Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 17, 2015

Metro advice to Earth Day concertgoers: Avoid Smithsonian Station

Tomorrow (Saturday, April 18), a major concert will be held on the National Mall that could draw a large number of attendees. 

Due to the potential for crowding, Metro is encouraging concertgoers to use stations other than Smithsonian. Suggested Metrorail stations near the National Mall include:

  • L'Enfant Plaza 
  • Metro Center 
  • Federal Triangle 
  • Archives 
  • Federal Center SW  

Metro is advising customers that selected trains may bypass Smithsonian station if the station becomes crowded.

Concert attendees should take note of the prohibited items list from U.S. Park Police:

  • Alcohol 
  • Ammunition 
  • Animals 
  • Balloons 
  • Bicycles 
  • Hard Shell Coolers 
  • Explosives/Fireworks 
  • Glass 
  • Firearms 
  • Laser Pointers 
  • Mace/Pepper Spray 
  • Structures 
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems 
  • Weapons

On Saturday, Metrorail trains will operate as follows:

  •  Red Line: Trains every 8-15 minutes.
  •  Orange Line: Regular weekend service. Trains every 12 minutes.
  •  Silver Line: Regular weekend service. Trains every 12 minutes.
  •  Blue Line: Regular weekend service. Trains every 12 minutes.
  •  Yellow Line: Regular weekend service between Huntington and Fort Totten. Trains every 12 minutes.
  •  Green Line: Regular weekend service between College Park and Branch Ave. Trains every 12 minutes. Greenbelt Station CLOSED. Free shuttle buses will operate between Greenbelt and College Park. Consider using New Carrollton or College Park for a faster trip.

Additional Travel Tips

  • Avoid transfers between rail lines. There is a station near the National Mall on every line. Plan your trip to a station on the same line as your starting point. Return to the same station after the concert.
  • Using a SmarTrip card is recommended. If using a paper farecard, note that there is an additional $1 per trip charge ($2 for roundtrip). SmarTrip card dispensers are located at every Metrorail station.
  • Load enough value on your farecard or SmarTrip in advance for your entire roundtrip to avoid lines after the event.
  • While on Metro, if you see something suspicious, say something! Report suspicious activity or unattended items to Metro Transit Police. Call 202-962-2121 or text MyMTPD (696873).  

News release issued at 9:44 am, April 17, 2015.