Metro News Release
For immediate release: February 11, 2010
First stretch of above-ground Metrorail track reopens on the Red Line
Metrobus running 47 routes
Metro officials reopened the Red Line from Union Station to Silver Spring at 4:30 p.m. today (February 11).
The Red Line is now operating from Medical Center to Glenmont with trains serving stations in that stretch of track every 20 to 25 minutes. As of 4:30 p.m., the above-ground Red Line stations in service include New York Avenue-Florida Avenue-Gallaudet U, Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood, Brookland-CUA, Fort Totten, Takoma and Silver Spring.
Other than moving trains between Union Station and Silver Spring, the remaining above-ground stations and track remain closed due to heavy snow on the tracks. The opening of this segment of the Red Line represents the first stage of what is expected to be a series of staggered reopenings of above-ground track that have been closed since Tuesday evening, February 9.
As more of the region’s roads are cleared of snow, Metrobus service also is offering more service after a blizzard wreaked havoc on the regions roadways. Forty-seven routes are operating limited service in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Intervals between buses are expected to be approximately 20 minutes.
Customers may want to take advantage of the Next Bus prediction technology to get an idea when the next bus will be arriving by logging onto Metro’s web site or calling 202-637-7000 and saying, “next bus.” Buses are expected to be moving slowly on the roads, which remain slippery.
Metro officials cautioned riders to be mindful of slippery roads, which are being used as walkways because most sidewalks remain covered with snow.
How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions
There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess. Resources at Metro’s Customer Call Center are limited and waits for a customer service agent are very long today.
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Media contact for this news release: Steven Taubenkibel or Lisa Farbstein at 202-962-1051.
For all other inquiries, please call customer service at 202-637-7000.
News release issued at 4:41 pm, February 11, 2010.