Metro has brought back a large portion of its normal schedule as of Sunday, August 16 with the requirement of wearing face masks and social distancing still in place for riders.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is getting close to fully returning its bus and train services across the region to pre-COVID19 levels.
Thousands of frontline Metro employees will transition to new work schedules as part of the agency’s plan.
“Thanks to our congressional delegation, CARES federal funding makes it possible for us to restore service in support of economic recovery for the national capital region,” General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld said in a release by WMATA.
“As they return, we want our customers to know that facial coverings are required everywhere on the system, and the more frequent trains and buses we are adding will help you ride socially distant.”
More weekday Metrorail service begins today with trains:
🚇every 8 min on all lines during rush hour
🚇every 12 min on the 🔴 Red Line off-peak
🚇every 15 min the 🟠 Orange, ⚪️ Silver, 🔵 Blue, 🟢 Green & 🟡 Yellow lines off-peakRead more 👉 https://t.co/OQRQfWmkxO #wmata pic.twitter.com/gQdJhPyQZG
— Metro (@wmata) August 17, 2020
Silver Line service is also back for the first time since Memorial Day, according to the statement. Six Fairfax County stations will reopen following planned summer work, bringing the number of open Metrorail stations to 87 – out of 91.
Trains will be running every eight minutes during rush hours, and every 12 minutes on the Red Line and 15 minutes the Orange, Blue, Silver, Green, and Yellow Lines during off-peak times.
Increased Metrobus service will take effect on Sunday, August 23.
“The pandemic has posed challenges never before faced by Metro, and I want to extend my thanks to our customers – especially essential workers – for their understanding as we took unprecedented action to protect our essential frontline workforce and the public health,” said Metro Chief Operating Officer Joe Leader. “We’re grateful for the sacrifice of workers across the region, including the Metro employees on the front line every day.”