Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 20, 2004

Metro is ready to handle crowds attending the March for Women’s Lives on Sunday, April 25

Metro is ready to handle the large crowds anticipated for the March for Women’s Lives this Sunday, April 25. "Metro has a rich history of providing safe and convenient service for large groups in town to attend rallies, parades, and other events in the nation’s capital," stated Richard White, Metro’s General Manager and CEO. "Our dedicated employees are prepared to provide the best possible service this Sunday for the thousands of persons expected to attend these activities."Due to the anticipated large crowds on Sunday, April 25, Metro will operate the following service patterns:

  • Metrorail will operate on a modified Sunday schedule with six-car trains on all lines starting at 7 a.m.
  • Between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., all Metrorail trains will operate every 10 minutes from the end of each rail line, and every five minutes in the downtown core.
  • Metro will have additional trains on stand-by in the event that crowded conditions exist at certain stations throughout the day.
  • Due to the large crowds anticipated, bicycles will be prohibited in the system all day Sunday.
  • Customers are encouraged to use all Metrorail stations in the downtown area and to avoid congestion expected at the Federal Triangle, Archives-Navy Memorial and Smithsonian Metrorail stations.
  • Metrobus will operate on a normal Sunday schedule. However, due to expected street closures, many Metrobus routes will be detoured.
  • Metro Transit Police will provide support and assistance with routine patrols throughout the day.
It is important that first-time users as well as regular commuters be reminded of these travel tips:
  • Purchase round trip farecards when entering the Metrorail system to avoid long lines on the return trip.
  • The $6 One Day Pass is a great bargain for making multiple trips in one day.
  • Take care when using Metro, especially if traveling with children. Decide beforehand where you and your children will meet if you are separated. If they become lost, instruct children to seek a uniformed Metrorail employee or police officer.
  • Watch your step on and off Metrobuses, Metrorail trains, and escalators. Hold the escalator handrail and do not sit on the steps of the escalator.
  • If traveling with infants in strollers or with luggage and shopping bags, use the elevators.
An estimated 1,200 chartered buses are expected to transport event participants to town. Metro will allow these buses to park at the Greenbelt and Branch Avenue Metrorail station lots. Customers are encouraged to call Metro for more information about riding Metrobus or Metrorail at (202) 637-7000 or TTY (202) 638-3780. Customers can also log on to The RideGuide.

News release issued on April 20, 2004.