WASHINGTON — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority wants you to be able to celebrate good times and then come onboard the Metro for a safe ride home over the New Years holiday.
WMATA announced on Wednesday that Metro train and bus service will be extended until 2 a.m. on Sunday, Jan.1. In addition, all trips will be free for riders who use Metro after 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec.31.
“Traveling by train and bus is the safest way to celebrate New Year’s Eve and avoid drinking and driving in the region,” said General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “Eliminating costs and extending services are easy steps we can take to give people the power to choose Metro as their safe way to enjoy all the region has to offer.”
Metro Board Chair Paul Smedberg noted that this decision will help the DMV start 2023 with fewer crashes on the roads, which are often time caused by drunk driving over the holiday.
According to a 2020 report from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, of those, 49% happen on New Year’s Day.
“D.C. is open, people are excited to go out on New Year’s Eve, and now there will be a safe and free way to get to and from all the events that are happening across the city,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Riders climbing aboard either a Metro bus or train after 8 p.m. on New Year's Eve will not be required to tap a SmarTrip card. All normal fares and service hours will resume Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, starting at 4 a.m. for buses and 7 a.m. for trains.
