Metro bus, Amtrak, running on reduced schedules for snow
WASHINGTON - As a winter storm continues to hit the D.C. area bringing snow and icy conditions, Metro and Amtrak have both announced service changes for Wednesday, with Metro buses now running on a "Severe Snow Plan."
Metro has announced that bus, train and MetroAccess all have reduced and modified schedules due to snow and icy conditions.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) says Metro trains, which began at 5 a.m. are now running on a modified schedule, and several bus routes will not be running at all.
WMATA says Metrobus service will operate Wednesday on a Severe Snow Plan, which will further limit service to major roadways only. As snow continues to fall and roads become icy, buses are experiencing significant delays systemwide, and customers should travel only if absolutely necessary. WMATA has the latest about the Severe Snow Plan for bus riders.
Metrorail is operating a modified schedule, with trains are operating about every 12-15 minutes on each line. Metro says that there are no issues to report on the rail system at this time.
They also say Metro's Rush Hour Promise will not be in effect.
WMATA says Metro crews will make "every effort" to maintain train service, but service may be delayed or changed if conditions worsen.
Riders are encouraged to allow for additional time to get to and from Metro stations. WMATA says crews ran deicing trains overnight and will have plows on standby to help keep tracks clear.
They say other crews will be brought in to clear station platforms, walkways, and parking areas.Some upper levels of parking garages may be closed if there's enough snow or ice.
For those who use MetroAccess, WMATA says MetroAccess service is no longer accepting "outbound" trips due to current weather conditions. Service will continue to be provided only for customers who need to be transported home.
Metro says it will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day and will restore service when it is safe to do so. Riders can sign up for MetroAlerts or on social media.
As this winter storm heads toward the Northeast region, Amtrak says it will run trains on modified service Wednesday.
Amtrak says there are several trains on the Acela Express Service from D.C. to New York and Boston that are canceled, as well as Northeast Regional Service from D.C. to New York and Boston.
Amtrak says the following service changes are in effect for Wednesday. They say full service will be restored when weather conditions improve: