For immediate release: February 4, 2010

Metro prepares for major winter storm Friday and Saturday
Metrobus, Metrorail and MetroAccess customers should expect major service disruptions throughout the weekend as snow accumulates

As the region prepares for the biggest snowstorm since 1996, Metro expects that heavy accumulations of snow and ice will hamper its ability to provide safe rail, bus and paratransit service late Friday, Feb. 5, through Saturday, Feb. 6 and likely into Sunday, Feb 7, as the recovery begins. Today, the National Weather Service advised the public to “plan for substantial disruptions to travel Friday afternoon through the weekend.” See guide to using Metro in a snowstorm.

Metrorail Service

Metrorail anticipates opening at 5 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5. and closing above ground portions of the Metrorail system when snow accumulations reach eight inches or higher. Customers riding Metrorail are encouraged to use care and caution on Friday afternoon while entering and exiting Metrorail stations as station platforms may be wet and slippery due to weather conditions.

Metro expects to have up to 20 trains equipped with de-icing equipment to combat snow and ice on the electrified third rail, which must be clear to allow electricity to flow to move the trains. Up to 12 trains will be available to operate in regular passenger service on all rail lines with the remaining eight trains in rail yards.

Impact to Metrorail during a significant snow storm

Metrorail operates very close to a normal schedule in snowfall of up to six inches. However once snow reaches a depth of eight inches, it is difficult to operate trains above ground because snow starts to cover the electrified third rail, which is necessary to provide electricity to power the trains. As a result, Metro may suspend above-ground rail service and serve underground stations only when snow accumulation reaches eight inches or more.

In the event above-ground rail service is suspended, the modified underground service will operate every 30 minutes as follows:

Yellow Line – Pentagon to Crystal City only
Red Line – Medical Center to Union Station only
Orange Line – Ballston to Stadium-Armory only
Green Line – Fort Totten to Congress Heights only
Blue Line – Ballston (extended to Blue Line) and Stadium-Armory only

Running trains only through underground stations when snow reaches eight or more inches will lessen the damage to the electrical components of trains which allows Metro to resume quicker because more trains will be available for use.

Underground-only operations allow for continued connections to key activity centers in the downtown D.C. and Pentagon areas, and support Metro underground rail car storage needs and a rapid return to normal service once the snow stops falling and is cleared from the track.

Metrobus service

Metrobus will operate on its regular Friday schedule but will be modified throughout the day and throughout the weekend as road conditions deteriorate. As local road conditions change, Metrobus will first reduce service, then limit service to snow emergency routes. However, if snow accumulates in the manner that has been predicted, Metro will likely stop all bus service until road conditions improve. Customers are encouraged to call the Next Bus number at 202-637-7000 or check Metro’s Next Bus Web site at http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/nextbus/arrivals.cfm to determine when the next bus will arrive.

MetroAccess service

MetroAccess will operate on its regular Friday schedule but will be modified throughout the day and throughout the weekend as road conditions deteriorate. However, if snow accumulates in the manner that has been predicted, MetroAccess will likely stop all service until road conditions improve. Customers with scheduled rides should call 301-562-5360 for a status update of their ride.

Parking Facilities

Customers who use Metrorail parking facilities on Monday, Feb. 8, can expect to see surface parking facilities piled with snow, consuming approximately 15 percent of the spaces where vehicles usually park. The top level of parking decks also are expected to have large snow piles on them as more of those surfaces are cleared. Parking lot clearing will continue throughout the weekend and into early next week.

Customers are advised to be on the lookout for “black ice” on paved surfaces, which is often difficult to spot.

Metro personnel will work throughout the day Friday and all weekend to clear train station platforms, station entrances, walkways, access to remote street elevators, access roadways, parking lots, bus lanes and Kiss & Ride areas.

Metro Snow Facts

Metro has 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots. The salt is stored in seven salt domes and one storage building around the system. Each dome holds approximately 300 tons of rock salt.

Metro has 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer (calcium chloride) for treating sidewalks and platforms.

Metro has 71 tractors, 70 pick up trucks, 18 larger trucks, five dump trucks with plows, 96 snow brooms, and 122 snow blowers to remove snow from Metro-owned facilities.

Metro has two contractors on call to support efforts if snow accumulation reaches four inches or more. They are primarily used to clear parking lots.

Metro has several hundred personnel to aid in support of the snow removal effort.

Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available at www.metroopensdoors.com on the left side of the home page or by calling Metro at 202-637-7000. Customers can also subscribe to e-alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.

For immediate release: February 5, 2010

Metro cancels weekend track maintenance
Weekend track maintenance canceled on the Red and Orange lines

This weekend’s scheduled track maintenance on the Red Line between Medical Center and Grosvenor-Strathmore and on the Orange Line between Cheverly and New Carrollton has been canceled due to the winter storm.

Be one of the first to find out when Metrorail is experiencing a service disruption by signing up to receive an e-alert. You can personalize Metro e-alerts by signing up to monitor service on specific lines on specific days of the week and on specific times of the day. You can always unsubscribe or change your e-alert preferences. To sign up, visit http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/ealerts/.

For immediate release: February 5, 2010

Metro service during the storm
Snow storm affects ability to operate safe service

Metrorail
As of 6 p.m. Metrorail is still operating at near-normal service on all lines. Metrorail anticipates limiting service to underground portions of the system later this evening as weather conditions deteriorate.

Metrobus
As of 6 p.m. the following Metrobus lines have moved to snow emergency routes: U5, U8, D2, G2 and H8 in the District of Columbia; 1 (A,B, E, F, Z), 3A, 3T, 4(A, , 16 (A,D), 16G, 17H, 28 (A,X), 29 (H,G) in Northern Virginia. Metrobus anticipates curtailing service later this evening as road conditions are deteriorating.

MetroAccess
As of 6 p.m. MetroAccess service is in the process of completing its remaining trips for the day.

For more information visit www.MetroOpensDoors.com and refer to the latest news release.

News release issued at 6:05 pm, February 5, 2010.

For immediate release: February 5, 2010

Metro service during the storm 7 p.m. update
Snow storm affects ability to operate safe service

Metrorail
As of 7 p.m. Metrorail is still operating at near-normal service on all lines. Metrorail anticipates limiting service to underground portions of the system later this evening as weather conditions deteriorate.

Metrobus
As of 7 p.m. all Metrobus lines have moved to snow emergency routes. Metrobus anticipates curtailing service later this evening as road conditions are deteriorating.

MetroAccess
As of 7 p.m. MetroAccess service has nearly completed all remaining trips for the day.

For more information visit www.MetroOpensDoors.com and refer to the latest news release.

News release issued at 7:11 pm, February 5, 2010.

For immediate release: February 5, 2010

Metro to suspend bus service at 9 p.m. and above-ground rail service at 11 p.m.
Snow storm affects ability to operate safe service

Metrorail
As of 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, Metrorail will suspend above-ground rail service and will run in the underground portions of the system only. On Saturday, Feb. 6, Metrorail will run underground only.

Metrobus
As of 9 p.m. Metrobus will suspend bus service on all lines until further notice. Metrobus will not operate on Saturday, Feb. 6.

MetroAccess
MetroAccess service has completed all remaining trips for the day. MetroAccess will not operate on Saturday, Feb. 6.

For more information visit http://www.MetroOpensDoors.com and refer to the latest news release.

News release issued at 8:04 pm, February 5, 2010.

email received Feb 5 @ 8:10 pm EST:

WTOP BREAKING NEWS

Metrobus service will stop at 9 p.m. Friday. There will be no Metrobus service on Saturday.

Metro will stop all above-ground train service at 11 p.m. Friday. Metro will stop running trains at 3 a.m. Saturday. Trains will be running about every 30 minutes.

Metro has been in touch with Verizon Center officials. People at the Capitals game should start to see notices informing them of the Metro changes.

For more information visit WTOP.com or tune to 103.5 FM.

For immediate release: February 5, 2010

Metrorail to halt above-ground service at 11 p.m.--40 stations to close; Metrobus service also to stop at 9 p.m. Friday
No above ground rail service, Metrobus or MetroAccess service on Saturday, Feb. 6

Metrorail trains will stop serving above-ground stations at 11 p.m. tonight, Friday, Feb. 5, due to heavy snowfall that will soon cover the electrified third rail, which is situated eight inches above the ground. The third rail must be clear of snow and ice because it is the source of electricity that powers the trains. Metro officials believe that by 11 p.m. the exposed third rail will be covered by snow. All Metrobus service will stop at 9 p.m. because roadways are quickly becoming impassable.

Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-six stations along 50.5 miles of track are located underground and 40 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. All 40 above-ground stations will close at 11 p.m., tonight, Friday, Feb. 5. The modified, 30-minute underground service will operate as follows:

Yellow Line – Pentagon to Crystal City
Red Line – Medical Center to Union Station and Glenmont to Forest Glen
Orange Line – Ballston to Stadium-Armory
Green Line – Fort Totten to Congress Heights
Blue Line – Ballston to Stadium-Armory

“We have been monitoring the snowfall throughout the entire day,” said Metro Acting Deputy General Manager Dave Kubicek. “We ran trains to keep the tracks clear of snow and ice, but we are fast-reaching the point where we risk trains becoming stranded on snow-covered tracks. To prevent that from happening, we will cease above-ground operations at 11 p.m.”

