If you can believe it, the Silver Line will begin passenger service on Saturday. It’s almost so hard to believe I keep expecting some last minute problem to pop up delaying the project again for the umpteenth time.

But that’s not going to happen says Metro spokesman Dan Stessel. In a conference call with media this morning, Stessel says they’re “all systems go” for Saturday’s opening for the Silver Line. Yesterday, simulation service started, with Silver Line trains running between the Largo Town Center and Wiehle-Reston East stations. Orange Line trains between Largo Town Center and East Falls Church will offload passengers all at the latter station all this week before “becoming” Silver Line trains to run to the five new stations.

Blue Line riders, however, will experience some frustrating changes—including cutbacks—to service as a result of the Silver Line. This morning, Metro reduced Blue Line service to one train every 12 minutes.

But Stessel says that, while Blue Line riders will see longer wait times for trains, it only reflects five percent of all Metro trips. Moreover, he says that the service change is “necessary” for the opening of the Silver Line. While Blue Line riders will have to be patient, especially during rush hour times, Stessel says, Metro is planning to add more eight-car trains to help make the service adjustments smoother.

Meanwhile, as Metro is gearing up for their big opening on Saturday—Silver Line service begins at noon—they’re still awaiting the final certificates of occupancy for the new stations. But Stessel says they’re expected to come early this week and won’t hold up the projected service start date for the Silver Line.

As people gear up to finally start riding the Silver Line—a project 10 years in the making—Stessel says the federal Environmental Impact Statement estimates about 24,000 daily boardings for the Silver Line in its first year.