Metro's New Parking Fee Changes Effective Monday

ROCKVILLE, MD — Starting Monday, those who park at certain Metro stations but do not get on the train will be charged a higher "non-rider" fee, Metro announced.

Individuals who park at Metro facilities but do not use the Metrorail system will be charged a higher fee ranging from $8.70 to $10 Monday through Saturday at 13 of its 44 stations, including Rockville.

These "non-riders" will have to pay at least $3.50 extra for a parking spot at these stations:

• Rockville: Red Line, Rockville, Md.
• Twinbrook * Red Line, Rockville, Md.
• Rhode Island Ave: Red Line, Northeast D.C.
• White Flint * Red Line, North Bethesda, Md.
• Branch Ave: Green Line, Suitland, Md.
• Greenbelt: Green Line, Greenbelt, Md.
• Suitland: Green Line, Suitland, Md.
• Huntington: Yellow Line, Alexandria, Va.
• Dunn Loring: Orange Line, Vienna, Va.
• Minnesota Ave: Orange Line, Northeast D.C.
• New Carrollton* Orange Line, New Carrollton, Md.
• Franconia-Springfield: Blue Line, Springfield, Va.
• Largo Town Center: Silver Line, Largo, Md.

The non-rider fee was previously implemented at New Carrollton, Twinbrook and White Flint.

Customers must pay with the same SmarTrip card used to enter/exit Metrorail to avoid the "non-rider" fee, and must exit the parking lot within two hours of the start of their last Metrorail trip, Metro said.

Metro will also adjust the hours when parking fees are collected. Beginning Saturday, Feb. 10, a parking fee of $2 will be charged under a pilot program for Metrorail riders who park at Metro garages and lots on Saturdays, Metro said. Parking used to be free on Saturdays.

Parking fees will be in effect during the following hours (two hours earlier on weekdays and end one hour later on Fridays):

• Monday to Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Sunday: Parking will remain free except when special event parking rules are in effect.

The weekday parking fee at two stations - Landover and West Falls Church - will be lowered to $3 as part of a pilot program.

Photo via WMATA