Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 4, 2003

Thursday’s Metrorail ridership soars as Cherry Blossoms peak

The cherry blossoms and beautiful spring weather combined to put Metrorail’s Thursday, April 3 ridership totals among the top 20 highest ridership days at 696,075’16th on Metro’s all-time high list. Each spring, cherry blossoms attract area residents and visitors to the city where they enjoy this annual rite of spring. Not only were the blossoms a factor in yesterday’s ridership, but they also saw Tuesday’s ridership (April 1) of 691,932 post Metrorail’s 23rd highest ridership day. Last year on April 2, 4, and 5, the blossoms were a significant factor in attracting ridership which exceeded 700,000 customers on each of those days. Five of Metrorail’s top 25 ridership days have occurred during the blooming of the cherry blossom trees last year and this year.

News release issued on April 4, 2003.