Federal Workers To Get Free Metro Rides: Reports

Furloughed government workers will have some relief thanks to WMATA, which appears likely to offer free Metro rides to them starting Monday, according to reports.

Multiple reports indicate that a WMATA board meeting at 3 p.m. on Friday will include a vote for the emergency policy, which would allow federal workers to show ID cards and be let through disability access gates for as long as the shutdown lasts.

The offer includes both rail and bus rides, if the measure is approved.

"Metro Board Chairman Jack Evans said the decision came at the urging of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), who announced Thursday that Maryland would waive fares for state transportation services, including MARC commuter rail, and called on Metro to follow suit," the Washington Post reported.

Commuting has been particularly onerous for federal workers who aren't being paid but still must report to work.

The measure is expected to pass.

(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)