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Metro will add trains and waive fares after 5 p.m. on July 4 as crowds head toward the National Mall for Independence Day celebrations. Parking at all Metro facilities will also be free for the holiday.
Before 5 p.m., Metrorail will follow its normal Saturday schedule. Red Line trains will arrive every six minutes; Orange, Silver and Blue line trains every 12 minutes; and Green and Yellow line trains every eight minutes.
More trains will enter service after 5 p.m. Red Line waits will drop to five minutes, while Orange, Silver and Blue line trains will run every 10 minutes. Green and Yellow line trains will operate every six minutes. In downtown areas where several lines share tracks, trains are expected every three to four minutes.
Regular fares will apply until 5 p.m., when all Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess trips become free. Riders will not need to tap a card after that time.
On July 3, Metrorail will provide weekend service from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. Regular fares will remain in effect throughout the day.
Smithsonian crowds could trigger restrictions
Smithsonian station is typically the system’s most crowded stop during the holiday. Trains may pass through without stopping if overcrowding develops.
The station could become exit-only after 5 p.m. to handle passengers arriving at the National Mall, then switch to entry-only after 9 p.m. Once the fireworks end, lines at Smithsonian may take an hour or longer to clear. Riders are encouraged to delay their return or use another station when possible.
Signs throughout the system will direct passengers to station entrances, exits and waiting lines. Before free service begins, customers can bypass fare machines by tapping a physical or mobile credit or debit card at rail gates and bus fareboxes.
Bus detours expected around the region
Metrobus will operate on a regular Sunday schedule July 3 and a regular Saturday schedule July 4.
Road closures near the National Mall could cause delays, detours or shortened routes. Parades and other regional events will also affect routes A27, A58, C53, C55, D1X, D4X, D6X, D10, D30, D32, D40, D44, D50, D60, D74, D94, F23, M22, P12 and P21.
MetroAccess subscriptions canceled for the holiday
MetroAccess passengers may reserve holiday trips, but previously scheduled subscription trips will be canceled. Customers must make separate reservations online or by calling 301-562-5360. The TTY number is 301-588-7535.
Riders can obtain automated information around the clock by calling 202-GO-METRO, with TTY service at 202-962-2033. Real-time updates will also be available through Metro Alerts, the Metro Pulse app and Metro’s social media accounts.
Metro’s America 250-themed wrapped train, buses and MetroAccess vehicle will be operating around the system. The special train and bus can be tracked in real time by selecting “special edition” on Metro’s live-tracking page.