“The forecast calls for almost two feet of snow, and we cannot and will not operate in an unsafe environment,” Kubicek said. “Our first responsibility is for the safety of our customers and employees.”

Once trains are shifted to underground travel, some maintenance trains without passengers in them will travel on the exposed tracks to try to keep the snow and ice clear of the tracks. These deicer trains will aid in the return of service because once the snow stops falling, it will be easier to resume above-ground service if snow has been cleared a few times.

The underground Metrorail stations will remain open until 3 a.m., the normal closing time for a Friday night. Underground service will continue to operate at 30-minute intervals all-day on Saturday, Feb. 6, opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 3 a.m.

Rail customers are encouraged to use station elevators from the street level into and out of the stations as they are safer than escalators in this type of heavy snowfall.

All Metrobus service will halt at 9 p.m. as vehicles will not able to drive on snow-covered roads. Metrobus service will not operate on Saturday, Feb. 6.

MetroAccess began the process of canceling all inbound trips at 10:30 a.m., in anticipation of the winter weather. All MetroAccess operations were completed by 7 p.m. this evening. MetroAccess service will not be available on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Metro has 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots and 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms. Hundreds of snow-trained employees and contractors will be working throughout the night and into this weekend to treat snowy and icy surfaces at Metrorail stations including platforms, sidewalks and parking facilities.

Metro also is using “heater tape,” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape is a cable clipped onto the electrified third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark. It helps keep the third rail warm enough to prevent ice from forming.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.

For immediate release: February 5, 2010

Metro suspends above-ground rail service at 11 p.m. and bus service at 9 p.m.
Snow storm affects ability to operate safe service

Metrorail
As of 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, Metrorail has suspended above-ground rail service and will run in the underground portions of the system only until the regular 3 a.m. closing time. On Saturday, Feb. 6, Metrorail will run underground only.

Metrobus
As of 9 p.m. Metrobus has suspended bus service on all lines until further notice. Metrobus will not operate on Saturday, Feb. 6.

MetroAccess
MetroAccess service has completed all customer trips for the day. MetroAccess will not operate on Saturday, Feb. 6.

For more information visit http://www.MetroOpensDoors.com and refer to the latest news release.

News release issued at 11:30 pm, February 5, 2010.

For immediate release: February 6, 2010

Metrorail to continue underground-only service on Saturday
Metrobus and MetroAccess suspended on Saturday

The Metrorail system will continue operating underground-only until 3 a.m. tonight and Metrobus and MetroAccess will remain closed on Saturday, Feb. 6, due to the snow storm.

Officials will reevaluate rail and road conditions throughout the day to determine when Metro will be able to expand rail service and restart Metrobus and MetroAccess service.

“As road crews make progress on the region’s streets, we will reevaluate driving conditions in hopes of resuming bus service. As our crews make progress keeping the above-ground rails snow- and ice-free, we will again start serving above-ground stations. For now, the responsible decision is to limit service until conditions are safe for our customers and employees,” said Dave Kubicek, Metro’s Acting Deputy General Manager for Operations.

Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-six stations along 50.5 miles of track are located underground and 40 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. All 40 above-ground stations are closed. Saturday morning, the Metrorail system opened at 7 a.m., however, five Red Line stations, Tenleytown-AU, Van Ness-UDC, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle opened at 7:50 a.m., because station personnel had difficulty getting to the stations. Trains servicing stations at 30-minute intervals will only be to underground stations as follows:

Red Line – Medical Center and Union Station and Glenmont to Forest Glen
Orange and Blue Lines – Ballston and Stadium-Armory
Green Line – Fort Totten and Congress Heights
Yellow Line – Service from Pentagon to Crystal City

Because MetroAccess provides door-to-door service, it requires those vehicles to travel into neighborhoods on secondary roads, most of which are expected to remain impassable for the majority of the day. Additionally, MetroAccess officials do not want to risk accidents or risk having vehicles get stuck due to heavy snow and icy conditions, so service will be suspended the entire day on Saturday.

During the night, heavy-duty diesel-powered trains will continue to move back and forth along the exposed sections of track, de-icing them and keeping the tracks as clear as possible.

Metrorail employees and contractors also will be working throughout the day and this evening to clear the rails of ice and snow and to clear platforms, sidewalks, parking facilities and pathways to rail stations. Dozens of railcars are being stored in the underground tunnels this evening to keep them free of snow and ice. Staff also must keep rail yards as ice-free as possible.

Heavy accumulation of snow on the rails on Friday, Feb. 5, forced Metrorail officials to limit train service to its 40 underground stations starting at 11 p.m. when rapidly deteriorating weather conditions hindered train movement. Metrobus stopped at 9 p.m. due to unsafe road conditions and MetroAccess completed all of its customer trips by 7 p.m. Friday.

The decision to limit train service was made due to heavy snowfall that began to cover the electrified third rail, which is situated eight inches above the ground. The third rail must be clear of snow and ice because it is the source of electricity that powers the trains.

Metro started the weekend with 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots and 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms. Hundreds of snow-trained employees and contractors have been working throughout the night and into today to treat snowy and icy surfaces at Metrorail stations including platforms, sidewalks and parking facilities.

Metro also is using “heater tape,” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape is a cable clipped onto the electrified third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark. It helps keep the third rail warm enough to prevent ice from forming.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess. Metro’s Customer Call Center is closed today to due to the weather.



News release issued at 11:25 am, February 6, 2010

For immediate release: February 6, 2010

Metrorail to close at 11 p.m. Saturday
Safety of employees and light ridership drive decision

Metrorail will close at 11 p.m. instead of 3 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, due to rising concern about employees’ ability to get to and from work safely, and because of light ridership throughout the day.

“Safety is our top priority as we recover from the storm. We need to make sure that our operations personnel who were able to report to work today get the needed time off between shifts so that when they report to work tomorrow, they can perform their jobs safely,” said Metro Acting Deputy General Manager Dave Kubicek.

Road conditions have thwarted the efforts of many Metro employees who had difficulty reporting to work. In some instances, supervisors in SUVs drove to the homes of employees to pick them up and take them to their worksites. If road conditions do not improve, staffing levels may be a challenge for Metro on Sunday and Monday as employees again may be unable to report for duty.

Aiding Metro’s decision to close at midnight is the light ridership reported throughout the day. In addition, Metro learned that the 7 p.m. Washington Wizards game at the Verizon Center has been cancelled. At 3 p.m., Metrorail riders had taken approximately 27,000 trips. On a typical Saturday, Metrorail ridership averages 300,000.

Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-six stations along 50.5 miles of track are underground and 40 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. The Metrorail system opened at 7 a.m. today (Saturday, Feb. 6) with service to the system’s 46 underground stations. Trains are running every 30 minutes on all lines as follows:

Yellow Line – Pentagon to Crystal City
Red Line – Medical Center to Union Station, and Glenmont to Forest Glen
Orange Line – Ballston to Stadium-Armory
Green Line – Fort Totten to Congress Heights
Blue Line – Ballston to Stadium-Armory


How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions
There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.

News release issued at 4:45 pm, February 6, 2010.

For immediate release: February 6, 2010

No above ground rail service, Metrobus or MetroAccess service on Sunday, Feb. 7
Snow continues to impact Metro services

The Metrorail system will continue operating underground-only and Metrobus and MetroAccess will remain closed tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 7. Officials will continue to evaluate rail and road conditions throughout the day on Sunday in hopes of expanding service if conditions improve.

Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-six stations along 50.5 miles of track are located underground and 40 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. All 40 above-ground stations are closed. Tomorrow morning, the Metrorail system will open at 7 a.m. and close at midnight with trains servicing stations at 30-minute intervals to the underground stations as follows:

Yellow Line – Pentagon to Crystal City
Red Line – Medical Center to Union Station and Glenmont to Forest Glen
Orange Line – Ballston to Stadium-Armory
Green Line – Fort Totten to Congress Heights
Blue Line – Ballston to Stadium-Armory

“The region saw near-record amounts of snowfall and we are working safely and diligently to clear the snow and ice from the tracks so that we can expand our service area and resume service to our above-ground stations,” said Dave Kubicek, Metro’s Deputy General Manager for Operations. “Our snow-clearing efforts have been more challenging than usual because of the heavy amount of snowfall.”

Throughout this evening and into tomorrow, heavy-duty diesel-powered trains will continue clearing and de-icing the exposed above-ground sections of track, to get them in shape for moving trains.

Road conditions have thwarted the efforts of many Metro employees who have had difficulty reporting to work. In some instances, supervisors in SUVs have gone to the homes of employees to pick them up and take them to their worksites.

Metrorail employees and contractors who were able to report to work have been working throughout the day and will continue their efforts tomorrow to clear the rails of ice and snow and to clear platforms, sidewalks, parking facilities and pathways to rail stations. They have been focusing mainly on the entrance areas of underground stations, including shoveling of snow off of exposed escalators.

