Metro has released an update stating it has “seen positive trends in recent months with growing ridership and more customers paying their fares, showing efforts to reduce fare evasion and increase safety are working.”
Highlights include:
- 22 million bus and rail trips in March — 14% higher than last year.
- Fare evasion is down 50% on rail compared to last year.
- Crime is down 19% in 2024 compared to last year.
The commute is strong
- Peak commute hours in March saw an average of 50,000 entries an hour (from 8-9 a.m. and 5-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday), a 25% increase over March 2023.
- Federal employee trips increased by 33%.
Weekends and special events bring a boost
- Weekend bus and rail ridership is above 2019 levels, thanks to more frequent service.
- Smithsonian Station recorded its busiest days since 2019 with 69,000 customers trips on Saturday, March 30.
- Navy Yard hit a new post-pandemic high, with 40,000 customer trips on the day of the Nationals home opener.
Connecting the region to the nation and world
- Union Station Metrorail ridership increased 23% over March 2023.
- Dulles International Airport station ridership increased 38% over March 2023.
“We have made great efforts to improve service and safety across all hours and all days of the week, and it is paying off,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “We are moving customers in numbers that we haven’t seen in years, which boosts the economy, decreases congestion, and supports sustainability throughout the region. We thank everyone for taking transit and our team for delivering great service.”
Meanwhile, paid ridership is up 24% – which means fare evasion is on the decline across the system.
Metro has taken several steps to reduce fare evasion, including:
- Retrofitted faregates at 33 of 98 stations so far, resulting in a 79% decrease in fare evasion at those locations.
- New, more reliable fareboxes on 60% of Metro’s 1,500 buses, with a goal to upgrade all buses by the end of summer.
- Easier access to fare payment through mobile wallet; mobile payments are up 74% on rail and 35% on bus over last year.
- Simplified fare structure and reduced-fare programs for seniors, students, and low-income customers (MetroLift customers have taken more than 500,000 trips since the launch last July).
“Thanks to new legislation in the District, Metro Transit Police have stepped up fare enforcement efforts, writing hundreds of citations for fare evasion in March and arresting more than 20 people with outstanding warrants. Systemwide, fare evasion is down 50% compared to last year.
With the addition of Special Police Officers and increased MTPD patrols throughout the system, crime is down 19%in 2024. Also, Metro continues to look out for customers with 30,000 cameras systemwide and real-time communication channels to report safety concerns, including the MYMTPD text line.
As ridership grows, Metro will continue to incorporate innovative ways to serve customers throughout the region and keep them safe on their journey.”
Courtesy WMATA
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FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
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.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
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!!!
