Metro announces Metrobus service changes in advance of winter storm; normal service on Metrorail

In advance of a winter storm that could produce heavy snow at times overnight and into the morning, Metro is deploying resources and will operate limited Metrobus service beginning Sunday morning, February 7. Buses will operate on a severe snow service plan. Buses will be limited to major roads only, with 80 of the 89 lines that normally operate Sundays in service.

Metrorail will operate normal service on all lines, with 89 of 91 stations open. Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn St stations will remain closed due to power system upgrades. Free shuttle buses will operate between Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn St and Eisenhower Ave for access to the Yellow and Blue lines; however, express shuttle bus service between Franconia-Springfield and Pentagon will not operate.

In preparation for the storm, Metro is deploying resources throughout the system and across the region to monitor road conditions overnight and to keep parking lots, walkways and stations clear of snow. Deicing trains will operate overnight and during the storm to maintain normal train service. 

Customers are advised to travel only if necessary, as heavy snow may create hazardous conditions, causing delays and increased wait times for buses and MetroAccess vehicles. During severe or heavy snow passengers should be aware that service may be suspended if road and travel conditions become unsafe. 

Metro service will operate Sunday, February 7 as follows:

Metrobus

• Metrobus service will begin on a Severe Snow Plan.
• Under a Severe Snow Plan, bus service is limited to major roads, with additional snow detours possible based on road conditions.
• Bus customers are advised to travel only if necessary, as they may be outside longer than normal due to longer wait times and delays.
• Customers are advised to check which routes are operating to ensure they may get safely to and from their destination. View severe snow routes for details.
• If there is snow blocking the curb, do not stand in the street. Wait on the sidewalk until the bus arrives.

MetroAccess

• MetroAccess service will operate on a normal schedule; however, customers are encouraged to make essential trips only.
• Due to weather/road conditions, service delays are expected.
• Customers are advised that door-to-door service may not be possible due to heavy accumulation on walkways and sidewalks. Drivers must have a clear and safe path from the MetroAccess vehicle to the door of the pick-up or drop off location. Absent this, curb to curb service will be provided.

Metrorail

• Metrorail will open at 8 a.m. with normal service to 89 of 91 stations.
• Red Line trains will operate every 12 minutes; Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow and Green line trains will operate every 15 minutes.
• Blue Line service will operate between Huntington and Largo. No rail service to Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn St. Free shuttle buses provided to/from Eisenhower Ave. Express shuttle bus service between Franconia-Springfield and Pentagon stations will not operate.
• Minor delays may be possible due to deicing trains operating between passenger trains to keep rails clear of snow and ice.  
• Customers are advised to use caution when walking on exposed surfaced. Parking lots, sidewalks and platforms may become slippery due to snow and ice.

Customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts text and email messages to receive the latest service updates. Additional service information will be provided through MetroAlerts, on the Status and Alerts page at wmata.com and on Metro's social media channels @Metrorailinfo and @Metrobusinfo.