Metro News Release

For immediate release: July 1, 2005

Metro To Operate Special Service on July 4

Trains to Take Different Routes for Independence Day OnlySmithsonian Station Closed For Security Precautions

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) is once again providing a special travel pattern for its customers going to and from Independence Day celebrations around the region and on the National Mall. For Independence Day only, trains will depart from their usual routing, only seen on July 4.

Fourth of July festivities on the National Mall combined with a Washington Nationals day game at RFK Stadium is expected to result in large crowds in the Metro system. Free shuttle buses will help get people home after the baseball game and the fireworks.

Metro will open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight. However, the Smithsonian Metrorail station will be closed all day for security precautions. Metro expects the majority of the post-event crowds from the fireworks on the National Mall to have cleared Metrorail stations well before closing. Parking in all Metro lots will be free.

"Over the last six years, we have devised an innovative way to safely and conveniently take customers to and from Independence Day celebrations on July 4," stated Steven Feil, Chief Operating Officer for Rail. "We use this innovative way of traveling because, as in the past, it works."

Here’s what will happen on July 4.

Special Metrorail Service:

• The Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange Lines will be closed all day. Suggested alternate stations nearest the National Mall and downtown events are as follows:

• The Blue Line will operate between Huntington and Rosslyn (upper platform) stations.
• The Yellow Line will run between Franconia-Springfield and Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center stations.
• Starting at 2 p.m., Red Line trains will alternate final destination stations between Silver Spring and Glenmont.
• Starting at 6 p.m., Green Line trains will alternate final destination stations between Fort Totten and Greenbelt.
• Twice as many Orange Line trains will run between Vienna/Fairfax-GMU and Stadium-Armory. Orange Line trains will alternate between New Carrollton and Largo Town Center final destination stations.
• All trains on all rail lines will operate with six cars and if necessary, eight-car trains will be available for deployment. Additional trains will be available to be placed into service if crowded conditions exist at key downtown stations.
• For one day only, special Metrorail July 4 maps will be on display in rail cars and in rail stations.

Special Service for the Washington Nationals Baseball Game

On the afternoon of July 4, the Washington Nationals will host the New York Mets at 1:05 p.m., at RFK Stadium. With expected attendance of 45,000, Metro will provide the following additional service for baseball fans:

• Metro will operate 14 extra trains before and after the baseball game.
• The DC Circulator will operate free, one-way shuttle-bus service from RFK Stadium’s Parking Lot #3 to Union Station from the top of the eighth inning. The DC Circulator service, a new fleet of colorfully designed buses connecting many of the city’s tourist spots and major business centers will launch on Sunday, July 10.

Special Metrobus Service:

• Metrobus will operate on a Saturday schedule.
• Metro will operate free shuttle bus service from the National Mall to the Pentagon parking lot following the fireworks. Buses will be located at 14^th street and Constitution Avenue, and near the L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail station to shuttle customers to the Pentagon parking lots.
• Metro will operate free shuttle bus service from the Springfield Mall to the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail station beginning at 6 p.m.
• 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. In addition, free brochures, titled Metro Guide to the 4^th of July, will be available to customers at station kiosks or booths at rail stations and on Metrobuses, while supplies last.

Metro Tips/Reminders:

• Parking is free at all Metrorail stations on July 4.
• Passengers are strongly encouraged to purchase round trip farecards when they first enter the Metrorail system. In designated stations, Metro personnel will hand-sell farecards to decrease the lines at farecard vending machines when passengers return to stations to go home.
• Passengers are reminded to listen to station and train announcements, and watch for updates on the electronic message boards. Metro employees, station managers and Metro information persons, will be on hand to direct customers to help them board the correct trains.
• Oversized coolers will not be permitted on the Mall.
• Due to the expected large crowds, bicycles are not permitted on Metrorail trains.
• In addition, adults should talk with their children about what to do if they become separated. It is strongly advised that adults look for their children if separated. They should be told to either to remain where they are until found or to exit the train at the very next station. In addition, parents and other adults should seek the assistance of Metro Transit Police, station managers, or Metro employees.

Metro information persons will be wearing white T-shirts that say "Metro Information Person" with matching white caps which say "Metro."

The Metro Transit Police will have its full complement of officers working on July 4 and will be wearing their high-visibility vests. Additional Metro personnel will be wearing high-visibility vests.

For more information on traveling by Metrorail or Metrobus on July 4, check out the Metro Web site at www.metroopensdoors.com, or call (202) 637-7000 or TTY (202) 638-3780.

News release issued on July 1, 2005.