Questions & Answers About Metro


How do I find the quickest route to my destination?

Metro offers a free, Web-based service called the Trip Planner, which provides instant information that is accurate and up-to-the-minute. Type in where you're traveling from, where you're traveling to, and the time of day you plan to travel. The Trip Planner will offer up to three of the best routes and include fare information and walking directions from a Metrorail station or bus stop to a given address.

Back To Top

Before I begin my trip, how can I find out if certain elevators or escalators are operating?

From time to time, customers will come across elevators or escalators that are not in operation. Most of those elevators or escalators are undergoing rehabilitation because they are nearing the end of their projected useful life. Others are being tested, checked or repaired. To find out if certain elevators or escalators are in service, check Elevator & Escalator Service Status on Your Station's Page or call 202-962-1212. Back To Top

How frequently are fares increased and why?

Revenue from passenger fares and other sources covers 55 percent of transit operating costs. The remainder comes from state and local governments and advertising. Metro has always sought to manage resources efficiently and to avoid fare increases. However, periodic fare increases are needed to offset higher costs for inflation in fuel, electricity, and health insurance. The last time fares were increased was in July 2014.    Back To Top

What goes into deciding how frequently buses run on routes?

Each local government purchases service from Metro. The frequency of service is determined by the number of people riding and the amount of service the local government funds.    Back To Top

Can I bring my dog on Metrorail and Metrobus?

Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals permitted to ride unconfined on Metrorail and Metrobus. However, a pet may be transported on Metrorail and Metrobus, provided it is carried aboard in a secure container from which it cannot escape.    Back To Top

Can I eat or smoke on Metrorail or a Metrobus?

It is unlawful to eat, drink or smoke in the Metro system because of the labor and cost associated with maintaining the cleanliness of the transportation system as well as for safety reasons. Customers can be cited by Metro Transit Police for violating the no eating, no drinking, and no smoking rules. Back To Top

I can't always get into a Metro parking lot early in the morning. How about adding more parking?

Metro is one of the largest parking operators in the Washington region; but in some locations, demand for parking is greater than the available spaces. Several parking facilities have been expanded, and Metro is adding spaces at several other facilities. We recommend customers consider using bus service to stations where parking is limited. Parking on weekends and most federal holidays is free at Metro-owned facilities.    Back To Top

What do I need to know to build near Metro property?

Metro reviews designs and monitors construction of projects adjacent to Metrorail and Metrobus property, facilities, and operations, through its Office of Joint Development and Adjacent Construction. Please visit our Adjacent Construction Program page for complete information. Back To Top

What is Metro doing to address fare evasion?

In October, Metro will launch a system wide warning campaign focusing on fare evasion and fines associated with failure to pay fares on Metrobus and Metrorail. Fare evaders could see potential fines (ranging from $50-100) in accordance with citations issued in DC, MD, or VA. Back To Top

When will the fare evasion warning campaign start?

The warning campaign begins in October, and systemwide enforcement will begin in November. For the first two weeks of the campaign, digital signage will display information about the fines associated with failure to pay fares on Metrorail and Metrobus. After the first two weeks, digital signage will remain in place, and MTPD officers and other Metro personnel will hand out physical warnings. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of fines currently associated with Maryland and Virginia and inform fare evaders of the new civil penalties in the District that will take effect in November. Back To Top

What is Metro doing to address fare evasion?

In October, Metro launched a systemwide warning campaign focusing on fare evasion and fines associated with failure to pay fares on Metrobus and Metrorail. Fare evaders could see potential fines (ranging from $50-100) in accordance with citations issued in DC, MD, or VA. Back To Top

When will the fare evasion warning campaign start?

The warning campaign began in October, and systemwide enforcement will begin in November. For the first two weeks of the campaign, digital signage will display information about the fines associated with failure to pay fares on Metrorail and Metrobus. After the first two weeks, digital signage will remain in place, and MTPD officers and other Metro personnel will hand out physical warnings. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of fines currently associated with Maryland and Virginia and inform fare evaders of the new civil penalties in the District that will take effect in November. Back To Top

Who is the focus of the campaign?

