Temporary MetroBus Detour: Fourth of July Celebration, Downtown DC Advisory Effective: 7/4/22 – 7/4/22 (Monday, July 4, 2022 | 3 am to 12 midnight) Routes Affected: 5A, 16E, 38B, 33, 32, 36, 42, 43, 52, 54, 64, 70,74, 79, 80, D4, D6, G8, L2,N6, P6, S2, X2
Program to enhance transparency and support of safety initiatives
Per WMATA: The Metro Transit Police Department will equip officers with body worn cameras (BWC), adding a new tool to MTPD’s crime fighting initiatives. The program is designed to create an additional layer of transparency for sworn officers who protect Metro customers and employees.
Per WMATA: As people across the region prepare to celebrate the Independence Day holiday, Metro is also preparing to get people to and from July Fourth activities and fireworks. Trains will operate regular weekday service on all lines, with supplemental service on the Red Line and trains positioned throughout the system to provide extra capacity when needed.
Downtown where stations are served by multiple lines, as well as the Red Line, trains will arrive every 6-8 minutes. Off-peak fares will be in effect and parking will be free at all Metro parking facilities and garages.
Metro today announced on Friday that lower-priced unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus monthly passes are now on sale for travel beginning July 1, providing more flexibility and value to customers who may no longer be commuting five days a week. And beginning Monday, June 27, all customers traveling on Metrorail after 9:30 p.m. on weekdays will benefit from a flat fare of $2 per one-way trip.
“As gas prices remain high and people continue to increase travel and commute to work more often, lowering the price of unlimited passes makes Metrorail and Metrobus an even more attractive option for work and pleasure travel throughout the region,” said Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg. “Metro is giving customers even more value with a flat Metrorail fare of $2 per one-way trip after 9:30 p.m. beginning Monday, June 27, providing a welcome savings to service workers and those using Metro to get to and from nightlife attractions across the region.”
Per WMATA: Metro took control of the Silver Line Extension today at 6:00 a.m. This milestone, known as the “Operational Readiness Date” (ORD), marks the point where provisional care and control of the Extension – including six new Silver Line stations, 11.4 miles of new track, and a new rail yard – is formally transferred from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to Metro.
The opening date for passenger service will follow an action by Metro’s Board of Directors on the final acceptance of the line from MWAA. “This milestone enables our team to test the tracks and systems, train and familiarize our workforce on yard operations, mainline and stations and ensure that we provide safe and reliable service for customers on the extension,” said Interim General Manager and CEO Andy Off. “We look forward to opening the new stations soon and delivering high quality rail connections to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County.”
Back in December 9th, 2021, Metro’s board of directors will voted to approve a proposal to rename the White Flint Metro station “North Bethesda.” Today, the change in signage has officially started as crews are working on updating the signs at the metro station, according to photos sent in by Lukas Hadrava (seen below).
A social media post on the Friends of White Flint Facebook page states that, “Metro’s staff is recommending to its board of directors to approve the name change. In writing why they acknowledged that currently North Bethesda does not have much of a “sense of place.”
Metro completed final review on June 15 of its plan to return eight 7000-series trains to passenger service. Customers can expect service to start today, June 16th.
Meetings Being Held In-Person to Address Progress of Purple Line Construction, with Next Meeting on Tuesday, June 14, in Silver Spring
Progress of continuing work on the Purple Line, including introduction of the new contractor, are the focus of a series of in-person meetings being held by the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA).
The Sales Office at Metro Center Station will close permanently on June 30, 2022, a change approved by the Metro Board of Directors as part of the fiscal year 2023 budget. Services offered at the Sales Office—including pass sales, balance transfers, and adding SmarTrip value—are available through a variety of other sources, including:
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, Metrorail will open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight, providing normal service on 5 of 6 lines, with service adjustments on the Orange Line due to the Platform Improvement Project. Metrobus service will vary by route, with buses running on a Sunday schedule. MetroAccess customers may make a reservation to travel on the holiday; however, subscription trips will be canceled.
Service information:
Due to construction and paving work at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Rockville Metrorail station, bus stops on the West Side Kiss & Ride will be closed and temporarily relocated, from May 31 to June 6.
All bus stops normally on the west side will be temporarily relocated to either the east side, on the street at MD 355, or one block over on Monroe Street in front of the Montgomery County Executive Office Building. Wayfinding signs will be placed at the Metro station to help riders locate their bus stops. Additionally, Ride On staff will be onsite at the station, for rider assistance.