Contractors also are in the process of clearing paths to above-ground stations in preparation for their reopening. On Monday customers should expect to see surface parking facilities piled with snow, consuming spaces where vehicles usually park. The top level of parking decks also are expected to have snow on them on Monday. Metro officials anticipate having 75 percent of parking spaces available at all parking facilities.

Dozens of railcars were stored in the underground tunnels Friday night to keep them free of snow and ice, however hundreds of railcars are still under snow in Metro’s rail yards. The heavy equipment used to clear the rail yards is still focusing on clearing above-ground tracks. Once the tracks are clear, that equipment will then be refocused on clearing the rail yards in preparation for service on Monday.

As snow accumulated on the rails on Friday, Feb. 5, Metrorail officials decided to limit train service to its 40 underground stations starting at 11 p.m. Metrobus service stopped at 9 p.m., and MetroAccess operations were completed by 7 p.m. Friday evening.

Metro started the weekend with 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots and 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms. Hundreds of snow-trained employees and contractors have been working throughout the night and into today to treat snowy and icy surfaces at Metrorail stations including platforms, sidewalks and parking facilities.

Metro also is using “heater tape,” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape is a cable clipped onto the electrified third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark. It helps keep the third rail warm enough to prevent ice from forming.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.



News release issued at 5:44 pm, February 6, 2010.

Ok guys, which is it. 11:00 PM closing or Midnight?

Nothing like putting out such an important notice with conflicting info.

I was talking to a friend of mine in Potomac MD. She has been without power since last night, when apparently a couple of trees came crashing down taking out both power and telephone lines. The streets within the developments have not been touched by a plow yet. So it is no wonder that there is light ridership on the Metro. People simply cannot get out of their homes to get to the stations even if they wanted to, unless they do so using their skis. I wonder what Metro's policy is regarding carrying skis . Also there is an emergency decree in force at least in MD which probably makes taking a car out on the road not a good idea anyway.

For immediate release: February 7, 2010

Underground-only Metrorail and limited Metrobus service expected Monday
Metro staff continue to clear above-ground tracks

For Monday morning, Feb. 8, commuters should expect limited underground Metrorail service to start at 7 a.m., and very limited Metrobus service from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., as icy conditions on roadways and Metrorail tracks continue to be a barrier to providing safe service. MetroAccess service for Monday will be suspended for the entire day.

Metro staff continue efforts in clearing the above-ground tracks. However, continued re-icing of the electrified third rail and winds are blowing snow back onto the tracks are hampering Metro’s ability to restore service to the above ground tracks.

Fewer than two dozen Metrobus lines will be in service on Monday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. due to snowy and icy conditions that persist on the region’s roadways. Metrobuses will stick to snow emergency routes to start the day. Customers may want to take advantage of the next bus prediction technology to get an idea when the next bus will be arriving by logging onto Metro’s web site or calling 202-637-7000 and saying, “Next Bus.” Buses are expected to be moving slowly on the roads, which remain slippery.

Limited service will be established tomorrow on the following bus routes in the District of Columbia: the U8 line (Minn. Ave – Capitol Heights), the 64 line (Georgia Ave-Petworth– Fort Totten), the 50 line (14th and Colorado Ave) the 70 line (Silver Spring – Archives), the S4 line (Silver Spring – Federal Triangle) the 30 line (Friendship Heights – Potomac Ave) and the A line (Southern Ave to Anacostia). In Northern Virginia, the 16 line (Pentagon – Baileys Crossroads) the 1C line (Dunn Loring), 2C line (Dunn Loring), 17 line (Braddock Road) and 28 line (Alexandria – Tysons Corner). In Maryland, the Z2 and Z8 line (Silver Spring), the Q line (Silver Spring-Shady Grove), the Y line (Silver Spring –Norbeck Road), the F1 and F2 line (Takoma – Cheverly), the J2 line (Bethesda – Silver Spring), the J7/J9 line (Bethesda – Lake Forest Mall), and the P12 line (Eastover – Addison Road).

These routes are subject to change depending on the conditions of the roads. Bus service operations managers will monitor all of these areas with an eye toward returning service to those lines when road conditions improve and it is deemed safe for buses to drive along those streets.

Bus officials continue to stay in touch with the local departments of transportation to let officials in the local jurisdictions know where some of the biggest challenges exist for providing bus service in hopes that those areas can be cleared of snow and treated for icy conditions to allow for safe bus passage.

Metro officials cautioned riders to be mindful of slippery roads, which are being used as walkways because most sidewalks remain covered with snow. “Take your time when boarding a bus, as we know that there are huge piles of snow lining the edges of streets and blocking the bus stops,” said Dave Kubicek, Metro’s Acting Deputy General Manager for Operations. “Please do not to run to catch a bus or a train as it’s not worth a fall that could cause an injury.”

Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-six stations along 50.5 miles of track are located underground and 40 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. All 40 above-ground stations remain closed. On Monday, trains will be servicing stations at 24- to 30-minute intervals to the underground stations as follows:

Red Line – Medical Center to Union Station and Glenmont to Forest Glen
Orange and Blue Lines – Ballston to Stadium-Armory
Green Line – Fort Totten to Congress Heights
Yellow Line – Pentagon to Crystal City

The greatest challenge facing Metro’s track department at the above-ground stations over the last 36 hours is the continuous blowing and drifting of snow and extreme ice build-up along the third rail, which provides electricity to Metrorail trains. If there is a disruption of electricity from the third rail to the train, trains will not be able to move.

Clearing the above-ground tracks is a process that takes several steps. The heavy duty diesel-powered equipment, known as prime movers, clear the majority of the snow and ice from the two-electrified tracks. Once they are finished doing their job on the service tracks, they shift their focus into the rail yards, where hundreds of trains and miles of additional tracks remain under almost two feet of snow. Dozens of railcars were stored in the underground tunnels Friday night to keep them free of snow and ice, however hundreds of railcars had to be stored in the rail yards, where they remain buried.

Once the prime movers are off the rails, trains equipped with de-icing equipment run on the tracks to ensure that the electrified third rail is clear of snow and ice. These trains apply a de-icing agent and they make several sweeps of the tracks. For that reason they are referred to as “polishers.” The next step to prepare the tracks for service is to clear the snow and ice from interlockings or switches, which allow trains to switch tracks, reverse direction or turn around. For instance, if a train becomes disabled, the trains behind the disabled train can only move around it by switching tracks at an interlocking. If the interlockings are not clear of the snow and ice, there is no way to maneuver around disabled trains.

As stretches of track are cleared of snow and ice, and the tracks are deemed safe for moving passenger trains, Metro officials are likely to resume service to above-ground stations in phases.

Hundreds of Metrorail employees and contractors who were able to get to their worksites were working throughout the weekend and will to continue to work through Sunday night into Monday morning to clear tracks, platforms, sidewalks, parking facilities and pathways to rail stations. In addition to the tracks, employees and contractors have been focusing on clearing the entrance areas of underground stations, including shoveling of snow off of exposed escalators.

Once the above ground Metrorail stations open, customers can expect to see surface parking facilities piled with snow, consuming approximately 25 percent of the spaces where vehicles usually park. The top level of parking decks are expected to have large snow piles on them as the surfaces are cleared. Parking lot clearing also will continue throughout Sunday night.

Heavy accumulation of snow on the rails on Friday, Feb. 5, forced Metrorail officials to limit train service to underground stations starting at 11 p.m. when rapidly deteriorating weather conditions impacted the safe movement of trains. Metrobus service also stopped at 9 p.m. on Friday due to unsafe road conditions.

Metrorail ridership over the weekend was extremely light. On Friday, Feb. 5, an estimated 516,399 passenger trips were recorded. On Saturday, Feb. 6, an estimated 61,392 passenger trips were recorded. Through 7 p.m., on Sunday, Feb. 7, an estimated 69,446 trips have been recorded.

Metro started the weekend with 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots and 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms. More than 500 snow-trained employees plus contractors have been working day and night throughout the weekend to treat snowy and icy surfaces at Metrorail stations.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed about Metro service levels. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess. Metro’s Customer Call Center will provide recorded information. The Customer Call Center will attempt to open sometime tomorrow morning, depending on what time employees might be able to get to their offices.



News release issued at 8:27 pm, February 7, 2010.

For immediate release: February 8, 2010

Underground-only Metrorail and limited Metrobus service on Monday
Metro staff continue to clear above-ground tracks

For Monday, Feb. 8, commuters should expect limited underground Metrorail service through midnight, and very limited Metrobus service from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., as icy conditions on roadways and Metrorail tracks continue to be a barrier to providing safe service. MetroAccess service for Monday will be suspended for the entire day.

Metro staff continue efforts in clearing the above-ground tracks. However, continued re-icing of the electrified third rail and winds are blowing snow back onto the tracks are hampering Metro’s ability to restore service to the above ground tracks.

Fewer than two dozen Metrobus lines will be in service on Monday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. due to snowy and icy conditions that persist on the region’s roadways. Metrobuses will stick to snow emergency routes to start the day. Customers may want to take advantage of the next bus prediction technology to get an idea when the next bus will be arriving by logging onto Metro’s web site or calling 202-637-7000 and saying, “Next Bus.” Buses are expected to be moving slowly on the roads, which remain slippery.