The October warning campaign is designed to (1) inform Metro customers that fare payment is required and expected to use Metrorail and Metrobus, (2) make the community aware of the varying fines and penalties associated with citations in each jurisdiction, and (3) prepare the community for citations that will be issued by Metro Transit Police (MTPD) after the warning campaign concludes. An adult who doesn’t pay fares will be the focus of the campaign. Back To Top

Why is it important for everyone to pay Metro fares?

Fare revenues contributed $213.5 million in FY22 to fund Metro operations. Metro conservatively estimates more than $40 million in revenue was lost in FY22 due to fare evasion on Metrorail and Metrobus, or about 22% of the projected deficit for the next Fiscal Year. The loss of funds directly impacts revenue, service offering and delivery, system maintenance, and operational decisions. Back To Top

How can I keep my farecard working?

First, carry the card in a wallet, purse or elsewhere where it lies flat and remains clean and dry. Second, be careful to keep the farecard away from portable electronic devices, which can demagnetize farecards, making them unreadable. Demagnetization of farecards is a growing problem now that most people carry one or more electronic devices, including cellphones, iPods, PDAs, and handheld games. All such devices can generate magnetic fields and many can demagnetize farecards. Finally, take care not to place a farecard in a purse or wallet so that its magnetic strip rubs against that of a credit card or debit card. This can also demagnetize a farecard. Back To Top

Why is Metro addressing fare evasion now?

Nonpayment of fares hurts everyone and unfairly punishes those customers who follow the rules. This campaign will educate and warn fare evaders systemwide that there are consequences associated with nonpayment on Metrorail and Metrobus and identify the penalties associated with citations in each jurisdiction. Back To Top

What should I do if my farecard doesn't work?

See the station manager located in the kiosk. If the station manager can't correct the problem immediately, you'll be given a fare adjustment envelope to complete so that we can replace your farecard by mail.

Back To Top

When will citations be issued?

MTPD already issues citations in Maryland and Virginia. MTPD will issue fines systemwide to include the District in November. Back To Top

Why is the District now included in fare enforcement?

The District’s history with fare enforcement policy has been complex. Prior to this year, there was no mechanism for MTPD to issue citations in the District. Understanding the importance of fare recovery for Metro, WMATA Board Members and District leaders have worked together on a solution that makes enforcement consistent across the region.

Tickets are provided by each jurisdiction and until recent action in the District establishing an adjudication and appeals process, Metro did not have tickets to use in the District. Therefore, Metro did not have the ability to issue fare evasion citations in the District. Back To Top

Can I bring my bicycle on Metrorail?

Bicycles are welcome on Metrorail during all hours; however, we encourage bicyclists to be considerate of other customers and adhere to these rules when traveling with a bicycle.

Bikes are not allowed on crowded railcars. Use good judgment and only board cars that can comfortably accommodate you and your bicycle. The middle cars are usually the most crowded, so consider boarding the first or last car of the train.

Do not block aisles or doors of the train.

Senior citizens and people with disabilities always have priority. You must make designated seating areas available if needed by another passenger.

When boarding the train, use the doors at either end of the railcar - not the center doors.

Bicycles may not be carried on escalators. Use elevators only.

Do not ride bicycles in stations, on platforms or on trains. While wheeling your bicycle, keep both wheels on the ground and the kickstand up.

Metro reserves the right to disallow bicycles during special events or other days where high ridership is expected.

For more details, see our
Bikes on Metrorail page.

Back To Top

When is the construction planned to start and how long is it projected to take?

Demolition is scheduled to begin in winter 2020, with construction beginning in winter 2021 and continuing for approximately three years.

Back To Top

Are citations criminal?

Citations issued in Maryland and Virginia are criminal offenses. Citations issued in the District are civil offenses. Those adults who don’t pay are subject to fines and other penalties associated with failure to pay. Back To Top

Who will issue citations in November once the warning period concludes?

MTPD will solely be responsible for issuing citations when people choose not to pay fares. Back To Top

Will Station Managers or Bus Operators (Drivers) issue citations?

