer:

We know that Coronavirus is a profound concern for many people in our region, and I want to take a moment to let you know what Metro is doing to combat community spread of the virus.

Metro’s Pandemic Task Force has been working closely since January with public health officials and jurisdictional partners, as well as with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), whose guidance we are following. Their current advice is to stay close to home if you are over 60, or are not feeling well; and to wash your hands often. Also, people who are sick are asked not to take public transportation at this time.

In addition to the measures Metro takes every day, we’ve stepped up deep cleaning and disinfecting railcars, stations, bathrooms, buses, and MetroAccess vehicles. Our staged pandemic response plan includes preparing for any service changes that may be required based on the CDC’s guidance and regional public health requirements for our employees and customers. (more…)


Alex sends just before 9am.

From WMATA: “Red Line Delay: Expect delays in both directions due a track problem outside Judiciary Square.

UPDATED: Red Line Delay: Expect residual delays in both directions due to an earlier track problem outside Judiciary Square.”



Photo by PoPville flickr user Bill Herndon

From Harrison: Conductor on Metro “folks we’re holding here about a minute.. incident on an earlier train. Some kids decided they wanted to burn the seats.”

From Caitlin: “On my Red Line train earlier (at Fort Totten) “we are holding because some kids are throwing bottles at the train”



Ed. Note: If you missed our look back on commemorative smartrip cards, you can see them here.

From Council Member Charles Allen’s Office:

“Tomorrow, Councilmember Charles Allen will introduce the Metro For DC Amendment Act of 2020, a proposal that would give DC residents a monthly subsidy of $100 on their SmarTrip card and establish a dedicated fund to invest millions in improved bus services in neighborhoods long neglected for transit planning. (more…)


A reader reports:

“Didn’t witness it first hand but when I boarded the train at Mt Vernon going to Chinatown and a man walked off with a skull mask out the door I entered. When I got in the car everyone had scattered to the ends and there were knife marks on the train car doors. An individual got a picture and reported in to police. It was around 9 AM.”

Updated report from another reader:

“Also it wasn’t a traditional skull mask. I thought it was a lizard mask (which is somehow scarier). It was definitely tan/yellow and not like a friendly cartoony skull.

When he got the knife out he said “I am going to kill the next person who touches me” and everyone near him crowded to the exit toward the back of the car near where I was sitting. I’ve never seen people react that way on Metro before. He said “oh now you’re all scared?” And followed the group to the back of the car. A man sitting in the wheelchair in the aisle stopped the knife/mask guy from coming any closer. I can’t imagine how scared the poor man in the wheelchair was. He got off our car at Mt Vernon Sq right after.

Also curious – because I’ve never seen a message like this from WMATA before: (more…)


*This series will feature any pets in a backpack/bag. On metro, or not. Corgi, or not.

Thanks to Alisse for sending: “Moment of sunshine in union during the horrendous red line clogging this morning”

Regarding the delays: Earlier Metro Transit Police reported:

“Rockville: MTPD and @mcfrs o/s for trespasser struck by train. Incident did NOT occur at station & was result of individual climbing fence. (There are *no* pedestrian crossings anywhere on Metro.) Rescue operations are underway.”

From WMATA:

“Rockville: All clear, trains have resumed normal 2-track operations. Remember, Rush Hour Promise even covers delays outside Metro’s control like this one. If delayed 10+ min, you’ll get $ back if SmarTrip is registered. You can register before midnight for today’s delays.”


“Dear PoPville,

I wonder if you know what these chrome-color steel machines are (photo attached taken at L’Enfant station platform). These machines make a whirring mechanical noise and have been spotted at stations throughout the system. Any ideas?”


Thanks to Craig for sharing this WMATA Survey on proposed fare and service changes for both bus and metrorail.

More details on the proposals from WMATA:

Proposed Fare Changes

The following proposed fare changes include both fare reductions and increases to simplify fares and encourage pass product use.

Metrorail

Increase peak fares
Adjust peak fares (weekdays from 5 -9:30 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.) by:
Increasing the base fare up to 25¢, from $2.25 to $2.50 (more…)



6th and G Street, NW

From WMATA:

“Metro announced today the selection of Stonebridge and Rockefeller Group to redevelop its downtown DC headquarters site, the Jackson Graham Building (JGB), in the heart of the District’s Gallery Place commercial and entertainment area.

The developer will reposition the building – keeping the current Jackson Graham Building (JGB) structure – and reimagine it as a mixed-use commercial development, including the addition of three floors to the structure. The deal will generate long-term revenue for Metro through annual payments over the term of the 99-year ground lease agreement. (more…)


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