Photo by Brian Allen
Update: WMATA has made service adjustments for Friday and is suspending all rail, bus, and MetroAccess service over the weekend. See here for more details. http://dcist.com/2016/01/metro_gm_press_conference.php
Original:
While last night’s icy conditions were a surprise to many, the city has been busy preparing for the even worse conditions that lie ahead.
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard watch lasting Friday through Sunday, in light of double-digit snowfall forecast for the weekend. And Mayor Muriel Bowser is expected to declare a state of emergency, following in Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s footsteps, NBC4 reports.
But some Washingtonians still have places to go, and D.C.’s transit systems are currently in preparation mode. While some agencies have more detailed plans than others, they each prioritize passenger safety, which may affect service.
On the Metro, changes are likely on rail, bus, and access services, according Metro spokesperson Dan Stessel.
“We’re coordinating with local jurisdictions and the federal government—and that happens in advance of any major storm—so that the service we provide matches with what local jurisdictions are doing,” Stessel says, noting that Metro takes into consideration delays and closings of schools and the federal government.
The extent of changes have not been finalized, as the agency is monitoring weather forecasts, but more details will be announced Thursday afternoon, Stessel says.
Generally, here’s what Metro says riders can expect during a winter storm.
Metrorail
Metrorail can operate very close to a normal schedule in snowfall of up to six inches. However, once snow reaches a height of about eight inches, it may be necessary to suspend service above ground.
Underground-only operation allows for continuous connections to key activity centers in downtown Washington and the Pentagon, and helps ensure a more rapid return of full service by protecting rail cars from weather-related damage and allowing crews to focus on clearing snow from above-ground tracks. For more information, see Metrorail Snow Service.
Metrobus
During inclement weather, Metrobus service may be modified as local road conditions deteriorate. Metrobus will first reduce service, then limit service to snow emergency routes. If snow accumulates to unsafe levels or road conditions are impassable, Metro will halt all bus service until it is safe to resume service. Metrobus has worked with local jurisdictions to identify snow emergency routes that need to be plowed to maintain bus service to as many communities as possible.
Metrobus will provide regular service in one to two inches of snow, but some routes that operate on hills, curves, and narrow streets may be detoured. With two to four inches of snow, freezing rain or ice, Metrobus may reduce service, widening intervals between buses. Four to eight inches of snow will lengthen intervals between buses even further. With eight inches or more of snow, Metrobus will run minimal bus service only. When road conditions become unsafe, Metrobus will curtail all service. For more information, see Metrobus Snow Service.
MetroAccess
MetroAccess will operate during inclement weather, but service will be modified throughout the day as road and walkway conditions deteriorate causing unsafe conditions. If roadways or walkways become unsafe, MetroAccess will suspend operations until it is safe to resume service.
Metro riders are also advised to sign up for MetroAlerts to receive email and text messages with up-to-the-minute information about weather-related service changes on Metrobus or Metrorail.
According to Terry Owens, spokesperson at the District Department of Transportation, the best way to stay up-to-date on Circulator routes is via social media. As of now, the agency plans to run the service, says Owens, however, changes will be made if “the weather becomes such that the roads are impassable.”
Circulator riders can also monitor the website’s service alert section and sign up for alerts via email.
For those traveling a bit further, Amtrak is planning to operate a normal schedule through the weekend as well, says Amtrak spokesperson Mike Tolbert. “But we’ll re-evaluate if conditions warrant.”
Like other transit systems, Amtrak is keeping a close eye on the latest forecasts and have several preparations including “positioning equipment to more quickly respond to potential problems and tree trimming crews to quickly respond to reports of trees or limbs down along the right-of-way,” Tolbert says. “In addition, mechanical, engineering and operations forces are mobilizing additional crews to ensure safe and efficient operation of the railroad.”
Anyone planning to travel via Amtrak during the storm should allow extra time and be extremely careful in and around stations, on platforms and on-board trains, Tolbert says, urging passengers to check Amtrak.com, smartphone apps or call 800-USA-RAIL to confirm their train’s status.
And if you’re planning to take flight this weekend, airlines including American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and others are issuing travel waivers, WTOP reported. These waivers allow passengers to change flights, free of charge.
“If the forecast holds, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are almost certain to result in massive cancellations,” said Ben Abramson, Travel Editor for USA Today told WTOP. “If you’re holding tickets for those days, contact your airline immediately to change your plans.”
