4th Of July Schedule Changes For DC Metro Trains

WASHINGTON, DC — Metro will provide extra service on the evening of July 4th to accommodate residents and tourists attending the fireworks on the National Mall.

Trains will run from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. During the day, trains will run on a Saturday schedule (every 12 minutes on each line) until 6 p.m.

After 6 p.m., service will ramp up to rush-hour service levels before and after the fireworks.

Off-peak fares will be in effect all day, and parking will be free at all Metro-operated facilities. Bicycles and large coolers will not be permitted aboard trains due to space constraints, Metro said.

>> Want a full look at what's going on in DC Wednesday?

• Check out Patch's Fourth of July Guide here.
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Here's a more detailed look at service changes:

• Trains will run every 12 minutes on each line until about 6 p.m. gradually ramping up to near rush-hour service levels thereafter.
• Yellow Line: Beginning at approximately 6 p.m. trains will operate between Huntington and Mt. Vernon Square only. Passengers traveling to/from stations north of Mt. Vernon Square should use a Green Line train to complete their trip.
• After 9 p.m. the National Mall entrance at Smithsonian Station and Arlington Cemetery will become “entry only” to accommodate returning crowds.
• Metrobus: Saturday schedule. Expect detours around the National Mall.

Traveling to the National Mall:

"The closest station to the Mall is Smithsonian, however this is not your best choice," Metro says. "While many passengers choose to use Smithsonian, this station can become overcrowded during larger Mall events. Metro recommends selecting a destination station on the same line as your origin to avoid the need to transfer."

There is a station near the Mall on every line. Here is a list of suggested stations:

• Foggy Bottom: Orange Line, Silver Line, Blue Line
• Metro Center: Red Line, Orange Line, Silver Line, Blue Line
• Federal Triangle: Orange Line, Silver Line, Blue Line
• Archives: Yellow Line, Green Line
• Gallery Place: Red Line, Yellow Line, Green Line
• Judiciary Square: Red Line
• Union Station: Red Line
• L'Enfant Plaza: Orange Line, Silver Line, Blue Line, Yellow Line, Green Line
• Capitol South: Orange Line, Silver Line, Blue Line
• Federal Center: SW Orange Line, Silver Line, Blue Line
• Arlington Cemetery: Blue Line (NOTE: Exit only after 9:00 p.m.)

Travel Tips from WMATA:

• Due to large crowds, bicycles and large coolers are not permitted.
• Travel light. Customers are discouraged from bringing large coolers or other bulky items aboard trains.
• Smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited within Metrorail stations or aboard trains.
• Traveling with a stroller? Use the elevator, not the escalators.
• Always stand back from the platform edge for your safety.
• When boarding the train, step all the way into the car to make room for passengers boarding behind you.
• Prohibited items at many events include alcohol, bicycles, explosives/fireworks, glass containers, coolers, animals (except service animals), weapons, and more. Be sure to check the event website for a complete list. If in doubt about whether an item will be permitted, it is best to leave it home.
• See something suspicious? Say something! Report suspicious activity or unattended items to Metro Transit Police. Call 202-962-2121 or text MyMTPD (696873).