Fare-Free Metro Offered During Last Hours Of New Year's Eve 2022

WASHINGTON, DC — Free Metro rides will be an option during the last hours of 2022, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Metro announced extended hours to 2 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1 and free fares from 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31 through closing. The fare-free Metro initiative on New Year's Eve joins an extended SoberRide program from Dec. 16 to Jan. 1 aimed at keeping would-be intoxicated drivers off local roads.

"Traveling by train and bus is the safest way to celebrate New Year’s Eve and avoid drinking and driving in the region," said Randy Clarke, Metro's general manager and CEO. "Eliminating costs and extending services are easy steps we can take to give people the power to choose Metro as their safe way to enjoy all the region has to offer."

When taking Metrorail and Metrobus after 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, riders do not need to pay with their SmarTrip card. Regular fares and hours will resume at 4 a.m. on Jan. 1 for Metrobus and 7 a.m. for Metrorail.

The fare-free initiative was sought by Metro’s Board of Directors.

"We want our customers to be safe as they celebrate the start of 2023," said Metro Board Chair Paul Smedberg. "We hope customers will take advantage of this offer as we look to start 2023 with less accidents and fatalities on our roadways."

There are various New Year's Eve events in DC where Metro is an option to get around. In Northern Virginia, Metro stations are near events like First Night Alexandria, Grandiose New Year's Eve Gala in Tysons, New Year's Masquerade Party in Tysons, Watch Night Falls Church, Wilson Wonderland New Year's Eve in Arlington, and Black Tie Masquerade in Reston.