Metro News Release

For immediate release: August 14, 2003

Metro outlines services planned for the NFL Kick-Off Festival on the National Mall

Metro CEO Richard A. White today announced that Metro will provide additional rail service on Thursday, September 4th, to accommodate the large number of customers expected to travel to and from activities related to the National Football League (NFL) Festival on the National Mall and the home opener for the Washington Redskins at FedEX Field.

From September 1 to 4, the National Football League will sponsor the second Annual Football Festival on The Mall in Washington, D.C., to kick-off the 2003-2004 football season. Last year, the event was held for the first time in Times Square, and according to New York City and NFL officials, more than 200,000 fans attended. This year’s event on the Mall is expected to attract an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 people.

In anticipation of the activities on Thursday, September 4, Metro’s " game plan" is as follows:

" Go Into Overtime -- Metrorail will extend its operation for two hours, staying open until 2 a.m., to accommodate customers attending the festivities on the National Mall and the Washington Redskins-New York Jets football game at FedEX Field.

" Stay Inbounds -- For security reasons, the Smithsonian Metrorail station Mall entrance will close at noon. The Independence Avenue entrance to the station will remain open throughout the day and evening until the 2 a.m. closing.

" Run For Long Yardage -- Metrorail peak-service will begin at 2 p.m. and operate until 10 p.m., with peak-fares in effect only from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. This means that trains will run as frequently as they typically do during peak commuting hours. Customers are reminded that bicycles will not be allowed on Metrorail on September 4.

" Employ Special Teams -- To accommodate the crowds, longer trains will be placed in service, and extra trains will be made available as needed. Metro will deploy additional employees throughout the system to assist first-time users, out-of-town visitors, and regular customers.

" Do An End-Run -- Metrobus will operate on a normal weekday schedule. However, with the anticipated street closures around the Mall, Metrobuses will be prepared for detours. While these detours have yet to be finalized, customers should plan to add time to their travels by bus through these areas.

" Pre-Game Warm-Up -- In preparation for the football game, which begins at 9 p.m., Metrobus will provide 100 buses for shuttle service from the Addison Road-Seat Pleasant and Landover Metrorail stations to FedEX Field.

" Post-Game Analysis -- Upon completion of the game, shuttle bus riders are encouraged to head home quickly because the last Metro shuttle bus returning to the Addison Road-Seat Pleasant and Landover Metrorail stations will depart the stadium approximately one hour after the game ends. To return to their point of origin quickly and safely, riders should return to the exact location where buses dropped them off. The highlight of the three-day event will occur on September 4, starting at 5:30 p.m., with a concert featuring Britney Spears, Kid Rock, Aerosmith, Mary J. Blige and others. There will be a special acknowledgment of military personnel as the NFL salutes the events of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Following the concert, and prior to the start of the football game at FedEX Field at approximately 9 p.m., Aretha Franklin will sing the National Anthem.

" Metro is proud of the role that it plays in transporting the public to and from special events like this special NFL kick-off," stated Mr. White. " Many people throughout the region will be at work on September 4, and we strongly remind our customers that we anticipate a greater number of people in the rail system at the height of the evening rush. Our customers will need to plan accordingly that day."

Metro will also prepare a walking guide brochure to direct customers to and from stations adjacent to the Mall. These brochures will be available in the next two weeks at the Take-One racks located at all Metrorail station.

For more information on service on Metrorail and Metrobus, customers should call (202) 637-7000. For TTY, customers may call (202) 638-3780 or visit Metro’s Web site at www.metroopensdoors.com.

News release issued on August 14, 2003.