Metro To Eliminate Saturday Parking Fees Starting Jan. 5

ROCKVILLE, MD — Good news: Metro riders will soon be able to park in station lots for free on Saturdays.

WMATA made the announcement on Thursday, saying it will eliminate Saturday parking fees for customers with the exception of specific regional or special events — such as the Fourth of July and presidential inaugurations. The policy will go in to effect on Saturday, Jan. 5.

Last February, as part of a pilot program, Metro implemented a $2 parking fee for customers. WMATA said weekday parking fees and hours during the pilot period will be permanent. There will also be a reduced $3 parking rate for customers at the West Falls Church and Landover stations.

Parking fees will be collected during the following hours, according to a press release:

Monday – Thursday

• 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Friday

• 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Those who park at a Metro facility but do not use the Metrorail system will be charged a higher "non-rider fee" at certain stations. The fee ranges from $8.70 to $10, Metro said. This policy will affect the following stations: Greenbelt, Suitland, Branch Ave, Huntington, Dunn Loring, Minnesota Ave, New Carrollton, Largo Town Center, Franconia-Springfield, Rhode Island Ave, Twinbrook, White Flint, and Rockville.

In addition, Metro said it is planning to unveil new payment technology options, such as online reservation systems or mobile applications.

Image via Emily Leayman/Patch