Limited Metrobus service has been established on the following bus routes:
District of Columbia
64 line (Fort Totten – Georgia Ave-Petworth) will terminate at Georgia Ave-Petworth Metrorail station
50 line (14th and Colorado Ave) will terminate at Archives-Navy Memorial Metrorail station.
70 line (Silver Spring – Archives) will terminate at Canal and P St.
S4 line (Silver Spring – Federal Triangle) will terminate at Archives-Navy Memorial Metrorail station.
30 line (Friendship Heights – Potomac Ave) will terminate at Potomac Ave Metrorail station.

Suburban Maryland
Z2 and Z8 line (Silver Spring), will terminate at Briggs Chaney Road
P12 line (Eastover – Addison Road).

Northern Virginia
16 line (Pentagon – Baileys Crossroads) will terminate at Leesburg Pike and Columbia Pike.

These routes are subject to change depending on the conditions of the roads. Bus service operations managers will monitor all of these areas with an eye toward returning service to those lines when road conditions improve and it is deemed safe for buses to drive along those streets.

Bus officials continue to stay in touch with the local departments of transportation to let officials in the local jurisdictions know where some of the biggest challenges exist for providing bus service in hopes that those areas can be cleared of snow and treated for icy conditions to allow for safe bus passage.

Metro officials cautioned riders to be mindful of slippery roads, which are being used as walkways because most sidewalks remain covered with snow. “Take your time when boarding a bus, as we know that there are huge piles of snow lining the edges of streets and blocking the bus stops,” said Dave Kubicek, Metro’s Acting Deputy General Manager for Operations. “Please do not to run to catch a bus or a train as it’s not worth a fall that could cause an injury.”

Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-six stations along 50.5 miles of track are located underground and 40 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. All 40 above-ground stations remain closed. On Monday, trains will be servicing stations at 24- to 30-minute intervals through midnight to the underground stations as follows:

Red Line – Medical Center to Union Station and Glenmont to Forest Glen
Orange and Blue Lines – Ballston to Stadium-Armory
Green Line – Fort Totten to Congress Heights
Yellow Line – Pentagon to Crystal City

The greatest challenge facing Metro’s track department at the above-ground stations over the last 36 hours is the continuous blowing and drifting of snow and extreme ice build-up along the third rail, which provides electricity to Metrorail trains. If there is a disruption of electricity from the third rail to the train, trains will not be able to move.

Clearing the above-ground tracks is a process that takes several steps. The heavy duty diesel-powered equipment, known as prime movers, clear the majority of the snow and ice from the two-electrified tracks. Once they are finished doing their job on the service tracks, they shift their focus into the rail yards, where hundreds of trains and miles of additional tracks remain under almost two feet of snow. Dozens of railcars were stored in the underground tunnels Friday night to keep them free of snow and ice, however hundreds of railcars had to be stored in the rail yards, where they remain buried.

Once the prime movers are off the rails, trains equipped with de-icing equipment run on the tracks to ensure that the electrified third rail is clear of snow and ice. These trains apply a de-icing agent and they make several sweeps of the tracks. For that reason they are referred to as “polishers.” The next step to prepare the tracks for service is to clear the snow and ice from interlockings or switches, which allow trains to switch tracks, reverse direction or turn around. For instance, if a train becomes disabled, the trains behind the disabled train can only move around it by switching tracks at an interlocking. If the interlockings are not clear of the snow and ice, there is no way to maneuver around disabled trains.

As stretches of track are cleared of snow and ice, and the tracks are deemed safe for moving passenger trains, Metro officials are likely to resume service to above-ground stations in phases.

Hundreds of Metrorail employees and contractors who were able to get to their worksites were working throughout the weekend and will to continue to work through Sunday night into Monday morning to clear tracks, platforms, sidewalks, parking facilities and pathways to rail stations. In addition to the tracks, employees and contractors have been focusing on clearing the entrance areas of underground stations, including shoveling of snow off of exposed escalators.

Once the above ground Metrorail stations open, customers can expect to see surface parking facilities piled with snow, consuming approximately 25 percent of the spaces where vehicles usually park. The top level of parking decks are expected to have large snow piles on them as the surfaces are cleared. Parking lot clearing also will continue throughout Sunday night.

Heavy accumulation of snow on the rails on Friday, Feb. 5, forced Metrorail officials to limit train service to underground stations starting at 11 p.m. when rapidly deteriorating weather conditions impacted the safe movement of trains. Metrobus service also stopped at 9 p.m. on Friday due to unsafe road conditions.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed about Metro service levels. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess. Metro’s Customer Call Center will provide recorded information. The Customer Call Center is closed. The Center will attempt to open sometime today, depending on what time employees might be able to get to their offices.



News release issued at 9:39 am, February 8, 2010.

For immediate release: February 8, 2010

Metro postpones weekend track work, emergency response exercises
Focus is on resuming Metrobus, Metrorail, MetroAccess service

Metro is postponing Presidents Day weekend track work on the Blue and Orange lines and two emergency response exercises due to last weekend’s record snowfall and ongoing recovery efforts.

The major track rehabilitation project that would have closed the Rosslyn and Arlington Cemetery Metrorail stations will be rescheduled at a later date.

In addition, two emergency response exercises that were scheduled for this Friday, Feb. 12, and Saturday, Feb. 13, have been postponed.

“Priority number one this week is to dig out from this record snowfall and resume operations on Metrobus, Metrorail and MetroAccess,” said Dave Kubicek, Metro’s Acting Deputy General Manager of Operations. “With additional snow in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, we must focus all of our efforts on safe operations and continuing to help get people where they need to go.”



News release issued at 3:08 pm, February 8, 2010.

For immediate release: February 8, 2010

Limited Metrorail, Metrobus, MetroAccess service expected Tuesday
New snow storm likely to limit afternoon, evening service

On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the Metrorail system will open at 5 a.m. with limited service and may close early depending on weather conditions as more snow and below-freezing temperatures are expected. Fifteen stations will remain closed due to heavy snow drifts on the tracks. A combination of six- and eight-car trains will operate at 30-minute intervals and travel at maximum speeds of 35 miles per hour. Limited Metrobus service will begin at 5 a.m.

MetroAccess will operate limited service between 8 a.m. and noon Tuesday for customers whose trips are associated with life-sustaining medical needs such as chemotherapy and dialysis. After noon, MetroAccess will provide return-trips only to help get customers home.

Metrorail service for Tuesday morning (Feb. 9)

• Red Line Limited Service: Medical Center to Union Station and Glenmont to Forest Glen
• Blue Line Limited Service: Franconia-Springfield to Stadium-Armory
• Green Line Full Service: Greenbelt to Branch Avenue
• Orange Line Full Service: Vienna to New Carrollton
• Yellow Line Full Service: Huntington to Fort Totten

Metrorail stations that will remain closed on Tuesday include Shady Grove, Rockville, Twinbrook, White Flint, Grosvenor-Strathmore, New York Ave-Florida Ave-Gallaudet U, Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood, Brookland-CUA, Silver Spring and Takoma Metrorail stations on the Red Line and Benning Road, Capitol Heights, Addison Road-Seat Pleasant, Morgan Boulevard and Largo Town Center Metrorail stations on the Blue Line all due to snow drifts on the tracks of three to six feet.

Approximately 75 percent of Metro parking spaces will be available for parking.

Rail customers are encouraged to use station elevators from the street level into and out of the stations as they are safer than escalators in this type of heavy snowfall.

Metrobus service

Metrobus will operate a modified schedule on the following bus routes beginning at 5 a.m. Tuesday with service planned for the routes listed below. All bus routes are subject to change depending on road conditions.

Local jurisdictions are responsible for clearing bus stops. Local residents can help their neighbors by shoveling the bus stops along the sidewalks near their homes so that people are not standing in the icy streets while traffic is passing.

District of Columbia
31 (Friendship Heights to Foggy Bottom-GWU)
32 and 36 (Friendship Heights to Potomac Ave)
34 (Archives to Branch Ave)
52 and 54 (From 14th Street and Colorado Ave to L'Enfant Plaza)
64 (Fort Totten to Georgia Ave-Petworth)
70 (Silver Spring to Canal and P Street, SW)
71 (Silver Spring to Archives) will terminate at Canal and P Street, SW
79 (Silver Spring to Archives)
80 (Fort Totten to Gallery Pl-Chinatown)
82 (Rhode Island Ave to Gallery Pl-Chinatown)
P6 (Anacostia to Eckington)
S4 (Silver Spring to Federal Triangle)
U8 (Capitol Heights to Benning Heights)
X2 (Minnesota Ave to Union Station)
V7 line (Deanwood to Potomac Ave)

Maryland
J2 (Bethesda to Silver Spring)
P12 (Eastover to Addison Road), bypassing United Medical Center
Q2 (Silver Spring to Wheaton)
Y5, Y7 and Y8 (Wheaton to Liesure World)
Z8 and Z9 (Silver Spring to Briggs Chaney Road Park and Ride

Virginia
1C (Fair Oaks to Dunn Loring)
2C (Washington Boulevard to Vienna)
16 line (Pentagon to Baileys Crossroads)
28A (Alexandria to Tysons Corner), bypassing Seven Corners and Southern Towers

MetroAccess
MetroAccess will operate limited service between 8 a.m. and noon Tuesday for customers whose trips are associated with life-sustaining medical needs such as chemotherapy and dialysis. After noon, MetroAccess will provide return-trips only to help get customers home.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.

