Metro News Release

For immediate release: August 28, 2003

Tips for Metrorail and Metrobus customers on Sept. 4th

With large crowds of people expected to use Metrorail and Metrobus on Thursday, September 4th in anticipation of the National Football League events on the National Mall, and for the Redskins game that evening at FedEx Field, customers should keep the following tips in mind to ensure a safe and pleasant trip:

  • Metrorail will stay open until all post event crowds have cleared from the National Mall and FedEx Field.
  • 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.
  • The Smithsonian Metrorail station Mall entrance will close at noon on September 4th for the remainder of the day. The Independence Avenue entrance will be open for the entire day.
  • Because of the anticipated crowds expected to use the system on September 4th, large coolers and bicycles will not be permitted in the Metrorail system.
  • The evening concert on the National Mall begins at 6 p.m. Commuters should anticipate large crowds in the Metrorail system as people arrive for the event while others leave work for home.
  • Large numbers of people unfamiliar with the Metrorail and Metrobus system will ride the system on September 4th. Regular customers are asked to exhibit patience and plan their trips ahead of time, allowing more time for travel due to the many new riders who will be using Metro that day.
  • Use the same station to enter and exit the system when going to and leaving from the National Mall activities. Exception: use other stations near the Mall, avoiding the crowds at the Smithsonian Metro Station Independence Avenue entrance and Federal Triangle after the concert.
Parking at all Metrorail owned and operated lots will be extremely limited on September 4th because it is a regular work day.
  • If you plan to drive, consider parking at RFK Stadium and taking Metro from the Stadium-Armory Metrorail station.
  • Buy multiple farecards faster and easier by using the Passes/Farecards machine at Metrorail stations.
  • Buy a round trip fare when first entering the system.
  • Keep farecards clean and dry so they will work on the return trip home.
  • Listen to station and train announcements.
  • Check the final destination displayed on the side of the train to be sure you" re boarding the right train.
  • Take special care of children, deciding beforehand with children what they should do if they become separated from parents or other adults. Direct children to seek help from a Metro Transit Police officer, station manager, Metro Information Persons (MIPs), or other Metro employee in uniform.
To help ensure that riders board the correct train, Metro will make frequent station announcements throughout the Metrorail system, and Metro Information Persons will be positioned throughout the rail system to assist customers.

MIPs will be easily identifiable wearing high visibility vests. In addition, Take One brochures, titled Metro’s Guide to NFL Kickoff Live 2003, will be available to customers at Take One racks near station managers" kiosks or booths at rail stations on September 2. For more information on traveling by Metrorail or Metrobus on September 4th, check out the Metro website at www.metroopensdoors.com, or call (202) 637-7000 or TTY (202) 638-3780.

News release issued on August 28, 2003.