Metro to run rush-hour service Saturday, March 24 to accommodate March for Our Lives, Cherry Blossom events

Metro will operate rush-hour service levels throughout the day on Saturday, March 24, to accommodate hundreds of thousands of attendees expected for the March for Our Lives event, as well as the National Cherry Blossom Festival opening ceremony. 

Metro has created a special website -- wmata.com/march -- with service information for those attending March for Our Lives.

Metro is encouraging all March participants and Cherry Blossom visitors to purchase SmarTrip cards in advance to avoid long lines at station vending machines on March 24. Cards can be purchased at Giant and CVS stores in the DC area, at Metrorail stations, and online at wmata.com/march through March 9.

On Saturday, March 24: 

• Metrorail will open at 7 a.m., with trains departing end-of-line stations every 8 minutes and additional trains on the Red Line between Grosvenor-Strathmore and Silver Spring. At Downtown DC stations, trains will arrive every 2-4 minutes.
• Rush-hour service levels will continue throughout the day until approximately 6 p.m. or as ridership levels warrant.
• Off-peak fares will be in effect all day. 
• Regular Saturday parking rates ($2 per vehicle) will be in effect.
• Bicycles, large coolers and other oversized items will not be permitted on Metrorail.
• Expect large crowds, long lines and full trains. Metro recommends traveling as early in the day as possible.

Metrobus will operate on a regular Saturday schedule. However, routes that operate near Downtown DC will be subject to detours, service changes and delays due to road closures. Updated information will be available on wmata.com as plans are finalized.