Metro News Release

For immediate release: December 29, 2005

Metro’s new system-wide time change for paying to exit Metrorail parking facilities takes effect Monday, January 2

Effective Monday, January 2, 2006, people using a Metrorail parking facility will pay-to-exit from 10:30 a.m. to closing Monday to Friday, as part of a new system-wide time change designed to make it easier for people looking for a parking space. The pay-on-entry collection time will not change.

Previously, payment to exit Metrorail parking facilities was at 9 a.m. The time change to 10:30 a.m. will allow patrons unable to locate a parking space after 9 a.m., not to be charged, and provide greater flexibility for patrons searching for a parking space. After 10:30 a.m., "lot full" signs will be posted at the entrances of parking facilities that are full.

Last June, the Metro Board agreed to eliminate parking lot cashiers by requiring parking lot users pay with a SmarTrip card. Under the plan, payment hours were from 9 a.m. until closing Monday to Friday. Customers seeking a parking space after 9 a.m., have been unable to do so, and in some cases have paid to exit without parking at a facility.

Metro’s Board of Directors approved the time change on December 15.

News release issued on December 29, 2005.