Metro News Release

For immediate release: July 3, 2013

10 things to know about taking Metro on July 4

Here are 10 things to know about taking Metro on July 4.  For detailed service information, please visit wmata.com/july4.

1.  Metrorail will open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight.

2.  Trains will operate on a Saturday schedule for most of the day, ramping up to rush-hour service levels before and after the fireworks display. There is no scheduled track work on July 4.

3.  Parking is free at all Metro-operated lots and garages.

4.  Off-peak rail fares will be in effect all day. To avoid lines, load enough value on your SmarTrip or paper farecard for your entire round trip.

5.  Each trip taken with a paper farecard costs $1 more than those taken with a SmarTrip card. SmarTrip cards are available at all Metrorail stations, as well as local CVS, Giant and Safeway stores and Metro sales offices.

6.  We recommend planning your trip to a station on the same line as your starting point to avoid congestion at transfer stations. All Metrorail lines have stations within a short walk of the National Mall.  Walk back to the same station at the end of the event.

7.  Use stations other than Smithsonian or Federal Triangle.  These two stations often see the heaviest ridership (and largest crowds) for National Mall events. Also note that Smithsonian Station will be “entry-only” at the conclusion of the fireworks display.

8.  See something? Say something!  While there are no specific or credible threats against Metro at this time, Metro Transit Police reminds riders to report any unattended items or suspicious activity to the nearest uniformed employee, or call Metro Transit Police at (202) 962-2121.

9.  Metrobus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Buses that travel near the National Mall may be subject to detours. Check wmata.com/alerts/bus for details.

10.  No bicycles or large coolers on Metrorail.  For safety reasons--and to make room for everyone--we restrict these large items on July 4. Collapsable bicycles are permitted.

News release issued at 9:05 am, July 3, 2013.