Frequently Asked Questions

About the Project

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

The outdoor platforms are deteriorating after decades of wear and tear and exposure to weather and de-icing agents. These platforms are being fully reconstructed to ensure they remain safe and accessible for customers for the next few decades. Closing the stations completely, instead of overnight work, single tracking and weekend outages, increases worker safety and overall efficiency of the project. Using this strategy, work that would normally take years can be completed in months.

Will other work be done besides platform reconstruction while the stations are closed?

In addition to replacing the original concrete platforms at three stations (New Carrollton, Landover and Cheverly), which are now more than 40 years old, new customer experience improvements will also be added at all five stations. Key improvements include new slip-resistant tiles on the station platforms and mezzanines, stainless-steel platform shelters with charging ports and larger Passenger Information Displays (PIDS). Several bridges on this section of the Orange Line will also be repaired during this time.

Learn more about the customer experience improvements added to stations during previous phases of the project, which will be similar to the improvements installed this summer.

Will there be noise associated with construction?

Metro and its contractors developed a construction strategy to rehabilitate station platforms in the safest and quickest way possible. This includes shifts working around the clock at the stations, which will generate noise.

The first few weeks of the project will generate the most noise, as crews need to demolish the existing concrete platforms using jackhammers. Most of the noisiest activities will take place during the day, but some nighttime work will occur.

Metro is working to execute this project as quickly and efficiently as possible, with the highest consideration for the safety of workers and riders. Metro regrets any discomfort and inconvenience caused by the work. Customers with additional questions or concerns about noise should contact Metro Customer Service at 202-637-1328 or submit a customer comment here.

Will construction at the stations and shuttle bus operations disrupt traffic?

There will be increased bus traffic at and between the affected stations, but major traffic disruption is not expected on surrounding streets. In addition, the Kiss & Ride lots will be closed at New Carrollton and Minnesota Ave, and portions of the Park & Ride lots will be closed at Landover, Cheverly and Deanwood. These parking impacts may change passenger vehicle traffic patterns at the closed stations, as well. At all times, customers should review and abide by posted construction notices to ensure the safety of customers, construction crews and Metro employees.

Will the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) Purple Line construction impact the Platform Improvement Project?

Metro is working closely with the MDOT MTA Purple Line construction team to ensure both projects are coordinated and executed with the least amount of impact to customers as possible.

How can I receive the most recent project information?

Metro will share project updates throughout the project. Stay in the know and sign up for project updates.

Rail Service

Why will Orange Line service stop at Stadium-Armory?

To allow crews to safely complete this work, Orange Line service must end at Stadium-Armory, resulting in full station closures from May 28–September 5. Free shuttle bus service will be available at the closed stations.

What will be my travel options while my station is closed without rail service? Where can I learn more?

Free local and express shuttle buses will be provided with stops at all five closed stations. Visit the Alternative Travel Options page for information about free shuttle bus routes and convenient bus options to plan ahead.

Where can I find information about all station closures and track work?

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

Shuttle Bus Service

What happens if ridership starts to increase this summer while the five Orange Line stations are closed?

The current shuttle bus plan allows Metro to ramp up shuttle bus service to meet increased demand if necessary.

Will shuttle bus information be available on Metro’s Trip Planner and other third party apps and websites?

The Trip Planner will be updated with shuttle bus information to ensure accurate trip planning during the station closures. Once the Trip Planner is updated, third party apps and websites will use that data to update their information.

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

Free shuttle bus service will operate during all hours the rail system is open, with both express and local shuttle options:

Local service operates every 15-20 minutes
Express service operates 10-15 minutes

What will the shuttle buses look like?

All three shuttle bus routes will be operated by standard Metrobuses and coach buses. The destination will be listed 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.

Bus Service

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

Some of the stations’ bus routes will be relocated due to construction staging areas or to make room for shuttle buses. However, the service frequency will not change for any of these routes. Signage will be posted at each impacted bus stop.

Parking & Biking

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

Parking will be free for Metro riders at New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Minnesota Ave and Deanwood stations. The non-rider parking fee will continue to be charged for customers who do not ride Metro at New Carrollton and Minnesota Ave during the closures.

Will the location of the bike racks/lockers change?

Bike lockers and racks will be relocated at some stations.

Will I be able to take my bike on the shuttle buses?

Yes, bicycles can be stowed in the luggage compartment of the coach buses and transported on the front racks of regular Metrobuses.

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 will be closed?

Customers are encouraged to reload their SmarTrip® card online, set up Auto Reload or use the new SmarTrip app. For an alternative way to pay, customers can add SmarTrip accounts to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay and then pay using their Android phone, iPhone or Apple Watch. Customers will also be able to load SmarTrip cards at any open Metro station.

Accessibility

Will the shuttle buses and bus stops be accessible?

All three shuttle bus routes will be operated by both standard Metrobus and coach buses and will be accessible.

Will the pedestrian tunnels remain accessible?

Yes, accessible walkways through the pedestrian tunnels at the closed stations will be available.

Will service animals be allowed on the shuttle buses?

Service animals that assist people with disabilities will be permitted on the shuttle buses, as they are on Metrorail and Metrobus.

Will there be staff available to assist with directions? Will any speak other languages?

Bilingual Metro staff will be at stations to provide information and assistance to customers.

Where can I learn more about the project in my language?

To receive additional information about this project, please call Metro’s Customer Service line at 202-637-1328.

ስለዚህ ፕሮጄክት ተጨማሪ መረጃ ለማግኘት እባክዎ ሜትሮ ደንበኛ አገልግሎት መስመር ይደውሉ 202-637-1328.

想要获取该项目的更多信息，请致电地铁客户服务热线 202-637-1328。

Pour recevoir des informations supplémentaires sur ce projet, Veuillez s'il vous plaît appeler la ligne de service à la clientèle du métro à 202-637-1328.

본 프로젝트에 관한 더 많은 정보를 받으시려면 202-637-1328 (Metro 고객 서비스 센터)로 연락바랍니다.

Para recibir información sobre este proyecto, sírvase llamar a la línea de servicio al cliente de Metro al 202-637-1328.

Si aad u hesho macluumaad dheeraad ah oo ku saabsan mashruucan, fadlan khadka Adeegga Macaamiisha ee Metro ka soo wac 202-637-1328.

Để có thêm thông tin về dự án này, hãy gọi số Dịch vụ Khách hàng của Metro tại 202-637-1328.

Safety

What safety protocols will be in place?

The safety and well-being of customers and frontline employees is Metro’s top priority. Metro continues to monitor the Covid-19 pandemic and shares updated information at wmata.com/covid-19.