Metro News Release
For immediate release: March 29, 2004
Metrorail to open at 6 a.m., Sunday, April 4 forCherry Blossom 10-mile run
Metrorail will open one hour early, at 6 a.m., on Sunday, April 4, to accommodate the crowds attending the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Race. The Race, starting at West Potomac Park, will wind its way across the Memorial Bridge and along Rock Creek Parkway. The closest Metrorail stop for customers to utilize is the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metrorail station on the Orange and Blue Lines.
During that period of time, Metrorail will provide typical Sunday morning service with a 15-minute frequency on all lines.
Cherry Blossom season is one of the busiest times of year within the Metrorail system. During the Cherry Blossom season, customers can do their part to help ensure that their trip is more pleasant by remembering the following travel tips.
" Visitors are encouraged to buy $6 One-Day passes, the best bargain for multiple trips; to avoid long lines on return trips, all customers should purchase at least round-trip fare when they first enter the Metrorail system. The one-day pass can only be used after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends.
" Visitors should avoid traveling during the peak commuter periods on weekdays from 5:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m., and are strongly encouraged to avoid traveling Metrorail between 4 and 6 p.m. at the height of the afternoon peak period.
" Regular customers are encouraged to use all downtown Metrorail stations, avoiding the Smithsonian Metrorail station, which is the most popular station for tourists arriving at the National Mall.
" Customers are reminded when traveling in the Metrorail system to please walk into the body of the rail car and to not stand near or block the rail car doors.
" Adults are reminded to take special care of children accompanying them, especially when traveling in large crowds. Prepare beforehand the course of action you and your children will take if you become separated. Adults are also encouraged to advise their children to remain in the station where they are if they become separated from their parents, and seek assistance from a transit police officer or a station manager at the kiosk.
" Patience and courtesy are essential when traveling during this time and throughout the tourist season; many customers will be first-time users of Metrorail and may need extra help in getting around the system.
" All customers are reminded to be aware of their surroundings during this busy travel season, and to make sure their personal belongings or valuables are safe and secure when traveling on Metro. For more information on traveling by Metrobus and Metrorail, call (202) 637-7000, TDD (202) 638-3780, or visit Metro’s web site at www.metroopensdoors.com.
News release issued on March 29, 2004.