Updated 4-16-2008 @ 8:26am
WMATA is geared up for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to DC this week, with fixed-route service changes to cope with the expected crowds. This includes running rush-hour scheduling from 5am to 7pm on both Wednesday April 16th and Thursday April 17th.
Several fixed routes will be affected by rolling road closures over the course of the visit. The WMATA web site estimates that up to 16 fixed route bus services may be affected. MetroRail especially is likely to become very crowded, with large numbers of people from outside the area riding the system over the course of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Expected Crowded MetroRail
Wednesday:
In anticipation of the Pope’s motorcade parade along Pennsylvania Avenue following his White House visit shortly after noon, Metro expects large crowds at the Foggy Bottom, Farragut West, and McPherson Square Metrorail stations on the Blue and Orange lines and the Farragut North Metrorail station on the Red Line.
Metro is also preparing for large crowds at the Brookland-CUA and Fort Totten Metrorail stations on the Red Line as the Pope is scheduled to visit the Shrine of the Basilica, on the Catholic University of America campus shortly before 5:30 p.m.
(Source: WMATA)
Thursday:
Extra station managers, rail supervisors and Transit Police officers will be at the Navy Yard Metrorail station to assist riders and provide directions about how to get to Nationals Park. Metro will also have volunteers to answer questions from riders between 5:30 and 10 a.m. at 14 stations that are expected to be crowded. They include: Navy Yard, Branch Avenue, Columbia Heights, Greenbelt, L’Enfant Plaza, Gallery Place-Chinatown, Metro Center, Shady Grove, Vienna/Fairfax-GMU, New Carrollton, Franconia-Springfield, Union Station, Fort Totten and Brookland-CUA Metrorail stations.
(Source: WMATA)
Normal Metro procedures for elevator outages will be in place, with shuttle buses available as required. WMATA’s website has a list of elevator outages available here.
MetroAccess
We are unaware of any special service MetroAccess will be providing during the Papal visit, although the road closures may also affect MetroAccess trips, and the increased volume of vehicular traffic in the area is likely to cause delays.
We suggest MetroAccess riders contact MetroAccess frequently during the visit to find out if their trips for the day have been affected - call 301-562-5360, press 2 for trip status and then press 2 to speak to a customer service representative.
WMATA has posted details of the changes it will have in place during the visit, and has more general information available (including a “pocket guide“).
Special Note:
Whilst not technically paratransit-related information - The Archdiocese of Washington notes on its website
There is no drop-off lane for persons who have disabilities at Nationals Park stadium.
Special accommodations have been made for persons who have disabilities to attend the liturgy. Please indicate special needs when purchasing your parking permit, and park only at RFK Stadium. You must obtain a parking pass and should request an “ADA car-disabled” or “ADA car-wheelchair accessible” permit. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles will transport attendees to the designated entrance at Nationals Park for wheelchair users (on South Capitol Street).
For all special needs concerns and to request wheelchair or sign language accessible seating, please contact Peg Kolm in the Archdiocese’s Office for Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, 301-853-4560.
DC Paratransit Info tried to get more information about facilities for people with disabilities, but received no reply to our inquiry to the Archdiocese by time of posting.
We understand WMATA will be releasing more information soon on its own website, we’ll update this post as we become aware of more (With thanks to Candace Smith at WMATA for her assistance and information).
Update: 4-16-2008 @ 8:16am
MetroAccess vehicles will drop customers off at the Navy Yard Metrorail Station at Half and M Streets. If MetroAccess customers need assistance getting to the park from this location, individuals can be transported on golf carts. The company operating this service can be contacted at 443-756-3305 or 443-624-1760.
Categories: Events , MetroAccess , MetroBus , MetroRail , WMATA | Tags: MetroAccess, MetroBus, MetroRail, Nationals Park, Papal Visit, Pope Benedict, WMATA | By: .
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