Washington (WMAL) — Metro has announced its hours of operations for the July 4th Holiday. The system will stay open a half hour later than normal to help accommodate those heading to the National Mall to watch fireworks.

Here’s the official announcement:

July 4, 2017 Service Information

Advisory Effective: 6/26/17 – 7/5/17

Metro is the fastest, most convenient way to get to July 4 holiday festivities on the National Mall or any of the other great events around the National Capital Region. Here is an overview of rail and bus service on the holiday, as well as some important travel tips for riders:

HOURS & SERVICE

Metrorail:

• Open 7 a.m.  Close midnight (30 minutes later than normal)
  Note: Last train time vary by station. Visit wmata.com/stations for specific times.
• Trains will run every 12 minutes on each line until about 6 p.m. gradually ramping up to near rush-hour service levels thereafter.
• There will be no track work.
• Yellow Line Yellow Line: Beginning at approximately 6:00 p.m. trains will operate between Huntington and Mt. Vernon Square only. Passengers traveling to/from stations north of Mt. Vernon Square should use a Green Line train to complete their trip.
• Due to large crowds, bicycles and large coolers are not permitted.

Parking: Free at all Metro-operated facilities.

Fares: Off-Peak fares will be in effect all day.

Metrobus: Saturday schedule. Expect detours around the National Mall.

MetroAccess: Regular service hours. Subscription trips are cancelled. Please ensure all July 4 reservations are booked before 4:30 p.m. on July 3.

Customer Service: Open 7 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. by calling 202 637-7000; Lost & Found will be closed.

TRAVELING TO THE NATIONAL MALL

The closest station to the Mall is Smithsonian, however this is not your best choice. While many passengers choose to use Smithsonian, this station can become overcrowded during larger Mall events. Metro recommends selecting a destination station on the same line as your origin to avoid the need to transfer. There is a station near the Mall on every line. Here is a list of suggested stations:

• Foggy Bottom Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line
• Metro Center Red Line Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line Yellow Line Green Line
• Federal Triangle Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line
• Archives Yellow Line Green Line
• Gallery Place Red Line Yellow Line Green Line
• Judiciary Square Red Line
• Union Station Red Line
• L’Enfant Plaza Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line Yellow Line Green Line
• Capitol South Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line
• Federal Center SW Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line
• Arlington Cemetery Blue Line

This year, Smithsonian station will be open all day, however, the mall entrance will become ENTRANCE ONLY after 9:30 p.m. The Independence Avenue entrance will be available for both entry and exit throughout the entire day. Sign up for MetroAlerts or follow us on Twitter @metrorailinfo for up-to-the-minute station information.

METROBUS INFORMATION

Routes 30N, 30S, 32, 36, 39, 52, 54 and 74 operate along the perimeter of the Mall at various locations. Use our Trip Planner for specific date and time travel information, as some nearby Metrobus routes operate Monday through Friday only. Another helpful resource is our holiday service schedule.

FARE INFORMATION

• Determine your fare, use the Trip Planner and enter July 4 as the travel date. Each passenger must have his or her own SmarTrip card or One-Day Pass.
• Multiple trips? Buy a One-Day Pass. To avoid potentially long lines at fare vending machines, all Metro riders are encouraged to purchase a One-Day Pass. By purchasing a One-Day Pass, a rider can take unlimited trips on Metrorail throughout the day.
• Buy in advance. Skip the long lines at vending machines by loading enough value for your entire roundtrip, in advance, on your SmarTrip card.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Due to large crowds, bicycles and large coolers are not permitted.
• Travel light. Customers are discouraged from bringing large coolers or other bulky items aboard trains.
• Smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited within Metrorail stations or aboard trains.
• Traveling with a stroller? use the elevator, not the escalators.
• Always stand back from the platform edge for your safety.
• Do not hold the train doors. They do not operate like elevator doors and will not automatically reopen.
• When boarding the train, step all the way into the car to make room for passengers boarding behind you.
• On Metrorail, it is customary for riders to stand to the right while using escalators.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

• For your safety, any bag, package or container carried into the Metrorail system may be subject to random, non-invasive security screening by Metro Transit Police.
• Prohibited items at many events include alcohol, bicycles, explosives/fireworks, glass containers, coolers, animals (except service animals), weapons, and more. Be sure to check the event website for a complete list. If in doubt about whether an item will be permitted, it is best to leave it home.
• See something suspicious? Say something! Report suspicious activity or unattended items to Metro Transit Police. Call 202-962-2121 or text MyMTPD (696873).

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Passengers can access Metro’s mobile website by entering wmata.com into their smartphone browser.
• For assistance by phone, call Customer Information at (202) 637-7000.
• Monday through Friday: 6 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.

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