WASHINGTON — As we continue to move through stages and anticipate peak bloom, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has unveiled a new way riders can track the special blossom railcars, while also giving tips on how to use public transit to see the beloved blooms.
The Moving Blooms
The agency debuted the cherry blossom train and buses Friday, as well as a special tracker customers can use if they have their heart set on riding the "moving blooms."
There is one fully wrapped six-car cherry blossom train that will run on different lines throughout the cherry blossom season. The pink and white train is covered in cherry blossoms on both the inside and out.
Metro also debuted two 40-foot Metrobuses that are hard to miss with branches of cherry blossoms flowering; the side of the bus reads "The Blossoms are calling"
To follow the moving blooms, visit wmata.com/live, click on the “special edition tab,” and look for the cherry blossom icon on the map.
“The annual cherry blossom season is an iconic part of our region, and we are proud to be a part of that experience,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “We want you to enjoy the ride to see the blooms and join us in celebrating the season on our cherry blossom buses and train.”
Late Night Maintenance Work
According to WMATA, starting March 20, any maintenance and track work on Metrorail has been pushed to late night, including weekends, so riders may get to the cherry blossoms without any scheduled disruptions. This late-night schedule will last for four weeks.
Metro claims cherry blossom season is traditionally one of the busiest times for riders. The agency plans to have extra trains positioned through the system to help with crowds and more buses will be available as needed on select routes.
2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival Metro Cards
Additionally, the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorative SmarTrip cards are now available at vending machines in three Metro stations:
- L’Enfant Plaza
- Navy Yard
- Metro Center
The limited edition cards are designed with the Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom at sunrise encircling the Tidal Basin and Washington Monument in a cloud of pale pink flowers.
Travel Tips
Metro has several tips for those using public transit in order to visit the D.C. cherry blossoms:
- On weekdays, consider traveling during non-rush hour times (10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m.) and on weekends during the early morning or early evening to avoid crowding. Sundays are also a good option when ridership is lower.
- Smithsonian Station is the closest station to the Tidal Basin and can become extremely busy. To avoid crowding, consider using L'Enfant Plaza or Federal Triangle instead.
- Avoid transfers. Except for the Red Line, the Tidal Basin is accessible on all lines without transfers.
- Blue Line Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line+ Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, L’Enfant Plaza
- Green Line L’Enfant Plaza
- If you don’t plan to purchase a commemorative card, use Metro’s mobile pay options for Apple iOS or Android to purchase a SmarTrip card or transfer an existing card to a phone or mobile device and instantly add funds.
- Each passenger 5 years of age or older needs his or her own SmarTrip card. Be sure to load enough value on the card to pay for all trips you plan to take.
WATCH NEXT: The types of Cherry Blossoms in DC
The Yoshino Blossoms are just one of a dozen types of Cherry Trees on the National Mall. You may have even seen some of them start to bloom already.