News release issued at 7:41 pm, February 8, 2010.

For immediate release: February 9, 2010

All Metrorail stations now open
Weather conditions may limit service later this evening

All Metrorail stations are open as of 2:30 p.m. today, Feb. 9, when service resumed on the Blue Line between Franconia-Springfield and Largo Town Center Metrorail stations.

Metrorail trains on the Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow and Green Lines are operating every 20 minutes, and all 86 Metrorail stations are open.

Metro officials are keeping a close eye on weather conditions and may decide to reduce Metrobus or Metrorail service later this evening as more snow and below-freezing temperatures are expected.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.



News release issued at 3:12 pm, February 9, 2010.

For immediate release: February 9, 2010

Metrorail limited to underground; no Metrobus, MetroAccess service Wednesday
Snow storm likely to limit transit service significantly

Metrorail service is expected to be limited to underground stations only on Wednesday, February 10, and there will be no Metrobus or MetroAccess service due to the heavy snowfall expected tonight (Feb. 9) and tomorrow (Feb. 10).

The Metrorail system will open on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 5 a.m. with service limited to underground stations only. Metrobuses and MetroAccess vehicles will remain parked because of hazardous road conditions.

Metro staff will monitor conditions throughout the day and change service levels if appropriate. If the weather predictions hold true, Metro will continue efforts to clear the above-ground tracks, in an attempt to resume above-ground rail service on Thursday. Snow is forecast to be seven to 14 inches with heavy winds expected to cause heavy snowdrifts on the tracks and the region’s roadways.

The Metrorail system can operate well in snowfall of less than eight inches, however once the snow accumulation tops eight inches, it covers the electrified third rail, which is critical to providing power to move the trains. Additionally, heavy snowfall often damages electronic components located in the undercarriage of rail cars.

The Metrorail system consists of 86 stations and 106 miles of track. Forty stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground and 46 stations along 50.5 miles of track are underground. All 40 above-ground stations will be closed. On Wednesday, trains will be servicing underground stations at intervals of 24 to 30 minutes from opening until midnight as follows:

• The Red Line will be split into two segments. It will operate between Union Station and Medical Center Metrorail stations and between Glenmont and Forest Glen Metrorail stations.
• The Blue and Orange Lines will both operate between Ballston and Stadium-Armory Metrorail stations.
• The Green Line will run between Fort Totten and Congress Heights Metrorail stations.
• The Yellow Line will run only between the Pentagon and Crystal City Metrorail stations.


Metro is looking to store much of its rail fleet underground tonight to help protect the rail cars from the damage caused by ice and snow.

The biggest challenges facing Metrorail at the above-ground stations will be heavy snowfall, snow drifts that will cover tracks after they are cleared, and ice along the electrified third rail. That ice will prevent the transfer of electricity from the tracks to the train.

Metro officials are optimistic that some above-ground service will be restored on Thursday and that some bus and paratransit service will resume as road conditions allow.

There is a multi-stepped approach to clearing tracks of ice and snow. A heavy-duty diesel powered train called a prime mover clears the majority of snow and ice from the tracks. Then those trains move to the rail yards, where more miles of track are used to store hundreds of rail cars. Once the prime movers are off of the rails, trains equipped with de-icing equipment are run on the tracks to keep them clear of snow and ice build-up. These trains are used to apply a de-icing agent and are referred to as rail “polishers” because they go back and forth keeping the third rail ice-free. The next step to prepare tracks for service is to clear the snow and ice from interlocking or switches, which allows trains to switch tracks, reverse direction or turn around. If an interlocking is not clear of snow or ice, there is no way to maneuver around a train that becomes disabled.

As stretches of track are cleared of snow and ice, the tracks are deemed safe for moving passenger trains.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers also can subscribe to receive Metro’s news releases and e-Alerts to receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.

News release issued at 6:28 pm, February 9, 2010.

For immedite release: February 9, 2010

Metrorail limited to underground as of 8:45 p.m. Tuesday
Metrobus, MetroAccess service suspended Wednesday

Metrorail service will be limited to underground stations only starting at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, and Metrobus and MetroAccess service will remain suspended tomorrow, Feb. 10, due to the heavy snowfall.

Metro officials began pulling Metrobus service off area roadways at about 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, as road conditions quickly deteriorated due to heavy snow fall across the region.

The Metrorail system will open on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 5 a.m. with service limited to underground stations only. Metrobuses and MetroAccess vehicles will remain parked because of hazardous road conditions.

Metro officials are monitoring conditions constantly and will change service levels if appropriate. If the weather predictions hold true, Metro will continue efforts to clear the above-ground tracks, in an attempt to resume above-ground rail service on Thursday. Snow is forecast to be seven to 14 inches with heavy winds expected to cause heavy snowdrifts on the tracks and the region’s roadways.

The Metrorail system can operate well in snowfall of less than eight inches, however once the snow accumulation tops eight inches, it covers the electrified third rail, which is critical to providing power to move the trains. Additionally, heavy snowfall often damages electronic components located in the undercarriage of rail cars.

The Metrorail system consists of 86 stations and 106 miles of track. Forty stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground and 46 stations along 50.5 miles of track are underground. All 40 above-ground stations will be closed. On Wednesday, trains will be servicing underground stations at intervals of 24 to 30 minutes from opening until midnight as follows:

• The Red Line will be split into two segments. It will operate between Union Station and Medical Center Metrorail stations and between Glenmont and Forest Glen Metrorail stations.
• The Blue and Orange Lines will both operate between Ballston and Stadium-Armory Metrorail stations.
• The Green Line will run between Fort Totten and Congress Heights Metrorail stations.
• The Yellow Line will run only between the Pentagon and Crystal City Metrorail stations.

Metro is looking to store much of its rail fleet underground tonight to help protect the rail cars from the damage caused by ice and snow.

The biggest challenges facing Metrorail at the above-ground stations will be heavy snowfall, snow drifts that will cover tracks after they are cleared, and ice along the electrified third rail. That ice will prevent the transfer of electricity from the tracks to the train.

Metro officials are optimistic that some above-ground service will be restored on Thursday and that some bus and paratransit service will resume as road conditions allow.

There is a multi-stepped approach to clearing tracks of ice and snow. A heavy-duty diesel powered train called a prime mover clears the majority of snow and ice from the tracks. Then those trains move to the rail yards, where more miles of track are used to store hundreds of rail cars. Once the prime movers are off of the rails, trains equipped with de-icing equipment are run on the tracks to keep them clear of snow and ice build-up. These trains are used to apply a de-icing agent and are referred to as rail “polishers” because they go back and forth keeping the third rail ice-free. The next step to prepare tracks for service is to clear the snow and ice from interlocking or switches, which allows trains to switch tracks, reverse direction or turn around. If an interlocking is not clear of snow or ice, there is no way to maneuver around a train that becomes disabled.

As stretches of track are cleared of snow and ice, the tracks are deemed safe for moving passenger trains.

How to get updates on winter weather conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers also can subscribe to receive Metro’s news releases and e-Alerts to receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.


News release issued at 8:39 pm, February 9, 2010.

For immediate release: February 10, 2010

Metrorail to remain underground Thursday
Metrobus, MetroAccess service also suspended

Metrorail service will remain limited to underground stations only and Metrobus and MetroAccess service are expected to remain suspended on Thursday, Feb. 11, after two back-to-back blizzards dumped record amounts of snow on the Washington Metropolitan region.

For much of the day Wednesday, Feb. 10, Metro’s snow-removal crews were forced to wait out the blizzard as heavy snow and strong winds created unsafe working conditions. More than a thousand Metro employees have been working in 12-hour shifts since last Friday’s snowstorm to dig out from the snow and provide as much service as possible.

Metro will continue efforts to clear above-ground Metrorail tracks into Thursday, and service is expected to remain limited to underground stations only. Metrobuses and MetroAccess vehicles are expected to remain parked as many area roadways and side streets remain covered in snow. However, Metro officials will be monitoring road conditions constantly with an eye toward expanding service levels when conditions improve.

On Thursday, Feb. 11, the Metrorail system will open at 5 a.m. and trains will service underground stations at intervals of 24 to 30 minutes from opening until midnight as follows:

• The Red Line will be split into two segments. It will operate between Union Station and Medical Center Metrorail stations and between Glenmont and Forest Glen Metrorail stations.
• The Blue and Orange Lines will both operate between Ballston and Stadium-Armory Metrorail stations.
• The Green Line will run between Fort Totten and Congress Heights Metrorail stations.
• The Yellow Line will run only between the Pentagon and Crystal City Metrorail stations.

The Metrorail system consists of 86 stations and 106 miles of track. Forty stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground and 46 stations along 50.5 miles of track are underground. All 40 above-ground stations will remain closed Thursday.

The Metrorail system can operate well in snowfall of less than eight inches, however once the snow accumulation tops eight inches, it covers the electrified third rail, which is critical to providing power to move the trains.

