Metro Cuts Service, Urges Only Essential Trips Amid Coronavirus

WASHINGTON, DC — DC's Metro is making more service reductions Wednesday and asking riders to use transit only for essential trips due to the growing concerns about new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. With reduced service, Metro is aiming to support essential trips for personnel like hospital staff, government officials, and emergency responders.

Metro’s Pandemic Task Force announced the decision Tuesday for operational changes taking effect Wednesday, March 18. The decision comes after actions of school closings, event cancellations, limitations on gatherings and social distancing guidance. Ridership fell by nearly 70 percent Monday.

"We want everyone to follow the guidance of state and local leaders. Stay home. Travel only if it’s essential and limit your exposure to others," said Theresa Impastato, Metro’s chief safety officer, who is leading Metro’s response to COVID-19. "The health and well-being of our employees and riders is paramount, and our team will continue to work around the clock to prioritize public health and safety in Metro’s response to this unprecedented emergency."

Along with guidance recommending only essential trips on Metro, the transit agency specifically mentioned tourism for cherry blossom viewing at the Tidal Basin. Metro’s Pandemic Task Force asks visitors to not travel by Metro to the Tidal Basin "to keep Metro’s limited capacity available for essential travel."

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Metro said in a statement it would consider closing stations around the Tidal Basin to reduce ridership for tourism trips. NPS expects the cherry blossom peak bloom to start around March 21 to 24, but the National Cherry Blossom Festival has canceled many of its events.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What To Know For Week Of March 15

Below is information on the service changes on Metro starting on March 18:

• New hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends.
• Trains will run every 15 minutes on each line at all times. All trains will operate with eight cars, the maximum possible length, to help maintain social distancing between customers.
• Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule, with supplemental service on selected routes to prevent crowding.
• Drivers have the authority to bypass bus stops to maintain safe social distancing aboard buses.
• Metro’s two Rail Operations Control Centers will actively monitor trains and station platforms for any possible crowding.
• MetroAccess subscription trips are canceled until further notice. Customers with a critical need to travel should make a separate reservation calling 301-562-5360 or through the online reservation system.
• Track work is reduced or cancelled, except for emergency maintenance and inspections.
• New hours and service levels were reduced to support only essential travel. Riders should avoid travel unless necessary and follow local and state guidance on COVID-19.