No. Station Managers and Bus Operators (Drivers) have important responsibilities, including providing customer support for those who may have difficulty accessing the system because of SmarTrip® card/ mobile payment issues or unfamiliarity with our system. For their safety, they are not asked to confront customers about nonpayment related to fares. Back To Top

What is the jurisdiction of the Metro Transit Police Department?

The Metro Transit Police Department has an authorized strength of 420 sworn officers, 106 security special police and 24 civilian personnel. Officers provide a variety of law enforcement and public safety services on the Metrorail and Metrobus systems in the Washington metropolitan area. Metro Transit Police officers have jurisdiction and arrest powers throughout the 1,500 square mile transit zone that includes the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia for crimes that occur on or against Metro facilities. The Metro Transit Police Department is the only tri-jurisdictional police agency in the country and the agency serves a population of 3.2 million.

Metro Transit Police officers are trained to the standards set for police in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Both uniformed and plainclothes officers patrol trains, buses, rail and bus stations, and parking lots. Radio dispatched scout cars respond to both rail and bus security issues. Metro also has a bicycle patrol, K-9 unit, motorcycle unit, and a Criminal Investigations Division.

Back To Top

What if I cannot afford Metro fares?

For information about our fare programs, please call 202-637-7000. Back To Top

How safe is the Metro system compared to other U.S. transit systems?

The Metro system has an excellent reputation for being a safe transit system. Metro Transit Police officers in uniform and in plain clothes routinely patrol Metrobuses, Metrorail trains, stations, and parking lots. Nevertheless, emergency response plans are in place for a variety of crisis scenarios. If riders ever see anything suspicious, they are encouraged to call Metro Transit Police, who have forged strong partnerships with local jurisdictional police, at 202-962-2121.

Back To Top

What should I do if I observe something unusual or suspicious, such as a suspicious package?

You should report any suspicious package or activity to a Metro employee or police officer. You should not go near an unattended item or handle it. On a train, you can use the emergency intercom at either end of the car to talk to the train operator. In a station, you can use the emergency intercom on platform pylons to talk to Metro personnel or call 911 on any pay phone. On a Metrobus, alert the bus operator. You can also call Metro Transit Police at 202-962-2121.

Back To Top

What is Metro doing to help regional air quality?

Our entire 1,500 Metrobus fleet is eco-friendly: 439 buses run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), 117 buses run on advanced technology diesel, and 50 buses are diesel/electric hybrid. All remaining buses in the fleet have completed the Clean Fleet project, which includes the use of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel in conjunction with exhaust treatment devices to lower emissions.

Back To Top

Why do some rail cars feel hot in the summer and cold in the winter?

Metro trains have cooling and heating equipment, but it may feel warmer or colder on a rail car when the train doors open and close at stations, allowing cool or warm air to escape. Air conditioning units or heaters aboard the rail cars also might be broken. Passengers are urged to note the car number and report the problem to 202-637-1328.

Back To Top

What environmental studies will be done to understand the extent of contamination from underground fuel tanks and maintenance operations?

Clark Construction, the contractor, is conducting a survey of soil and water in the garage that will characterize the nature and extent of contamination. This information will be used to ensure that the site is remediated properly and that materials removed from the site are managed properly. Metro is coordinating with the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE).

Back To Top

What is the schedule for future Metrorail expansion?

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is the sponsor of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, which will extend Metrorail into the Dulles Corridor in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. The 23.5-mile transit system will serve as a link between Metro's existing 106-mile Metrorail system and Loudoun County and provide service through Tysons Corner to Washington Dulles International Airport. Any other Metrorail extensions beyond the Dulles Corridor are being discussed locally.

Back To Top

Will community/business owner parking be included in the redevelopment plan to support the businesses along 14th Street, NW?

The redevelopment plan will include parking for Metro employees and employees of the retail tenants in the new bus garage. However, the project cannot provide parking for other businesses along this part of 14th Street, NW. This project will not permanently remove existing street parking that is currently situated along 14th Street, NW.

Back To Top