Madonna performs in August in Zurich. (Photo by Chris Weger)

Despite the optimism expressed last week by Councilmember Jack Evans (D-season ticketsWard 2) that Metrorail will stay open past 11 p.m. in the event the Washington Nationals’ upcoming playoff games go later than the train system’s normal closing time, Metro, the Nationals and the District appear no closer to ensuring that fans exiting Nationals Park will be left stranded in Navy Yard.

But you know what Metro will stay open late for?

Madonna. The Queen of Pop performed last night at the Verizon Center and plays there again tonight, as she continues the MDNA Tour in promotion of her recent album of the same name. And when Madge closed last night’s show at 12:32 a.m., Metrorail trains were lined up at Gallery Place ready to ferry concertgoers home.

Trains departed Gallery Place until 12:55 a.m. And the $29,500 hourly cost of keeping Metrorail open late last night and again tonight will be paid for by the Verizon Center, which is owned by Capitals and Wizards boss Ted Leonsis.

In the mean time, it’s still a mystery to most whether Metro will stay open late should a Nationals postseason game go late and who—should the trains keep running—will pay for the additional service. But Evans is still guaranteeing some deal will be reached.

“Here’s what I can assure you, the Metro system will stay open as late as we need it to get everyone home. That I can assure you,” he told WTOP yesterday.