Independence Day sparks comeback on Metrorail, highest ridership since 2015

Metrorail celebrated the Independence Day holiday with preliminary ridership topping 410,000, a level not seen since 2015. With fare-free service after 5 p.m. and a boost in service to accommodate the influx of customers, rail ridership was up 61 percent over last year.

The fireworks on the National Mall, A Capitol Fourth Concert, and other holiday festivities, along with fans attending the Nationals game helped drive ridership.

“We are proud to connect the region and to have brought people together to celebrate America’s birthday. We hope many of those that experienced a safe and reliable Metro yesterday will use trains and buses for their future non-holiday travel needs,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “I want to commend our staff who gave up their holiday to provide fantastic service so our customers could celebrate July 4th stress free. I’m proud and thankful for their dedication to serving our community and country.”

Metro ambassadors and volunteers worked throughout the day to assist customers. Smithsonian Station was the busiest station as the closest station near the National Mall. The station saw 60,000 entries and exits all day, about the capacity of FedExField football stadium.

Earlier in the day, fans of America’s pastime headed out to Nationals Park to take in a baseball game. At Navy Yard-Ballpark Station, about 20,000 entries and exits came through the faregates midday.

Metro also welcomed customers on board our festive Independence Day train and buses, decked out in red, white, and blue with liberty and transportation for all.

In addition to rail, Metro provided fare-free service after 5 p.m. for all customers on Metrobus and MetroAccess.