Transit

Photo by PoPville flickr user Erinn Shirley

From WMATA:

“Metro is inviting the public to provide feedback on its proposed FY2018 Operating Budget, a proposal aimed at rightsizing rail and bus services to support current ridership, as well as the Capital Improvement Plan and Federal Grant Applications.

The proposed $3.1 billion budget funds key safety, service and customer initiatives critical to reversing declining ridership and building a financially sustainable future for Metro. Following the year-long accelerated track maintenance program, SafeTrack, Metro will institute a new preventive track maintenance program in Fiscal Year 2018. In addition, a new railcar “Get Well” plan will address persistent railcar problems to help further reduce delays.

Metro values the input of its customers and the Metro Board will take all comments into consideration prior to adopting the budget.

The public is encouraged to comment by 9:00 a.m. on Monday February 6, 2017: (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Juven Jacob

From WMATA:

“Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld today announced enhanced midday rail service on Friday, January 27, to support additional ridership expected for the 2017 March for Life.

During Friday’s midday hours, between the morning and evening rush hours, Metro will run trains about every 8 minutes on each line, resulting in service every 2-4 minutes at stations in the Downtown core. In addition, Wiedefeld announced that Metro will run more 8-car trains (the longest train length possible), all midday track work will be cancelled, and additional staff will be on hand to assist visitors.”

Photo from Columbia Heights metro by Brianna

From WMATA:

“Metro Ridership as of 11am: 275k. For comparison, that’s more than 8x a normal Sat & even busier than most weekdays. #wmata #womensmarch”

Also in comparison to yesterday: “As of 11am, 193k trips taken”

Tim writes: “Green line @ u st toward branch 11:30. Packed and stopped!”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Julian Ortiz

From WMATA:

“As tens of thousands of visitors arrive for the Women’s March on Washington, Metro has some important service updates, and well as safety and travel tips for those planning to use the rail system.

Due to security and logistical considerations, Federal Triangle Station will be closed Saturday. Customers should use Metro Center Station instead, which is located 0.3 miles (3 blocks) north at 12th and F streets NW. All other Metro stations will be open.

As previously announced, the Metrorail system will open two hours early — at 5 a.m. — on Saturday and add up to two dozen additional trains to accommodate increased ridership. Trains will run on an “enhanced Saturday schedule” with no track work on any line. Trains will depart stations at the end of each line every 12 minutes, resulting in service every 4 to 6 minutes at all stations in Downtown DC. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

From WMATA:

“Metro today released schedule information for the remaining SafeTrack surges between February and June 2017. Surges will resume February 11 with an 18-day surge on the Blue Line.

Major work that impacts rush-hour service had been suspended during the month of January due to the inauguration and the potential for winter weather impacts.

The SafeTrack program will conclude in late June, after which, Metro will shift to a regimen of preventive maintenance.

Additional information on supplemental bus service and other alternatives will be provided online at wmata.com and during customer outreach at affected stations two weeks prior to the start of each surge.

Rosslyn – Pentagon Blue Line
February 11-28 (more…)

From WMATA:

“The 2017 Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) and Metro today announced a special SmarTrip® sleeve to commemorate the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the nation’s 45th president. The commemorative sleeves will be distributed at selected Metro stations, free of charge, on the morning of Inauguration Day. (more…)