Metro News Release

For immediate release: November 17, 2004

Metro encourages customers to plan ahead for the opening of the New York Ave-Florida Ave-Gallaudet U Metrorail station

On Saturday, November 20, when the New York Ave-Florida Ave-Gallaudet U Metrorail station opens on the Red Line, it will mark the first time in Metro’s 28 year-history that a new station was constructed between two existing stations, Union Station and Rhode Island Avenue. The opening of the new station will also require assistance from Metrorail customers as the transit agency adjusts to the opening of a new station. "For customers traveling on the Red Line, they are encouraged to plan accordingly because it will take time for trains to slow down, service the new station to let customers enter and exit, and depart," said Jim Gallagher, Metro’s Deputy General Manager for Operations. "Our customers are familiar with the operating plan between Union Station and Rhode Island Avenue. With a new station, we want our customers to recognize there will be a slightly different travel plan that requires trains to slow down and service a new station." With the new station opening and Red Line service operating every 2 1/2 minutes during the weekday peak periods in the downtown core, Metro is working to ensure that train operations on the Red Line will be as smooth as possible. At strategic locations, Metro personnel will be deployed to ensure reliable train operations and help customers board trains quickly and safely. To help assist customers with the adjustment of the New York Ave-Florida Ave-Gallaudet U Metrorail station, Metro provides these travel tips:

  • The opening of the new station will add two to three minutes of travel time to trains that pass through the station so in the first few days, provide extra time for travel.
  • Always allow passengers to exit the train before boarding.
  • When boarding a train, move all the way into the center of the car. Please move safely and quickly if there are people behind trying to enter and exit. This will avoid delays.
  • Do not block the rail car doors or lean against them. This could cause the doors to malfunction and require a train to be removed from service.
  • Customers should not board a train after they hear the chimes or an announcement that the doors are closing.
"During the morning and afternoon peak period, we operate 44 trains on the Red Line making 260 trips between Shady Grove and Glenmont," said Mr. Gallagher. "With a new station opening on the busiest rail line in the system, it will require cooperation from everyone. Every Metro employee who works on the Red Line has a responsibility to ensure we have six-car train operations ready for service each weekday, and that we move each customer safely to their destination."While every Metro employee has a responsibility, we are also looking to our customers for their assistance," Mr. Gallagher added. "Next week, we will be adding a new station on the Red Line and we want our customers to plan accordingly. They should build extra time into their schedule, knowing that we have a new station to serve."

News release issued on November 17, 2004.