WASHINGTON — As the Cherry Blossoms bloom throughout the DMV, WMATA is getting ready for the season. Metro will join the festivities, bringing back cherry blossom-decorated trains and buses, commemorative SmarTrip cards, and five consecutive weeks with no daytime or evening track work to slow things down.
Beginning March 18 and continuing through April 19, Metro will not perform any track work until after 10 p.m. Visitors traveling to see the cherry blossoms will be able to rely on Metro as they head to events around the Tidal Basin.
The cherry blossoms have been blooming at a faster rate than in previous years. To keep up with its progression, Metro is prepared to shift track work dates around in case peak bloom occurs earlier.
"Cherry blossom season kicks off one of the busiest times of year for Metro," said Metro Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Brian Dwyer. "We are proud to be a part of the festivities and welcome all visitors to the nation's capital to use Metro for their travels.”
Metro will wrap a six-car train and three buses to spread cherry blossom cheer. The design features cherry blossoms over a blue-sky background, with “Bring on the blossoms” printed on the side.
Riders interested in purchasing a Cherry Blossom Festival limited-edition SmartTrip card will have to visit select metro stations. The cards will only be available at Metro Center, Navy Yard, L’Enfant Plaza and Smithsonian stations beginning March 15.
