Metro News Release

For immediate release: May 23, 2003

Metro unveils initial plans for July 4th, 2003, service


Smithsonian station, for security reasons,will be closed all day

Today, in a meeting before the Metro Board of Director’s Operations Committee, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority unveiled the initial plans for providing service to customers using the system to get around the region on July 4th, 2003.

In addition to the Smithsonian station being closed all day on July 4th for security reasons, Metrorail will open for service at 7 a.m. and, for the first time in Metrorail history, will provide service until 3 a.m. the next morning as a result of the debut of the 18-month pilot project that weekend on the extension of Metrorail service hours.

Highlights of the plan include a special July 4th service pattern involving :

  • Free parking at all Metrorail stations on July 4th
  • Operating the Yellow Line between Franconia-Springfield and Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center Metrorail stations throughout the day, encouraging riders to exit at L’Enfant Plaza and Archives-Navy Memorial Metrorail stations.
  • Providing Blue Line shuttle service between Huntington and Rosslyn Metrorail stations.
  • Having the Orange Line serve both Addison Road-Seat Pleasant and New Carrollton Metrorail stations.
  • Providing extra Green Line service on the southern end with every other train turning back at the Fort Totten Metrorail station.

"Because the National Park Service will fence off the Mall area and provide limited access points where security screening can take place, and because the Smithsonian Metrorail station is inside the secured area, we are required to close the Smithsonian station all day, the same as last year," noted Jim Hughes, Metro’s Director of Planning.

Metro station managers and employees who volunteer their time on July 4th, called MIPs (Metro Information Persons), will direct customers to alternative downtown Metrorail stations other than the Smithsonian. In addition, Metro Transit Police will be deployed at the busiest downtown and end-of-the-line stations to accommodate the flow of crowds at these Metrorail stations.

Finally, Metro will provide large electronic signs on the National Mall to direct customers to the nearest Metrorail stations when departing the Mall. When customers enter the Metrorail system, they will be provided Metrorail system "Walking Maps" which will provide information on how best to get from a Metrorail station to a particular destination in the downtown area. Metro’s Web site will have additional information at www.metroopensdoors.com, and its Customer Call Center (202-637-7000 or TTY 202-638-3780) will be in operation that day for those who need to call for information on riding the Metrobus or Metrorail system.

Customers are reminded of the following tips:

  • Purchase the One Day rail pass if making multiple trips or buy a round-trip farecard when first entering the rail system to avoid long lines when going home.

  • Individuals should use the Passes/Vendors farecard machines to make simultaneous purchases of multiple farecards for individuals traveling in a group.

  • Adults should take extra care with children traveling with them in the system on any occasion, but especially on crowded occasions such as July 4th.
  • Up to two children four years of age and younger can ride free with each paying passenger.

  • If anyone sees anything suspicious, he or she should approach a Metro Transit Police officer, inform a Metro employee in uniform, or call Metro Transit Police on its 24-hour communications line at 202-962-2121.

News release issued on May 23, 2003.