Additionally, heavy snowfall often damages electronic components located in the undercarriage of rail cars. For that reason, Metro is storing almost half of its rail fleet underground to help protect the rail cars from the damage caused by ice and snow.

The biggest challenges facing Metrorail at above-ground stations is heavy snowfall, snow drifts that cover tracks after they are cleared, and ice along the electrified third rail. That ice will prevent the transfer of electricity from the tracks to the train.

There is a multi-stepped approach to clearing tracks of ice and snow. A heavy-duty diesel powered train called a prime mover clears the majority of snow and ice from the tracks. Then those trains move to the rail yards, where more miles of track are used to store hundreds of rail cars. Once the prime movers are off of the rails, trains equipped with de-icing equipment are run on the tracks to keep them clear of snow and ice build-up. These trains are used to apply a de-icing agent and are referred to as rail “polishers” because they go back and forth keeping the third rail ice-free. The next step to prepare tracks for service is to clear the snow and ice from interlocking or switches, which allows trains to switch tracks, reverse direction or turn around. If an interlocking is not clear of snow or ice, there is no way to maneuver around a train that becomes disabled.

As stretches of track are cleared of snow and ice, the tracks are deemed safe for moving passenger trains.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers also can subscribe to receive Metro’s news releases and e-Alerts to receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.

News release issued at 6:31 pm, February 10, 2010.

For immediate release: February 11, 2010

Continued snowfall, reduced services sees dramatic drop in Metrorail trips
February ridership snowed out

Metrorail ridership so far this week has seen ridership levels slow to a trickle with heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions. Only 36,097 trips were taken yesterday, Wednesday, Feb. 10, when white-out blizzard conditions limited the rail system to underground service only. By comparison, there were 670,643 trips taken the previous Wednesday (Feb. 3).

Snow began on Friday, Feb. 5, and began to impact ridership immediately. The numbers of trips taken during the weekend were extremely low, as were Monday’s and Tuesday’s trip count. Ridership on Saturday, Feb. 6 (63,111) was the lowest number of trips taken in the rail system since Christmas 2006 when 56,326 trips were recorded. That record was eclipsed yesterday (Feb. 10) when only 36,097 trips were taken.

Today’s underground-only limited service is also expected to see a drop-off in ridership compared with the previous Thursday, but well above yesterday’s level.

February Metrorail ridership

• Date; Metrorail Trips Taken; Service Level
• Monday, Feb. 1; 701,138; Regular service
• Tuesday, Feb. 2; 728,047; Regular service
• Wednesday, Feb. 3; 670,643; Regular service
• Thursday, Feb. 4; 753,587; Regular service
• Friday, Feb. 5; 516,257; Halted above ground service at 11 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 6; 63,111; Underground service only; rail system closed at 11 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 7; 90,139; Underground service only
• Monday, Feb. 8; 124,057; Underground service only
• Tuesday, Feb. 9; 261,522; Five Blue Line stations closed; rail system closed at 8:45 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 10; 36,097; Underground service only
• Thursday, Feb. 11; Available on Friday; Underground service only

News release issued at 1:03 pm, February 11, 2010.

From Metro Magazine, 2/11/10:

Read more here.

For immediate release: February 11, 2010

Visit Metro's online photo gallery to see how Metro is digging out from the storms
High-resolution photos can be downloaded

A picture is worth a thousand words. Visit Metro’s online photo gallery to see what Metro employees and riders are facing as the region digs out from back-to-back storms.

Metro has posted dozens of new photographs of buses, rail stations and parking lots taken over the past few days. More images will be posted as snow removal efforts continue. The images are available to download for publication at http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/photo_gallery/. Click on “Snow February 2010.”

News release issued at 3:05 pm, February 11, 2010.

Don't get too excited. There are no photos of track clearing operations; there are several photos of snow covered trains in yards and platform and station entrance clearing. -Ross

For immediate release: February 11, 2010

First stretch of above-ground Metrorail track reopens on the Red Line
Metrobus running 47 routes

Metro officials reopened the Red Line from Union Station to Silver Spring at 4:30 p.m. today (February 11).

The Red Line is now operating from Medical Center to Glenmont with trains serving stations in that stretch of track every 20 to 25 minutes. As of 4:30 p.m., the above-ground Red Line stations in service include New York Avenue-Florida Avenue-Gallaudet U, Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood, Brookland-CUA, Fort Totten, Takoma and Silver Spring.

Other than moving trains between Union Station and Silver Spring, the remaining above-ground stations and track remain closed due to heavy snow on the tracks. The opening of this segment of the Red Line represents the first stage of what is expected to be a series of staggered reopenings of above-ground track that have been closed since Tuesday evening, February 9.

As more of the region’s roads are cleared of snow, Metrobus service also is offering more service after a blizzard wreaked havoc on the regions roadways. Forty-seven routes are operating limited service in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Intervals between buses are expected to be approximately 20 minutes.

Customers may want to take advantage of the Next Bus prediction technology to get an idea when the next bus will be arriving by logging onto Metro’s web site or calling 202-637-7000 and saying, “next bus.” Buses are expected to be moving slowly on the roads, which remain slippery.

Metro officials cautioned riders to be mindful of slippery roads, which are being used as walkways because most sidewalks remain covered with snow.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess. Resources at Metro’s Customer Call Center are limited and waits for a customer service agent are very long today.



News release issued at 4:41 pm, February 11, 2010.

For immediate release: February 11, 2010

All Green Line Metrorail stations reopen
Trains are operating between Greenbelt and Branch Avenue

Metro officials reopened the entire Green Line at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, with trains operating the entire Metrorail line between Greenbelt and Branch Avenue Metrorail stations.

Earlier today, Metro reopened a portion of the Red Line at 4:30 p.m., with trains now operating between Medical Center and Glenmont Metrorail stations. Trains throughout the Metrorail system are servicing stations every 24 to 30 minutes.

Metrorail service as of 6:30 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 11):

• Red Line Limited Service: Medical Center to Glenmont
• Blue Line Limited Service: Ballston to Stadium-Armory
• Orange Line Limited Service: Ballston to Stadium-Armory
• Yellow Line Limited Service: Pentagon to Crystal City
• Green Line all stations open: Greenbelt to Branch Avenue

Metro employees who have been working in 12-hour shifts since last Friday’s snowstorm continue to clear snow and ice off the remaining above-ground portions of track in an effort to further expand Metrorail service in time for tomorrow morning’s opening at 5 a.m.

Metrobus also has expanded service today as more of the region’s roads are cleared of snow. Forty-seven routes are operating limited service in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

Customers may want to take advantage of the Next Bus prediction technology to get an idea when the next bus will be arriving by logging onto Metro’s web site or calling 202-637-7000 and saying, “next bus.” Buses are expected to be moving slowly on the roads, which remain slippery.

Metro officials caution riders to be mindful of slippery roads, which are being used as walkways because most sidewalks remain covered with snow.

How to get updates about winter weather conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers also can subscribe to receive Metro’s news releases and e-Alerts to receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.

News release issued at 6:35 pm, February 11, 2010.

For immediate release: February 11, 2010

Metrorail, Metrobus, MetroAccess service expand for Friday
Transit system expands as snow efforts pay off

The Metrorail system will open at 5 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 12, with limited service and will close at midnight instead of 3 a.m. to allow work crews the additional overnight hours to continue to clear the tracks, rail yards and rail “switches,” which are critical track components that allow trains to maneuver around problem areas by switching tracks. A limited number of Metrobus routes will be in service Friday with the number expected to grow as more roadways become passable. MetroAccess trips will begin at 6:45 a.m., however the usual door-to-door service will be shifted to curb-to-curb service if it is not safe to offer door-to-door service.

Nine of Metro’s 86 stations will remain closed to start the day on Friday as work crews continue to dig out the tracks, many of which have snow drifts of up to six feet.

Metrorail service to start Friday morning will include all Green, Yellow and Blue line stations. The Red Line will operate between Medical Center and Glenmont Metrorail stations with Grosvenor-Strathmore, White Flint, Twinbrook, Rockville and Shady Grove Metrorail stations remaining closed due to heavy snow that remains on the tracks. The Orange Line will operate between New Carrollton and Ballston Metrorail stations with East Falls Church, West Falls Church-VT/UVA, Dunn Loring-Merrifield and Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metrorail stations remaining closed, also due to heavy snow on the tracks, including snow drifts of three to six feet.

Metrorail trains will operate at 20- to 25-minute intervals above ground and 10- to 15-minute intervals below ground. The longer than usual intervals are a result of 35 mph speed restrictions and the snow-covered switches.

Approximately 70 percent of parking spaces at Metrorail stations will be available for automobiles as many surface parking spaces are being used to pile snow to make other spaces available for automobiles. The top levels of 22 Metrorail parking garages are not expected to be available for parking. Work crews will address those top levels starting Friday.

