Photo by Barbara Krawcowicz

Today Metro introduced Rush+, a new service plan that the transit agency says will increase the number of trains serving some of the busiest stations in the system during peak travel hours. Along with the plan, which goes into effect on June 18, Metro unveiled a new map including dashed lines that indicate new service options.

What is Rush+? It’s basically an expansion of service for certain routes during rush hour. Say you live in Franconia-Springfield, which is served by a Blue Line train. Starting in June, rush hour service along the Yellow Line will split and end at both Huntington and Franconia-Springfield. On the other end, much the same will apply—rush hour Yellow Line trains will proceed all the way to Greenbelt, instead of terminating at Ft. Totten. On the Blue Line, Orange Line trains will end at both New Carrolton and Largo Town Center. Currently, the Orange Line splits from the Blue Line at Stadium-Armory.

How significant will the commuting benefits be? This is what Metro has to say:

During peak periods, more than 46,000 Orange Line customers will benefit from six additional trains per hour – three in each direction – between Vienna and Largo Town Center. This will result in 18 percent more capacity on the line, or approximately 2,600 seats per hour.

For 33,500 Blue and Yellow Line customers in Virginia, Rush+ will increase the share of Yellow Line trains, meaning more direct and faster access to downtown via the Yellow Line bridge. A smaller number (about 16,000) weekday peak-period customers who travel on Blue Line trains via Arlington Cemetery will experience a maximum of six-minutes additional waiting time for a train.

Stations north of downtown on the Green and Yellow lines will benefit from 18 additional trains during rush hour periods. Stations from Shaw-Howard to Greenbelt will benefit from six additional Yellow Line trains each peak hour – three in each direction – between Greenbelt and Franconia-Springfield. And for the first time, you will be able to travel from Greenbelt to Franconia-Springfield without transferring. More than 28,000 customers will benefit from the change.

Of course, none of this will fix the rest of the system any quicker, but at least you know that your going may be a little speedier once you get on the train.

RushPlus Map