WASHINGTON — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and Amtrak Northeast have announced service changes for Wednesday ahead of the anticipated winter storm.
According to a media release, Metrobus service will begin Wednesday on a Moderate Snow Plan, in which some bus routes will not operate. This will represent a roughly 60 percent reduction in service.
Other bus routes are subject to detours to avoid hilly terrain, narrow streets or other areas that are prone to hazardous conditions.
Metrobus will operate special trips if D.C. public and public charter schools are open Wednesday, but will not operate if schools are closed. All bus customers should plan for delays and increased wait times due to road conditions, the release stated.
Additional service changes will be made as conditions warrant.
WMATA strongly encourages MetroAccess customers to cancel all non-essential travel on Wednesday. Customers who absolutely need to travel should expect service delays.
If paths from the MetroAccess vehicle to the outermost exterior door of the pick-up or drop-off location to provide door-to-door service are not clear and safe, the location is considered non-serviceable. The driver will render curb-to-curb service.
Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. with trains running on a modified weekday schedule. Trails are expected to operate both above and below ground at this time.
Metro will deploy deicing trains overnight and have plows on standby to keep tracks clear. The upper levels of Metro parking garages may be closed due to snow accumulation.
If weather conditions become severe, Metrorail service may be further reduced.
Due to the severe weather, Metro’s Rush Hour Promise program will not be in effect Wednesday.
Metro will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day and will restore service when it is safe to do so. Customers are encouraged to stay informed. All changes will be announced via MetroAlerts text or email messages, on Metro’s Status and Alerts page and through Metro’s social media channels at @Metrorailinfoand @Metrobusinfo. To sign up for MetroAlerts, visit wmata.com/metroalerts.
Amtrak has also released their service changes in preparation for the inclement weather.
SERVICE ALERT: Due to impending severe weather in the Northeast region, we will be operating modified service on Wed. 3/21. Full service will be restored when weather conditions allow us to safely do so. Service and re-accommodation details are outlined below. pic.twitter.com/RncTFtry7O
— Amtrak Northeast (@AmtrakNEC) March 20, 2018
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