With liberty and transportation for all: Metro celebrates Independence Day with patriotic train and bus wraps

Metro is the best way to get around the region on July 4 for Independence Day festivities, with frequent service which will be fare-free after 5 p.m. Customers can also now find a festive train and two buses wrapped in red, white, and blue firework designs to celebrate the holiday.

Metro’s Independence Day train and buses can be tracked at wmata.com/live by selecting the “Special Edition” tab. The train and buses will appear on the tracker only when the vehicles are in service.

Customers traveling on July 4 should keep in mind the following travel tips to make the trip stress free:

• Avoid rail transfers: Select a station near your destination on the same line as your origin to avoid the need to transfer and reduce crowding.
• Delay return travel after the fireworks, if possible.
• Follow guidance of Metro Transit Police and Metro Ambassadors positioned throughout the system. If a station becomes too crowded, MTPD may temporarily halt entries to ensure customer safety on the platforms.
• Avoid traveling with items prohibited by the National Park Service on the National Mall, including weapons, alcohol, glass bottles or containers, fireworks, folding chairs, and coolers larger than 36 quarts (23”x15”x15”). Click here to view the full list of prohibited items.
• Consider utilizing stations other than Smithsonian, which typically sees the most crowding. Smithsonian Station will become ‘exit only’ at 5 p.m., and ‘entry only’ after 9 p.m. to accommodate crowds traveling to and from the National Mall.
• Other convenient stations to consider: Foggy Bottom (may become ‘entry only’ after fireworks), Metro Center, Federal Triangle, Archives, Gallery Place, Judiciary Square, Union Station, L’Enfant Plaza, Capitol South, Federal Center SW, Arlington Cemetery (open until 11 p.m.)

For full service information and travel tips for Independence Day, visit wmata.com/july4th.