Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 2, 2003

Metro calls its "two-minute warning" for September 4th activities on the National Mall

Smithsonian station Mall entrance closes at noon; Metrobuses to take different routes on Sept. 4 only

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) is preparing for its customers going to-and-from the NFL Kickoff Live 2003 events on the National Mall and for the Redskins game that evening at FedEx Field on Thursday, September 4, by staying open later than usual and extending peak service for several additional hours so that trains run more frequently.

Metrorail will open at 5:30 a.m. Thursday and close at 2 a.m. the next morning. Metro expects the majority of the crowds from the concert on the National Mall and the football game to have cleared Metrorail stations well before closing.

"The Authority has worked closely with the National Football League, the D.C. Metropolitan Police, and the National Park Police to devise a special plan for Metrorail and Metrobus to safely and conveniently take customers to and from these special events on September 4th," stated Polly Hanson, Chief of Police. "We want everyone attending the concert, the football game, and our regular commuters to travel safely throughout the day and to pay special attention during the afternoon peak period, since we anticipate larger than usual crowds in the rail system as people arrive for the concert while others leave work for home."

Here’s what will happen on Thursday, September 4th.

Metrorail Service:

· The Smithsonian Station Jefferson Drive entrance on the Blue and Orange Line will close at noon. The Independence Avenue entrance will remain open all day.

· 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. as usual. This means that trains will run as frequently as they typically do during peak commuting hours.

· Bicycles and large coolers will not be allowed on Metrorail on September 4.

· 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. For patrons attending the evening concert on September 4, Metro officials recommend using the following stations:

Metrobus Service:

· As a result of street closures around the National Mall, the following Metrobus routes will be detoured: 13, P1, P2, P6, P17, P19, 32, 34, 35, 36, 54, 70, A42, A46, A48, V8, W13.

To help ensure that riders board the correct train, Metro will make frequent station announcements throughout the Metrorail system, and MIPs (Metro Information Persons) will be positioned throughout the rail system to assist customers. In addition, brochures, titled Metro’s Guide To NFL Kickoff Live 2003 are available to customers at Take One racks near station managers’ kiosks or booths at rail stations, and on Metrobuses, as long as supplies last. Customer Tips/Reminders: · Customers are strongly encouraged to purchase round trip farecards when they first enter the Metrorail system.

· Customers are reminded to listen to station and train announcements, and watch for updates on the electronic message boards in stations. Metro employees - station managers, MIPs, and customer-action team members will be on hand to direct customers in an effort to help them board correct trains.

· Adults should talk with their children about what to do if they become separated. It is strongly advised that adults look for their children, directing them to remain where they are until found or to exit the train at the very next station, if they are riding the train when separated from adults. In addition, parents and other adults should seek the assistance of Metro Transit Police, station managers, MIPs, (in high visibility vests) or others who will be in uniform that day.

For more information on traveling by Metrorail or Metrobus on September 4th, call (202) 637-7000 or TTY (202) 638-3780.

News release issued on September 2, 2003.