Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
01/05/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/05/2025 15:42
Metro proactively prepares for winter storm, will operate modified bus service on Jan. 6
Metro's General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke joined District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser for a press conference today detailing preparedness related to the first winter storm of the year. Working with jurisdictional partners, Metro continues to monitor winter weather approaching the region to adequately respond to service needs. Customers should expect disruptions to Metrobus service on Monday, Jan. 6, throughout the region due to snow route detours. Currently, there are no disruptions to Metrorail service, but some reduced service is expected as conditions develop. MetroAccess will adjust service levels in response to real-time conditions. Metro encourages customers to only travel during the storm if necessary.
Crews will be strategically placed throughout the system to respond to slippery conditions. Metro has nearly 600 pieces of equipment and teams on standby available to tackle snow and ice accumulation at stations, rail yards, parking garages, and bus facilities. Salt and snow-clearing equipment have been deployed to rail stations. Additionally, nine salt domes containing more than 300 tons of bulk salt will be in use. Metro will run trains designed to clear ice from rails and facilitate service and position staff in key locations ready to respond to buses in need of assistance, however, if conditions deteriorate, customers should prepare for Metrorail, Metrobus, & Metro Access services to be reduced.
Metrobus operates on four different plans during inclement weather depending on the amount of snow: Light, Moderate, Severe, and Lifeline. Metrobus is planning to operate Moderate service on Jan. 6 to give customers time to plan. Moderate service will reduce the number of from Metrobus routes from 193 to 114. Customers should check wmata.com/snow and all Metro social media channels to learn what plan Metrobus is operating under as conditions change.
The Metro Integrated Command and Communications Center will activate the Emergency Operations Command Center at 9 p.m. on Jan. 5 to facilitate rapid response to changing weather conditions.
Metro's customer service team can assist customers with questions, trip planning, and more via chat, email, phone or our social media channels. Visit wmata.com/contact for details.
Follow @wmata, @metrorailinfo and @metrobusinfo on X or@wmata.com, @metrorailinfo.bsky.social, and @metrobusinfo on Bluesky.
Customers can call 202-637-7000 (TTY 202-638-3780). Automated information available 24/7.
For service alerts via text or email, sign up for MetroAlerts or visit wmata.com/MetroPulse for real-time service information.