For immediate release: May 11, 2018

For the next 3 weekends, Metro Red Line shuttles will take you to the National Zoo's front door

Metro has partnered with the Smithsonian's National Zoo to make it even easier for visitors to get to one of DC's greatest attractions during Red Line maintenance work over the next three weekends. Starting this weekend, and continuing May 19-20 and May 26-27, free Red Line bus shuttles replacing train service between Dupont Circle and Van Ness rail stations will stop right at the Zoo's main entrance on Connecticut Avenue NW.

Metro is performing essential track maintenance on the Red Line over the next three weekends, including rail and fastener renewal. Free shuttle buses will substitute for Red Line trains between Dupont Circle and Van Ness stations, making intermediate stops at Woodley Park and Cleveland Park rail stations and the National Zoo entrance.

"Our message to the region is, don't let a little track work discourage you from taking a trip to the National Zoo during this great time of year to visit," said Lynn Bowersox, Metro Assistant General Manager, Customer Service, Marketing and Communications. "Getting there will actually be easy with free shuttle service right to the Zoo's front door from either Dupont Circle or Van Ness Metrorail stations."

Outside of the work area, Red Line trains will operate frequently -- every 10 minutes (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day) between Shady Grove and Van Ness stations and between Glenmont and Dupont Circle stations. Free shuttle buses will depart every few minutes throughout the day.

As an added incentive, representatives will be distributing special handouts to shuttle bus customers that provides a 20%-off discount on Zoo Gift Shop retail purchases.

After visiting the Zoo, visitors can take free shuttle buses from the Zoo entrance to return to the Red Line.

For complete visitor information, visit the National Zoo's website at nationalzoo.si.edu.