Metro announced a host of measures Monday to encourage riders to choose trains and buses again, especially outside rush-hour commutes. The measures include discounts and improved service that will start Sunday, September 5.
Metro’s not suddenly being nice: By the end of June, its figures show rail ridership was down 83 percent over 2019, and bus ridership was down 65 percent.
Among the incentives:
Rail
• $2 weekend fares: No matter how far you’re going. It also promises more weekend trains.
• More trains until 9:30 p.m.: It promises waits of three to six minutes at stations served by multiple lines and on the Red Line. You can expect more trains after 9:30 p.m., too.
• Stations will close at 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays: That’s an hour later than now.
• Stations will open at 7 a.m. on Sundays: An hour earlier than at present.
Bus
• More buses, more service: Popular lines will get more frequent service. Other lines will see service restorations.
• Discounts: A seven-day regional bus pass will now cost $12 ($6 for seniors and disabled people).
• Free transfers from rail: Getting off the train? You can transfer free to a bus.
Unlimited passes
• Passes on sale! WMATA says it will offer some unlimited passes for half-off from September 16 to October 15.
Andrew Beaujon joined Washingtonian in late 2014. He was previously with the Poynter Institute, TBD.com, and Washington City Paper. He lives in Del Ray.
