Metro News Release

For immediate release: August 22, 2011

Metro outlines plans for Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial dedication event

System to open at 5 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28; no weekend track work

Metrorail will open two hours early (at 5 a.m.), operate frequent service and additional capacity on all lines, suspend track work and offer free parking at all stations as part of Metro’s effort to accommodate customers attending the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial dedication on Sunday, Aug. 28.

“We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of guests aboard Metro for this historic event,” said Richard Sarles, Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer.

Sarles also announced that there would be no scheduled track work on either Saturday, Aug. 27, or Sunday, Aug. 28.

“To provide additional capacity, we are suspending all track work over the Dedication weekend,” Sarles said. “Considering the massive rebuilding effort that's underway, this is a significant statement about our support for this important event.”

For months, Metro has been working with event organizers and the District of Columbia to help the thousands of visitors expected in Washington to honor the legacy of Dr. King travel to the memorial and commemoration events during the week.

On Saturday and Sunday, more than 60 Metro customer service ambassadors will be on hand at stations within walking distance of the Memorial to provide assistance and distribute special brochures showing walking directions.

Metro is encouraging customers to review the following travel tips:

• To avoid lines, customers are strongly encouraged to purchase a farecard or one-day pass prior to traveling and to ensure that there is sufficient value on the card to complete an entire round trip. Metro has created a special commemorative one-day pass featuring an image of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The $9 pass allows for unlimited travel on the day it is used (subject to the same conditions as a standard Metro one-day pass). Customers can purchase the commemorative pass online, at Metro sales offices and regional transit stores.
• Customers are encouraged to travel directly to one of the above recommended stations without transferring between lines at Metro Center, Gallery Place or L’Enfant Plaza.
• Visit wmata.com/MLK to get walking directions, review maps and get travel tips.
• Use stations other than Foggy Bottom or Smithsonian, if possible. (Foggy Bottom Station is undergoing a major escalator replacement project that can impact customer flow. Smithsonian Station is expected to be extremely crowded.)
• Instead, Metro recommends using any of the following stations:
  •  Arlington Cemetery (Blue Line)
  • Farragut West (Blue and Orange Lines)
  • Farragut North (Red Line)
  • McPherson Square (Blue and Orange Line)
  • L’Enfant Plaza (Yellow, Green, Blue and Orange Lines)
• Customers can follow @wmata on Twitter for additional service information and travel tips throughout Dedication Weekend.

Rail Service on Sunday, Aug. 28

• Metrorail will open two hours early – at 5 a.m. – and close at midnight.
• Enhanced service will operate throughout the day on all lines. Between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., trains will every 8 minutes on all lines, with even more frequent service on sections of the Red and Orange lines.
• More eight-car trains will be used to provide additional capacity.
• Bicycles will not be permitted in the Metrorail system.
• For safety reasons, many descending station escalators will be turned off to help meter the flow of crowds.
• Parking will be free at all Metro operated lots. Customers planning to park are strongly encouraged to arrive early.

Bus Service on Sunday, Aug. 28

• Metrobus service will operate on a normal Sunday schedule.
• Detours are possible due to anticipated street closures around the National Mall. View detours
• Bus customers traveling via downtown are encouraged to allow additional travel time.

MetroAccess Service on Sunday, Aug. 28

• MetroAccess customers are reminded to reserve their trip by 4:30 p.m. the day prior to travel.
• MetroAccess customers are encouraged to allow extra travel time due to expected traffic throughout the service area. Detours are possible around the National Mall due to street closures.

News release issued at 9:09 am, August 22, 2011.