Metro News Release
For immediate release: April 10, 2006
Metro Announces Its Opening Day Plans for Nationals Home Opener
Special " Fast Ball" Express Trains on the Orange LineFree Shuttle Bus Service to Union Station After the Eighth Inning
As the Washington Nationals prepare to play ball tomorrow afternoon at R.F.K. Stadium, Metro is also preparing to handle the anticipated crowds with special "fast ball" express trains operating to Stadium-Armory on the Orange Line prior to the game as part of a pilot program and free shuttle bus service to Union Station after the eighth inning.
Tuesday, April 11 - Opening Day Service Plans:
Starting at 11:30 a.m., select Orange Line trains traveling to New Carrollton will operate express starting from Metro Center, with a stop at L’Enfant Plaza to Stadium-Armory prior to the game. Passengers should listen carefully as the rail operator will make announcements advising fans they are on a special express train from Metro Center to Stadium-Armory making a stop at L’Enfant Plaza. Once the train arrives at Stadium-Armory, the train will continue onto New Carrollton making all stops.
Metro will operate six-car trains on the Red, Blue and Orange Lines leading up to game time. Trains will operate 6 minutes in the downtown core, and every 12 minutes from the end of each rail line.
Prior to the game, additional trains will be deployed if necessary on the Blue and Orange Lines depending on the size of the crowds.
Patrons attending the game should utilize the Stadium-Armory Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange Lines. The entrance closest to the stadium, is located at 19th Street and Independence Avenue, S.E. The second entrance is two blocks away at 19th Street between C and Burke Streets, S.E. Metro reminds patrons to use both entrances once the game concludes.
Metro will provide free one-way shuttle bus service from R.F.K. Stadium to Union Station, after the eighth inning. These buses will be staged in front of Stadium Armory, opposite side of the Armory facing 19th Street.
After the game, Metro will deploy additional trains, including eight-car trains, if necessary, to clear the Stadium-Armory Metrorail station platform.
Metro will have additional station managers, rail supervisors, and Transit Police at Stadium-Armory to assist customers with service questions, and directions how to get to and from the stadium.
Customer Reminders
Metro will have free brochures available that provide simple walking directions to R.F.K. Stadium from Stadium-Armory, as well as information on Metrobus service and parking. (The free brochure is available to view on Metro’s Web site at www.metroopensdoors.com)
Metro reminds everyone attending the ball game to make sure they have enough money on their farecard or their SmarTrip card, and they must have a SmarTrip card when exiting a parking facility.
Last season, Nationals fans took 1.8 million trips on Metrorail. The 81 home games averaged 11,400 riders per game and about 45 percent of game attendees. The Stadium-Armory Metrorail station, adjacent to R.F.K. Stadium, was the most heavily used station taking fans to home games throughout the season. Potomac Avenue and Eastern Market Metrorail stations saw increased traffic on game days as well.
News release issued on April 10, 2006.