WMATA Service Advisory:
Posted: Sep 08, 2015 Expiration: Sep 24, 2015
Pope Francis Visit to D.C. Travel Information
Metro is preparing for the Papal visit to Washington, DC, and is coordinating our efforts with our partners, including the U.S. Secret Service, Metropolitan Police, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Capitol Police, DDOT and others.
Specific details on the visit are still in the planning stages, but Metro wants every passenger to start getting ready now with these key tips:
- On Metrorail, expect station & service adjustments. Some station entrances may be temporarily closed based on security needs. Trains and stations near Papal events may experience heavy crowds.
- Expect Metrobus detours. Many Metrobus routes near Papal events will be detoured or shortened. Details will be provided on this page as information is developed.
- Regular hours and fares are expected. Metrorail is scheduled to open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight both days of the Papal visit. Regular weekday fares and parking fees will be in effect. You can determine your fare by planning a trip with Trip Planner.
- Use SmarTrip and buy your fares in advance. The single best piece of advce is to ensure that everyone riding Metro during the Papal visit has their SmarTrip card purchased and loaded with value in advance. Expect long lines at fare machines during the Papal visit. Determine your fare by using Trip Planner, and order online.
If traveling in a group, consider buying in bulk. For information about bulk SmarTrip salkes, call (202) 962-5700
TRAVEL TIPS
- Prepare for crowds. Metro expects high ridership during Pope Francis' visit. Be prepared for long lines, crowded trains and buses, intermittent delays and possible station entrance closures.
- Consider walking. Washington is a walkable city. During Pope Francis' visit, consider avoiding crowded stations and trains by walking from alternate stations to reach your destination.
- Travel light. Customers are discouraged from bringing large coolers or other bulky items aboard trains.
- Smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited within Metrorail stations or aboard trains.
- Traveling with a stroller? Use the elevator, not the escalators.
- Always stand back from the platform edge for your safety.
- Do not hold the train doors. They do not operate like elevator doors and will not automatically reopen.
- When boarding the train, step all the way into the car to make room for passengers boarding behind you.
- On Metrorail, it is customary for riders to stand to the right while using escalators.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
- For your safety, any bag, package or container carried into the Metrorail system may be subject to random, non-invasive security screening by Metro Transit Police.
- Prohibited items at many events include selfie sticks, alcohol, bicycles, explosives/fireworks, glass containers, chairs, coolers, animals (except service animals), weapons, and more. Be sure to check the event website for a complete list. If in doubt about whether an item will be permitted, it is best to leave it home.
- See something suspicious? Say something! Report suspicious activity or unattended items to Metro Transit Police. Call 202-962-2121 or text MyMTPD (696873).
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Passengers can access Metro's mobile website by entering wmata.com into their smartphone browser.
- For assistance by phone, call Customer Information at (202) 637-7000.
