Metro releases multiphase recovery plan

WMATA Board of Directors is discussing how to ramp up Metro service

Published May 11, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Metro rail ridership has been down as much as 95%, making the usually bustling Braddock Road Metro Station appear abandoned. Photo by Stephen Gosling

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has released initial details of its COVID-19 recovery plan, which will be discussed during the authority’s Board of Directors meeting on Thursday.

The multiphase recovery plan is dependent on the trajectory of infections in its service areas. For now, Metro passengers should continue to only use the system for essential trips. Passengers are asked to wear face masks and practice hand hygiene. Metro employees will continue to have modified work schedules.

While ridership is low, Metro will work on track maintenance and upgrade construction projects. For any shutdown zones, buses will be available for essential travel. There isn’t yet an official date released on closures, but L’Enfant Plaza, Waterfront and Navy Yard stations are expected to be closed for travel starting the week of June 7.

During the next phase, “managed reentry,” Metro will open all of the Metro stations that have closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This phase will begin when regional businesses and governments have fewer people telecommuting and schools reopen.

As part of the “recovery” phase, Metro will increase service and will return to its pre-pandemic hours of service. This will not happen until a treatment and/or vaccine is widely available.

Finally, during the “resilience” phase, Metro plans to analyze the response to COVID-19 to make the system more safe during any future pandemics.