Metro offers free parking at 3 stations during summer platform reconstruction

Metro will offer free parking at Huntington, Franconia-Springfield, and Van Dorn Street stations while major station reconstruction—the Platform Improvement Project—is underway this summer, the transit authority announced today. The move, approved today by the Metro Board of Directors, is intended to provide an additional incentive for riders to use alternative transportation options, such as Metro’s extensive network of free shuttle buses or carpooling.

“This is another way of encouraging customers to stick with us during the essential construction work taking place this summer,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “In addition to free parking at these stations, customers can take advantage of express shuttle service to the Pentagon and conveniently transfer to the rail system. The express shuttles use the I395-HOV lanes and have been very popular with customers in the past.”

Customers parking at the stations normally pay $4.95 per day, meaning regular riders will save more than $500 in fees during the project. The free parking offer also benefits commuters who plan to use VRE service between Franconia-Springfield and Washington, DC.

The six Blue and Yellow line stations south of Reagan National Airport are scheduled to be closed from Saturday, May 25, through Sunday, September 8. Free parking will be offered at Huntington, Franconia-Springfield, and Van Dorn Street stations, as the other three stations (Eisenhower Ave, King St-Old Town, and Braddock Road) do not have Metro parking facilities.

First announced a year ago, Metro’s platform reconstruction effort will address safety and accessibility concerns and structural deterioration as a result of exposure to outdoor elements. The accelerated schedule will address six stations this year, with crews scheduled to work around the clock. 

Awareness of the upcoming project is high among Metro customers, with nine in 10 customers who use the impacted stations aware of it. Metro plans to continue extensive outreach efforts in the coming weeks to share travel alternatives with as many customers as possible. For additional information, visit wmata.com/platforms.