Cherry Blossom Season To Bring Increased DC Metro Service

WASHINGTON, DC — As the cherry blossom peak approaches, Metro plans to accommodate increased visitors to DC with increased train service.

On weekends from March 19 to April 17, Metro will provide additional trains to match weekday service to the greatest extent possible. Weekend service will be every 10 minutes on the Red Line and 20 minutes on all other lines. Most downtown DC stations served by multiple lines will have trains every six to 10 minutes. One-way weekend trips have a $2 flat fare. Parking in Metro garages and lots is free on weekends.

"Cherry Blossom season is one of the biggest attractions of the year and Metrorail is stepping up service to better serve customers," said Metro General Manager and CEO Paul Wiedefeld in a statement.

Due to the continuing 7000-series railcar investigation, train service can't quite run at normal levels as 7000-series railcars remain out of service. All trains are operating as six-car trains rather than the maximum eight-car trains.

Metro anticipates trains and stations will be more crowded during peak bloom and cherry blossom season. On weekdays, Metro recommends traveling during outside the rush hour peak of 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. On weekends, Metro recommends traveling Sunday when trains are less crowded. For Saturday travel, traveling before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. is recommended, as the busiest times are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Smithsonian Station is the most popular station for visitors headed to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. Alternative stations include L'Enfant Plaza and Federal Triangle.

In addition to increased weekend service, Metro will not conduct daytime track work for four weeks. Different track work projects are planned between March 14 and April 15.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival will kick off with an opening ceremony on March 20 at 5 p.m. and run through April 17. Peak bloom of the Tidal Basin cherry blossoms is expected March 22 to 25.

Metro will offer a limited-edition SmarTrip card featuring cherry blossoms. The cards will be available in specially marked fare vending machines at Navy Yard and L’Enfant Plaza stations starting March 18. The design was created by Lea Craigie-Marshall, the official artist of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.