In addition to the Silver line reopening on August 16, WMATA ( Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) will begin adding more Metrorail and Metrobus service and will increase hours of service, restoring service close to pre-pandemic levels. Metro will add more cars to service August 16, and Metrobus will expand its routes on August 23. Be sure to view Metros Recovery Plan document to to see WMATA’s outlined COVID-19 recovery plan and changes taking place this month.
Metrorail Service
Summary of Metro Updates for August:
Metrorail service will increase to 90% of pre-pandemic service, with morning service hours returning to normal. All Metrorail lines (other than Red line trains) will run every eight-minutes during weekday peak hours, and every 15 minutes during off-peak times. Red line trains will operate every 5 minutes during weekday peak hours and every 12 minutes during off-peak times.
Expanded Hours of Operation
- Weekdays: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Metrorail Stations Reopening
- Wiehle-Reston East, Spring Hill, Greensboro, Tysons Corner, McLean, and West Falls Church
Parking
Paid parking at Metro stations will resume.
Metrobus Service
Beginning August 23, Metrobus will start running more frequent service, restoring approximately 75% of pre-pandemic service. Metro will continue loading passengers solely from the rear of the bus and will not have fare collection on-board.
Expanded Hours of Operation
4 a.m. – Midnight
After-Hours Ride-Hailing Program
To provide additional transportation support for late-night workers, WMATA is increasing its After-Hours Ride-Hailing Program subsidy from $3 to $6 per ride for on-demand transportation service during the hours when Metro’s services are closed. The program, known as the After-Hours Commuter Service, gives qualified workers a subsidy toward a Lyft ride for trips between their home and workplace between midnight and 4:00 a.m.
Learn more and apply on WMATA’s website.
Safety on Board
With bus and rail services increasing, WMATA will continue to prioritize safety on Metro cars and buses.
- Face coverings are required for all employees and passengers
- Metro plans to distribute free masks and hand sanitizer to customers
- Daily cleaning of stations, railcars, and buses
- Pilot UV light sterilization on escalator handrails
As always, your transportation team, Go Woodland Park Station is here to help you get around! Visit their website for additional Metro updates and transportation-related information.