Metro will make it easier for you to see the fireworks in DC on July 4. You won’t have to pay fares on Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess after 5 p.m. The free Metro rides will run until the system closes at midnight.
The free fares will apply to all Metro stations, not just those heading into the District. And, parking at all Metro garages will be free.
“The best way to beat traffic and get to barbecues, parades, and fireworks is with Metro, America’s transit system,” said Metro Board Chairman Paul C. Smedberg, in a news release Thursday.
The transit agency will begin increasing service on Metrorail after 4 p.m.
Independence Day is typically one of the highest for Metrorail ridership. Last year, Metro had fewer 7000-Series railcars available and long waits. In 2022, riders took 253,000 trips on July 4.
In the years before the pandemic, it was not unusual for the ridership numbers to be much higher. Back in 2009, riders took 631,206 trips on Metrorail on July 4. Ten years later, the number would be 400,996 trips.
If you plan to head to the National Mall, here are some things you need to know.
- Smithsonian station becomes an exit-only station at 5 p.m. and an enter-only station after 9 p.m.
- Riders are encouraged to use other stations: Foggy Bottom (may become enter-only after fireworks), Metro Center, Federal Triangle, Archives, Gallery Place, Judiciary Square, Union Station, L’Enfant Plaza, Capitol South, Federal Center SW, and Arlington Cemetery (open until 11 p.m.).
- Trains until until midnight but the last train times will vary by station.
- Red Line will run every eight minutes until 4 p.m., then every six minutes.
- Green and Yellow lines will run every eight minutes.
- Blue, Orange, and Silver will run every 12 minutes until 4p.m., then every 10 minutes. Trains will arrive every three minutes where there is an overlap. Remember, Vienna and Dunn Loring stations remain closed. There will be shuttle service there.
- Metrobus will be on a Sunday schedule.
- Make sure you don’t have anything you shouldn’t before being screened at the National Mall checkpoints.
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s News newsletter.
