WMAL.com
WASHINGTON – WMATA Metro will further slash its services on Monday, reducing hours of both its rail and bus services in an effort to limit its workers’ exposure to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a press release from Metro, bus services will end earlier each day starting on Monday, with last trips departing at or before 11 p.m.
Metrorail will also close at 9 p.m. every day.
According to the release from Metro, the shorter service hours will allow frontline transit workers to spend more time with their families while also reducing their exposure to the public.
The full press release from Metro on the upcoming service reductions is available below:
As part of its ongoing efforts to limit frontline transit workers’ exposure to the public during the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, Metro’s Pandemic Task Force will further reduce rail and bus hours, starting Monday, April 6, 2020.
Metrorail will close at 9 p.m. every day:
Mon-Fri: Open 5AM Close 9PM
Sat-Sun: Open 8AM Close 9PM
Metrobus service also will end earlier each day, with the last trips departing at or before 11 p.m. Buses that enter service at or before 11 p.m. will continue to the end of the route before going out of service.
The decision to end service earlier reflects a significant drop-off in ridership since Metro began asking riders to limit use of the system to “essential trips only” to enhance safety for employees and individuals who must travel during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Earlier this week, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., Muriel Bowser, joined Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam in signing Executive Orders directing their residents to stay at home, except for essential travel.
Metro’s ridership drop-off has been particularly acute after 9 p.m. The shorter service hours will allow frontline transit workers—who have been serving the public without interruption— to spend more time with their families, all while reducing their exposure to the public.
As a reminder, the health and safety of our community depends on everyone doing their part by staying at home, limiting close contact and maintaining social distancing practices. Metro is encouraging anyone using the system to closely follow CDC guidance. Riders may use face masks, scarves, bandannas, or other material to cover their mouth and nose.
STAY-AT-HOME ORDERS IN EFFECT: Anyone using Metro should travel only if absolutely necessary for essential purposes as stipulated under stay-at-home Executive Orders in effect throughout the Metro service area. Essential travel includes first responders, hospital staff, critical government employees, grocery and pharmacy workers, and others who must work during the public health emergency. Unless traveling for an essential purpose, you are urged to stay at home.
If you are feeling sick, do not use Metro or any other form of public transportation. Instead, call your doctor before leaving your home to discuss appropriate transportation.
SPECIAL SCHEDULES (starting April 6)
Metrorail
Mon-Fri 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. Trains every 20 min/line (15 min on Red Line)
Sat-Sun 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Trains every 30 min/line (20 min on Red Line)
• 19 rail stations are closed (no alternate transportation provided)
• Each train’s first and last cars are out of service to protect train operators
Metrobus
Mon-Fri Buses operate using a Modified Sunday Schedule. Please consult wmata.com to check weekday bus routes to make sure your bus is running. Buses will run at Sunday service levels. No service after 11 p.m.
Sat-Sun Buses service on 27 routes only. Please consult wmata.com for weekend bus routes before traveling. No service on other routes. Buses will run every 30 minutes. No service after 11 p.m.
MetroAccess: All subscription trips remain canceled. Please limit travel to only the most essential trips.
About Metro’s Response
Metro’s Pandemic Task force continues to monitor the COVID-19 health emergency around the clock and will take any necessary action to protect the health and safety of Metro’s employees, customers and the community. Metro is currently operating at Phase 3 of its Pandemic Flu Plan, the highest level of response. While Metro makes every effort to provide the public with as much notice as possible, due to the ongoing emergency, it may be necessary to modify or suspend service with little or no advance notice to protect the health and safety of employees, customers and the public. All essential travelers are advised to sign up for MetroAlerts at wmata.com/alerts or follow us on Twitter @Metrorailinfo @Metrobusinfo for notification of service changes.
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