For Immediate Release
September 7, 2019
#T31_19
Earlier today, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced that rail service will resume Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at six Blue and Yellow Line Metrorail stations south of Reagan National Airport in Northern Virginia. The stations have been closed this summer for platform reconstruction work and other improvements.
Fairfax County officials would like to thank residents, businesses and visitors for their flexibility and patience as the urgently needed platform reconstruction work was completed. Some of the additional station improvements include slip-resistant tiles on the platforms and in the mezzanine areas, stainless-steel platform shelters with charging outlets/ports, additional Passenger Information Display (PIDS) screens, energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the station and improved speakers for clearer public announcements and emergency notifications.
If you are a Fairfax County commuter who is either excited to get back into your normal routine on Metrorail or have never taken transit but want to give it a try, Fairfax County Department of Transportation wants to help you get moving. Take a quick online survey to see if you qualify for a FREE $50 SmarTrip card that can be used for taking transit (Metrorail or bus) or for the parking fees at Metrorail parking garages.
Know Before You Go – Plan for Your Monday, Sept. 9, Commute from Fairfax County
Franconia-Springfield and Huntington Metrorail Stations
**Some passenger information displays may not be operational in the first days of service. Customers should listen for announcements from Metro employees or visit wmata.com for next train information, service status and trip planning.**
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Shuttle Buses - WMATA will no longer operate shuttle buses from the stations; however, some shuttles will remain on standby in the event of a disruption.
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Parking - Regular parking fees will go into effect as the stations open.
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Fare Vending Machines - Metro is advising customers to ensure SmarTrip cards are loaded with sufficient fare to avoid possible lines at station vending machines. Visit wmata.com/smartrip to reload your card online. At Huntington Station’s north entrance, fare vending machines will not be available for approximately three weeks. The City of Alexandria’s mobile commuter store will be located in the mezzanine, weekdays from 5:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. At other times, customers can load their cards online or access machines on the south side of the station.
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Boarding Trains - While all heavy construction activity has been completed, Metrorail customers should be aware that work will continue for several more weeks, including non-slip tile installation throughout the mezzanine areas at the Franconia-Springfield and Huntington stations. Customers will board all trains from one side of the platform and the ongoing work will not impact train service at the stations.
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Bus Bay Assignments - Fairfax Connector buses will stay at temporary locations at the Huntington North Metrorail Station as the kiss and ride areas will continue to be used as construction staging areas into the fall:
Fairfax Connector Supplemental Express Service from Saratoga Park and Ride to the Pentagon
Fairfax Connector will discontinue the supplemental express service on Routes 393 and 394 from the Saratoga Park and Ride to the Pentagon. Service on these routes will return to the regular schedule on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019.
For More Information and to Stay Connected
- Metrorail and Metrobus Passenger Information - Subscribe to MetroAlerts and visit www.wmata.com/platforms.
- Fairfax Connector Passenger Information - Subscribe to BusTracker alerts; visit www.fairfaxconnector.com; call 703-339-7200, TTY 711, 5 a.m.-10 p.m. M-F, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sat-Sun; or email fairfaxconnector@fairfaxcounty.gov.
- Visit a Connector Transit Store for travel information.
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