Photo by Yonas Hassen.

Back in June, dozens of performers showed up to audition for Metro’s Art in Transit Program, which allows artists to do their thing at Metrorail stations for zero dollars. Apparently, this isn’t going well.

According to the Washington Post’s Express, only half of the 24 performers are showing up to their gigs.

“We tell them it’s important for them to show up but have been tolerant of [absenteeism] simply because they are not compensated,” McBride said.

Performers receive no funding from WMATA, and they are prohibited from collecting tips or handing out business cards.

The MetroPerforms musicians don’t even get a special spot to play. Official performers must set up shop at least 15 feet from the escalators, outside of Metro stations — just like buskers unaffiliated with the program, [Michael McBride, the program’s organizer,] says.

One performer who didn’t show up to his gig, Howard University flute professor Sais Kamalidiin, told Express he dropped out because of the “lack of official support.” Other performers, however, told the paper they’re happy for the exposure.