In summer 2021, Metro kicked off a yearlong project to replace all faregate payment cabinets across the Metrorail system with modernized units that include enhanced safety features, larger displays, and faster processing. Metro also took action to decrease fare evasion. After testing modifications to the existing faregates, they made the decision to retrofit all faregate doors to reduce fare evasion.
Metro made a multimillion dollar investment by upgrading and replacing all 1,200 Metrorail faregate cabinets across the 98 rail stations in its system. New technology enable customers to wave their SmarTrip® cards more quickly and enable gates to be entered in either direction when clear.
Per Metro: “We’re taking action. We also heard your concerns about fare evasion and, over the next several months, we are installing higher, more secure faregates. Fare evasion accounts for approximately $40 million in estimated revenue loss each year and we are committed to minimizing that loss and investing those funds in the safety and reliability of our service.
In addition to our “Pay the Fare” warning campaign in fall 2022, we continue to advance numerous efforts to reduce non-payment, including communication, education, issuing citations, and faregate modification.
Pilot Program at Fort Totten Station: In spring 2023, Fort Totten was chosen as a testing pilot for multiple reasons, including its high rate of fare evasion and its ability to accommodate additional faregates without compromising the footprint of the station. A number of prototypes, including one ADA gate with swing gates, were tested. The resulting design was finalized in July.
First Phase Completed: Following the success of the pilot, nine additional Metrorail stations were selected and received retrofitted faregates:
- Bethesda
- Mt Vernon Sq
- Congress Heights
- Federal Center SW
- Vienna
- Addison Rd
- Wheaton
- Court House
- Pentagon City
What’s Next: High traffic rail stations in the District of Columbia are next in the pipeline, with Tysons Corner in Virginia and Southern Ave in Maryland rounding out this next phase that will run through January 2024:
- Capitol South
- Metro Center
- Union Station
- Gallery Place / Chinatown
- L’Enfant Plaza
- Tysons Corner
- Southern Ave
Following the completion of these stations, Metro plans to retrofit faregates across the Metro system over the next year.”
Courtesy of WMATA
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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
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Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