Summary of Metrorail service expected for Friday, Feb. 12

• Red Line limited service: Medical Center to Glenmont
• Orange Line limited service: Ballston to New Carrollton
• Blue Line all stations open: Franconia-Springfield to Largo Town Center
• Green Line all stations open: Greenbelt to Branch Avenue
• Yellow Line all stations open: Huntington to Fort Totten

Metrobus service

Metrobus will operate starting at its normal time on Friday with most buses sticking to streets along snow emergency routes. Buses will serve more neighborhoods as the streets become passable. The routes listed below have been in service since Thursday afternoon with more routes expected to be operating Friday. As the Metrobus system expands to include more routes, those routes will be posted on Metro’s Web site, www.metroopensdoors.com.

Customers are reminded to please use caution near bus stops as many remain under ice and snow. Local jurisdictions are responsible for clearing bus stops. Local residents can help their neighbors by shoveling the bus stops along the sidewalks near their homes so that people are not standing in the icy streets while traffic is passing.

Bus routes operating in the District of Columbia
31 (Friendship Heights to Foggy Bottom-GWU)
32 and 36 (Friendship Heights to Potomac Ave)
34 (Archives to Branch Ave)
52 and 54 (From 14th Street and Colorado Ave to L'Enfant Plaza)
64 (Fort Totten to Georgia Ave-Petworth)
70 (Silver Spring to Canal and P Street, SW)
71 (Silver Spring to Archives) will terminate at Canal and P Street, SW
79 (Silver Spring to Archives)
80 (Fort Totten to Gallery Pl-Chinatown)
82 (Rhode Island Ave to Gallery Pl-Chinatown)
P6 (Anacostia to Eckington)
S4 (Silver Spring to Federal Triangle)
U8 (Capitol Heights to Benning Heights)
X2 (Minnesota Ave to Union Station)
V7 line (Deanwood to Potomac Ave)

Bus routes operating in Maryland
J2 (Bethesda to Silver Spring)
P12 (Eastover to Addison Road), bypassing United Medical Center
Q2 (Silver Spring to Wheaton)
Y5, Y7 and Y8 (Wheaton to Leisure World)
Z8 and Z9 (Silver Spring to Briggs Chaney Road Park and Ride

Bus routes operating in Virginia
1C (Fair Oaks to Dunn Loring)
2C (Washington Boulevard to Vienna)
16 line (Pentagon to Baileys Crossroads)
28A (Alexandria to Tysons Corner), bypassing Seven Corners and Southern Towers

MetroAccess
MetroAccess trips will begin at 6:45 a.m., however the usual door-to-door service will be shifted to curb-to-curb service if it is not safe to offer door-to-door service.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.



News release issued at 7:04 pm, February 11, 2010.

For immediate release: February 11, 2010

Portion of Yellow Line reopens
Trains are operating between Crystal City and Mt. Vernon Square

Metro officials reopened a portion of the Yellow Line at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, with trains operating between Crystal City and Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center Metrorail stations.

Earlier today, Metro expanded service to an above-ground portion of the Red Line at 4:30 p.m., with trains operating between Medical Center and Glenmont Metrorail stations. The entire Green Line reopened at 6:30 p.m., with trains operating between Greenbelt and Branch Avenue Metrorail stations.

Trains throughout the Metrorail system are servicing stations every 24 to 30 minutes.

Metrorail service as of 7:30 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 11):

• Red Line limited service: Medical Center to Glenmont
• Blue Line altered service: Ballston to Stadium-Armory
• Orange Line limited service: Ballston to Stadium-Armory
• Yellow Line limited service: Crystal City to Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center
• Green Line all stations open: Greenbelt to Branch Avenue

Metro employees who have been working in 12-hour shifts since last Friday’s snowstorm continue to clear snow and ice off the remaining above-ground portions of track in an effort to further expand Metrorail service in time for tomorrow morning’s opening at 5 a.m.

Metrobus also has expanded service today as more of the region’s roads are cleared of snow. Forty-seven routes are operating limited service in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

Customers may want to take advantage of the Next Bus prediction technology to get an idea when the next bus will be arriving by logging onto Metro’s web site or calling 202-637-7000 and saying, “next bus.” Buses are expected to be moving slowly on the roads, which remain slippery.

Metro officials caution riders to be mindful of slippery roads, which are being used as walkways because most sidewalks remain covered with snow.

How to get updates about winter weather conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers also can subscribe to receive Metro’s news releases and e-Alerts to receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.


News release issued at 7:30 pm, February 11, 2010.

For immediate release: February 11, 2010

Portion of Orange Line reopens
Trains are operating between Ballston and New Carrollton

Metro officials reopened a portion of the Orange Line at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, with trains operating between Ballston and New Carrollton Metrorail stations.

Earlier today, Metro expanded service to an above-ground portion of the Red Line at 4:30 p.m., with trains operating between Medical Center and Glenmont Metrorail stations. The entire Green Line reopened at 6:30 p.m., with trains operating between Greenbelt and Branch Avenue Metrorail stations. A portion of the Yellow Line expanded at 7:30 p.m., with trains operating between Crystal City and Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center Metrorail stations.

Trains throughout the Metrorail system are servicing stations every 20 to 25 minutes.

Metrorail service as of 8 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 11):

• Red Line limited service: Medical Center to Glenmont
• Blue Line altered service: Ballston to Stadium-Armory
• Orange Line limited service: Ballston to New Carrollton
• Yellow Line limited service: Crystal City to Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center
• Green Line all stations open: Greenbelt to Branch Avenue

Metro employees who have been working in 12-hour shifts since last Friday’s snowstorm continue to clear snow and ice off the remaining above-ground portions of track in an effort to further expand Metrorail service in time for tomorrow morning’s opening at 5 a.m.

Metrobus also has expanded service today as more of the region’s roads are cleared of snow. Forty-seven routes are operating limited service in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

Customers may want to take advantage of the Next Bus prediction technology to get an idea when the next bus will be arriving by logging onto Metro’s web site or calling 202-637-7000 and saying, “next bus.” Buses are expected to be moving slowly on the roads, which remain slippery.

Metro officials caution riders to be mindful of slippery roads, which are being used as walkways because most sidewalks remain covered with snow.

How to get updates about winter weather conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers also can subscribe to receive Metro’s news releases and e-Alerts to receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.


News release issued at 8:00 pm, February 11, 2010.

For immediate release: February 12, 2010

Metro expands service Friday
Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess returning to normal operations

Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess are in the process of returning to normal operations Friday, Feb. 12, with significantly expanded services available for customers.

Metrorail service as of 9 a.m. today includes all Blue, Yellow and Green Line stations and limited service on the Red and Orange Lines. Six of Metro’s 86 stations remain closed as work crews continue to dig out the tracks.

Summary of Metrorail service as of 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12

• Red Line limited service: White Flint to Glenmont
• Orange Line limited service: East Falls Church to New Carrollton
• Yellow Line all stations open: Huntington to Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center
• Blue Line all stations open: Franconia-Springfield to Largo Town Center
• Green Line all stations open: Greenbelt to Branch Avenue

The following Metrorail stations are closed due to snow that remains on the tracks: Shady Grove, Rockville and Twinbrook on the Red Line and Vienna/Fairfax-GMU, Dunn Loring-Merrifield and West Falls Church-VT/UVA on the Orange Line.

Metrorail trains are operating at 20- to 25-minute intervals above ground and 10- to 15-minute intervals below ground. The longer than usual intervals are a result of 35 mph speed restrictions and the snow-covered switches.

Metro officials believed that the entire Yellow and Blue lines would be open at 5 a.m. on Friday, however during the middle of the night it was discovered that the roof over the King Street Metrorail station platform and tracks suffered snow and ice damage, causing a safety concern for anyone on the platform and to trains passing through the station. Staff was diverted from snow-clearing activities to fix the roof, which delayed snow-clearing activities from King Street to Franconia-Springfield on the Blue Line and from King Street to Huntington on the Yellow Line. All stations on the Blue Line were open by 6:10 a.m. and all stations on the Yellow Line were open by 7:15 a.m.

The Metrorail system opened at 5 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, with limited service and will close at midnight instead of 3 a.m. to allow work crews the additional overnight hours to continue to clear tracks, rail yards and rail “switches,” which are critical track components that allow trains to maneuver around problem areas by switching tracks.

Approximately 70 percent of parking spaces at Metrorail stations are available for automobiles as many surface parking spaces are being used to pile snow to make other spaces available for automobiles. The top levels of 22 Metrorail parking garages are not expected to be available for parking. Work crews will address those top levels starting Friday.

Metrobus service

More than 600 Metrobuses on more than 300 bus routes across the region are operating as of 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, as road conditions improve throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

While the majority of Metrobus routes are operating, there are still a limited number of routes that Metro is unable to operate because of road conditions.

Metrobus routes that remain out of service as of 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, are as follows:

District of Columbia
62 and 63 (Takoma to Petworth)
N4 (Massachusetts Ave)
N8 (Van Ness-Wesley Heights Loop)
D1 (Glover Park to Federal Triangle)
U4 (Sheriff Road to River Terrace)
U5 and U6 (Mayfair to Marshall Heights)
U8 (Capitol Heights to Benning Heights)

Maryland
87 (Laurel Express)
89 (Laurel Line)
B29 (Crofton-New Carrollton Line)
D12, D13 (Oxon Hill to Suitland)
F6 (Prince George’s Plaza to Silver Spring)
F8 (Prince George’s Plaza to Langley Park)
F12 (Ardwick Industrial Park Shuttle)
F13 (Cheverly-Washington Business Park Line)
F14 (Sheriff Road-Capitol Heights Line)
T16, T17 (Greenbelt Line)

Customers are reminded to please use caution near bus stops as many remain under ice and snow. Local jurisdictions are responsible for clearing bus stops. Local residents can help their neighbors by shoveling the bus stops along the sidewalks near their homes so that people are not standing in the icy streets while traffic is passing.

