Metro to expand service in August

Platform work under way at the East Falls Church Metro station. [WMATA]

Metro plans to restore rail and bus service Aug. 16 to nearly pre-COVID levels. 

Metrorail will add 15 hours more service per week, with opening times returning to normal and the system closing two hours later each night in anticipation of potential increases in ridership after Labor Day.

“Unfortunately,” he said, “the CARES Act funds to Metro will dry up later this year, at the same time our fare revenues are projected to continue to be down approximately 90 percent.” At the same time, local and state funding sources are shrinking, leading to a “looming financial crisis” for Metro. 

In an effort to provide additional transportation options for late-night workers, Metro is increasing the subsidy from $3 to $6 for on-demand transportation service after hours. The program, known as After-Hours Commuter Service, gives qualified workers a subsidy toward a shared ride on Lyft for trips between their home and workplace between midnight and 4 a.m. Eligible workers can apply online.

Metrorail remains on track to re-open six Fairfax County stations on the Orange and Silver lines Aug. 16. Stations west of Ballston – McLean, Tysons Corner, Greensboro, Spring Hill, and Wiehle-Reston East on the Silver Line plus West Falls Church on the Orange Line – had been closed since late May to complete work for Silver Line Phase 2 and platform reconstruction. 

The remaining Orange Line stations – East Falls Church, Dunn Loring, and Vienna – are on target for completion around Labor Day, Sept. 7.

Metrorail currently runs 5 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends. Effective Aug. 16, Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. on Saturdays, and 8 a.m. on Sundays and close daily at 11 p.m.

Currently, trains operate every 15 minutes on the Red line on weekdays and every 20 minutes on other lines. Effective, Aug. 16, Red line trains will operate every five minutes during peak periods and 12 minutes off-peak. All others lines will run every eight minutes during peak periods and 15 minutes off-peak.

The Arlington Cemetery Station remains closed as Arlington National Cemetery is currently closed to the general public. 

Metrobus will offer more buses, running more frequent service beginning Sunday, Aug. 23, restoring approximately 75 percent of pre-pandemic service. Weekday service will improve on 174 routes with most routes operating close to normal. Buses will operate until midnight. 

Metrobus currently operates 5 a.m.-11 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.-11 p.m. on weekends. Effective Aug. 23, Metrobus will operate 4 a.m.-midnight daily, although the schedule varies by route. View timetables for details.

Rear-door boarding will remain on buses in effect and fares will still be temporarily waived. 

Metro is requiring face coverings for all customers on trains, stations, buses, and MetroAccess vehicles.

As ridership increases, social distancing might not be possible on trains and buses. Customers are encouraged to consider traveling during off-peak hours or use other travel alternatives.