Frequently Asked Questions

About the Project

Why does Metro need to close the stations to make the repairs?

Station closures and single tracking are needed to complete the work more efficiently. The work includes rail replacement, fiber optic cable installation, and improved station facilities. The completed work will increase reliability and modernize the system to make your commute more reliable.

How will this work impact my commute?

Here's an overview of the timeframes and customer impacts. You can visit our Travel Alternatives page for more information about rail service and shuttle bus options.

May 12 - May 21, 2023: Single tracking between Cheverly and Stadium-Armory. Trains will operate every 20-24 minutes between Stadium-Armory and New Carrollton. During rush hours, every other Orange Line train will travel to New Carrollton and Downtown Largo. Please be sure to check your train's destination sign when boarding.
June 3 - June 25, 2023: No Metrorail service between McLean and Ballston-MU on the Silver Line and Vienna and Ballston-MU on the Orange Line. Free shuttle bus service will be available.
June 26 - July 16, 2023: No Metrorail service between Vienna and West Falls Church on the Orange Line. Free shuttle bus service will be available. McLean, East Falls Church, and Ballston-MU will be open.
July 22 - Sept. 4, 2023: No Metrorail service between Greenbelt and Fort Totten on the Green Line. Free shuttle bus service will be available.

Note: Green Line service at Fort Totten will be unavailable the weekend of July 22-23; however, Red Line service will be available at the station. Free shuttle bus service will be available. Green and Red Line service will be available at the station throughout the rest of the construction.

Will there be noise associated with construction?

Yes, however, Metro and its contractors developed a construction strategy for completing the construction as quickly and safely as possible. This plan includes working around the clock at stations, which may generate noise at various times of day and night. Metro and its contractors have received noise permits from all the jurisdictions where work will occur. All activities will follow the guidelines issued with the permit. Most of the noisiest activities will take place during the day, but some nighttime work will occur. Metro is working to execute these projects as quickly and efficiently as possible, with the highest consideration for the safety of workers and riders. We regret any discomfort and inconvenience caused by the work. If you have additional questions or concerns about noise, please contact Metro Customer Service at 202-637-1328 or submit a customer comment.

How can I keep up to date on project information?

We will share project updates throughout the construction timeframe. Stay connected by signing up for our project newsletter.

How can I learn more about our transit system?

Visit Your Metro Minute for more information.

Rail Service

What are other travel options while the stations are closed?

Free local and express shuttle buses will be available with stops at all closed stations. Visit the Travel Alternatives page for information about free shuttle bus routes and convenient travel options.

What other options can I use?

The Maryland Area Regional Commuter Train (MARC) may be a good option for customers impacted by the Green Line closures. MARC has stations at Greenbelt, College Park-U of Md, and New Carrollton, where customers can easily connect with Metro at Union Station. Find more information on MARC's website.

Where can I find information about other station closures and track work in the Metrorail system?

For all upcoming scheduled closures, track work, and other service impacts, visit wmata.com/trackwork.

Shuttle Bus Service

Where can I learn more about the shuttle bus service?

Metro will provide free local and express shuttle bus service to the closed stations. Visit the Travel Alternatives page for information about free shuttle bus routes and other convenient travel options.

Will shuttle bus information be available on Metro's Trip Planner?

Metro will update the Trip Planner with shuttle bus and rail service information to ensure accurate trip planning. Once the Trip Planner is updated, third-party apps and websites will also use that data to update their information.

What will be the hours of operation and frequencies for the free shuttle bus service?

Local shuttles will be available during Metrorail operating hours, with service operating every 5-10 minutes. You can visit Metro's Travel Alternatives page for more information about local and express shuttle bus options.

What will the shuttle buses look like?

Standard Metrobus and coach (tour) buses are used on all shuttle routes. The destination is displayed on the signage on the front of the bus.

Will the shuttle buses be free?

Yes, Metro's shuttle bus service will be free. Customers do not need to use or show their SmarTrip® card to board the shuttle buses.

Local Bus Service

Will there be any changes to the current local bus service at the closed stations?

During the June 3 - July 17 closures, there will be bus stop relocations at East Falls Church and Dunn Loring. From July 22 to Sept. 4, there will be impacts to the bus stops at Greenbelt, College Park-U of Md, Hyattsville Crossing, and West Hyattsville. Signage will be posted in advance at each impacted bus stop before any bus stop relocations.

Parking & Biking

Can I take my bike or scooter on the shuttle buses?

Yes, bicycles can be stowed in the luggage compartment of the coach buses and transported on the front racks of Metrobus. Scooters are allowed onboard Metrobus if it is an electrical device that can be folded and stored between your legs or under the bus seat while traveling. It must be powered off when traveling. Metro does not allow gas-powered scooters onboard.

Will parking be impacted at any of the stations during this work?

Parking at Cheverly will be impacted for about a month beginning in late April to allow crews to stage construction equipment and supplies for the waterproofing roof work at the station. There will also be parking reductions at the station throughout the summer to accommodate the Solar Carport Project. During the summer, Cheverly customers should consider parking at Landover as an alternative. Customers should expect reduced parking availability and traffic detours in the parking lots. Advanced notice will be provided before parking space closures. Accessible and reserved parking spaces will be temporarily relocated throughout construction. Signs will be posted at each impacted individual parking space.

Short-term Parking at Fort Totten will be impacted since half of the Kiss & Ride will be converted to bus stops for the shuttles.

Will I still have to pay for parking at the closed stations?

All rider and non-rider parking fees will be waived at closed stations during the following dates:

West Falls Church and East Falls Church (June 3 - June 26)
Vienna and Dunn Loring (June 3 - July 17)
Greenbelt, College Park U of Md, Hyattsville Crossing, and West Hyattsville (July 22 - Sept. 4)

Fares

Will the shuttle buses be free?

Yes, Metro's shuttle bus service will be free. Customers do not need to use or show a SmarTrip® card to board the shuttle buses.

How will I be able to load my SmarTrip® card if the station is closed?

Customers can reload their SmarTrip® card online, set up Auto Reload or use the SmarTrip app. For other ways to pay, customers can add their SmarTrip to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay and pay using their Android phone, iPhone, or Apple Watch. For more information, please visit our Mobile Pay page. Customers will also be able to load SmarTrip cards at any other Metro station.

Accessibility

Will the shuttle buses and bus stops be accessible?

Yes, all shuttle buses (standard Metrobus and coach buses) will be ADA-accessible. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) are available for customers upon request. Please ask a staff member at a shuttle bus stop for further assistance.

Can I bring my service animal on the shuttle buses?

Yes, service animals that assist people with disabilities will be permitted on the shuttle buses, (similar to accessibility on Metrorail and Metrobus).

Will bilingual staff be available to provide information and assistance to customers?

Yes, bilingual Spanish-speaking Metro staff will be at all impacted stations to provide information and assistance to customers. Based on station-specific needs, other languages that may be available are: Korean, Vietnamese, Amharic, and Mandarin. Metro outreach staff will wear language buttons to inform you which languages they can speak.