MetroAccess
MetroAccess trips began at 6:45 a.m., however the usual door-to-door service may be shifted to curb-to-curb service if it is not safe to offer door-to-door service.

How to get updates on winter weather conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.


News release issued at 9:29 am, February 12, 2010.

For immediate release: February 12, 2010

Snow, reduced services cause dramatic drop in Metrorail trips
February ridership snowed out

Metrorail ridership so far this week has seen ridership levels slow to a trickle with heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions. Only 113,812 trips were taken yesterday, Thursday, Feb. 11, as the rail system began to expand service to above-ground operations on the Red, Orange and Yellow lines, and restored full service on the Green Line. By comparison, there were 753,587 trips taken the previous Thursday (Feb. 4).

Snow began on Friday, Feb. 5, and began to impact ridership immediately. The numbers of trips taken have remained extremely low. Ridership on Saturday, Feb. 6 (63,111) was the lowest number of trips taken in the rail system since Christmas 2006 when 56,326 trips were recorded. That record was eclipsed Wednesday (Feb. 10) when only 36,097 trips were taken.

With today’s expanded service, and local government offices reopened, Metro will see an increase in ridership. The Metrorail system will close at midnight tonight, Feb. 12, instead of 3 a.m., to allow work crews to do additional snow removal.

February Metrorail ridership

Date Metrorail Trips Taken Service Level
Monday, Feb. 1 701,138 Regular service
Tuesday, Feb. 2 728,047 Regular service
Wednesday, Feb. 3 670,643 Regular service
Thursday, Feb. 4 753,587 Regular service
Friday, Feb. 5 516,257 Halted above ground service at
11 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 6 63,111 Underground service only; rail system closed at 11 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 7 90,139 Underground service only
Monday, Feb. 8 124,057 Underground service only
Tuesday, Feb. 9 261,522 Five Blue Line stations closed; rail system closed at 8:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 10 36,097 Underground service only
Thursday, Feb. 11 113,812 Mainly underground service; after 4:30 p.m., expanded service on the Red, Orange, Yellow and Green lines.

News release issued at 10:13 am, February 12, 2010.

For immediate release: February 12, 2010

All Metrorail stations open as of 4 p.m. Friday
Metrobus and MetroAccess returning to normal operations

All 86 Metrorail are now open and Metrobus and MetroAccess are in the process of returning to serve as many streets as possible, Friday, Feb. 12, with significantly expanded services available for customers.

Metrorail service as of 4:30 p.m. today includes service to all 86 Orange, Blue, Yellow, Green and Red Line stations. Metrorail trains are operating at 20- to 25-minute intervals above ground and 10- to 15-minute intervals below ground. The longer than usual intervals are a result of 35 mph speed restrictions and the snow-covered switches.

Metro reopened the last three Metrorail stations on the Red Line that were closed due to snow on the tracks at 4 p.m. today. Those final three stations: Shady Grove, Rockville and Twinbrook Metrorail stations.

Metro officials believed that the entire Yellow and Blue lines would be open at 5 a.m. today, however during the middle of the night it was discovered that the roof over the King Street Metrorail station platform and tracks suffered snow and ice damage, causing a safety concern for anyone on the platform and to trains passing through the station. Workers diverted from snow-clearing activities to fix the roof, which delayed snow-clearing activities from King Street to Franconia-Springfield on the Blue Line and from King Street to Huntington on the Yellow Line. All stations on the Blue Line were open by 6:10 a.m. and all stations on the Yellow Line were open by 7:15 a.m.

The Metrorail system opened at 5 a.m. today, with limited service and will close at midnight instead of 3 a.m. to allow work crews the additional overnight hours to continue to clear tracks, rail yards and rail “switches,” which are critical track components that allow trains to maneuver around problem areas by switching tracks.

Approximately 70 percent of parking spaces at Metrorail stations are available for automobiles as many surface parking spaces are being used to pile snow to make other spaces available for automobiles. The top levels of 22 Metrorail parking garages are not expected to be available for parking. Work crews will address those top levels starting Friday.

Metrobus service

Most Metrobus routes across the region were operating as of 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, as road conditions improve throughout the Washington metropolitan area. However, there are still a limited number of routes that Metro is unable to operate because of road conditions.

Metrobus routes that remain out of service as of 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, are as follows:

District of Columbia
N8 (Van Ness-Wesley Heights Loop)
D1 (Glover Park to Federal Triangle)
U4 (Sheriff Road to River Terrace)
U5 and U6 (Mayfair to Marshall Heights)

Maryland
87 (Laurel Express)
89 (Laurel Line)
F8 (Prince George’s Plaza to Langley Park)
F12 (Ardwick Industrial Park Shuttle)
F13 (Cheverly-Washington Business Park Line)
F14 (Sheriff Road-Capitol Heights Line)

Customers are reminded to please use caution near bus stops as many remain under ice and snow. Local jurisdictions are responsible for clearing bus stops. Local residents can help their neighbors by shoveling the bus stops along the sidewalks near their homes so that people are not standing in the icy streets while traffic is passing.

MetroAccess
MetroAccess trips began at 6:45 a.m., however the usual door-to-door service may be shifted to curb-to-curb service if it is not safe to offer door-to-door service.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.



News release issued at 3:57 pm, February 12, 2010.

For immediate release: February 12, 2010

All Metrorail stations to open at 7 a.m. Saturday
Saturday hours shortened to allow for utility and maintenance work

All 86 Metrorail stations will open at its normal time at 7 a.m. and close at midnight instead of 3 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13.

Closing the rail system three hours early will allow critical utility work to be conducted, and will enable Metro workers to continue to clear ice and snow from tracks, rail yards and rail “switches,” which are critical track components that allow trains to maneuver around problem areas by switching tracks

Metrorail restored service to all 86 Orange, Blue, Yellow, Green and Red line stations on Friday afternoon. Trains are operating at 20- to 25-minute intervals above ground and 10- to 15-minute intervals below ground. The longer than usual intervals are a result of 35 mph speed restrictions and the snow-covered switches.

For immediate release: February 18, 2010

February snowstorms cost Metro $18 million
Agency to seek reimbursement for snow-clearing efforts

The February 2010 snowstorms cost Metro an estimated $18 million---$8 million for snow removal efforts and $9.7 million in lost revenue.

Metrorail service was limited to underground service on several days due to the blizzards, resulting in a tremendous loss of ridership. Also, Metro is also experiencing additional revenue losses from unusable parking spaces at parking lots throughout the system that are still covered in snow and ice.

The $8 million in expenses for snow removal include labor costs such as overtime for employees; money paid to private contractors for snow removal services; deicer, salt and additional fuel needed for snow removal equipment.

“Metro is currently working with the Commonwealth of Virginia, District of Columbia, and the State of Maryland to submit costs to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for potential reimbursement associated with the snow storms,” said Carol Kissal, Metro’s Chief Financial Officer. “We are aggressively pursuing recovery of the $8 million in snow removal costs and the $9.7 million in lost revenue” through federal disaster aid, she said. Metro will also pursue recovering other administrative costs, including equipment and damage to Metro property.

The heavy snowfall in December 2009 cost Metro approximately $2.7 million in snow removal and lost revenue.

News release issued at 3:21 pm, February 18, 2010.

For immediate release: February 19, 2010

Metro employee was speaking in capacity as private citizen
His comments were erroneously attributed as representing Metro

The former Director of Emergency Management for the District of Columbia testified yesterday (Feb. 18) in strong support of Mayor Adrian Fenty’s nominee to head the city’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency before the D.C. Council Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary, however a Washington Post article in today’s paper erroneously attributed those comments as representing Metro.

The District’s former Director of Emergency Management, a current Metro employee, used a day of annual leave from his job at Metro to speak as a private citizen when he offered his testimony in strong support of Millicent D. Williams, acting director of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, during her confirmation hearing. He was not representing Metro when he testified, nor did he ever indicate that he was representing Metro prior to, during or after his testimony. He spoke strictly as a private citizen.

He said that he believed Ms. Williams had the experience, skills and leadership to do the job well.

During the confirmation hearing, when asked a direct question from a Committee member as to what he would have done differently had he still been a D.C. government employee, a response was given. That response was his personal opinion and was not offered in his capacity as a current Metro employee. The newspaper’s attribution of the private citizen’s comments as being connected to the transit agency were false and misleading. The reporter erroneously attributed the citizen’s remarks as being representative of Metro’s opinions, which led to the article’s false impression that Metro was being critical of the District of Columbia’s snow-clearing efforts.

Metro officials have worked well with District officials during the recent snowstorms and continue to do so.

News release issued at 1:49 pm, February 19, 2010.

For immediate release: February 24, 2010