The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has increased service on its train and bus lines to better meet the rising number of requests for rides during the peak cherry blossom viewing time.
Even though the cherry blossom petals are just about halfway to their full bloom, the District of Columbia has introduced a new design for trains, buses, and SmarTrip cards to help citizens get into the spirit of cherry blossom season.
Metro has said that should the need arise, it would complement its train service with an extra bus service.
Metro has announced that starting on March 20, all planned maintenance and track work will take performed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., in an attempt to limit the number of service delays that passengers experience.
This past Friday saw the launch of not just the freshly refurbished buses, but also the brand-new trains.
If you are interested in taking a ride on one of the pink and white striped buses or trains, there is a special tracker that may assist you in locating one of them. These vehicles are difficult to miss.
The trains announce that the blossoms are calling to the passengers.
You may keep track of the "moving blooms" by going to the WMATA website and browsing the "Special Edition" area, where you will see a cherry blossom sign.
You may buy the limited edition SmarTrip cards at ticket machines at several stations, including L'Enfant Plaza, the Naval Yard, and the Metro Center, to name just a few of the locations.
"The yearly cherry blossom season is an iconic component of our area, and we are happy to be a part of that experience," said Randy Clarke, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Metro. On our cherry blossom buses and train, we invite you to relax and take in the sights as we transport you to the heart of the festivities.
Even Metro has come up with a guide to help people make the most of their time during cherry blossom season:
You might consider scheduling your journey for times other than the rush hour that occurs Monday through Friday, which includes Sundays as well as the hours that range from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Metro suggests alighting at either L'Enfant Plaza or Federal Triangle if you want to escape the crowds at Smithsonian Station, which is the station that is located the farthest away from the Tidal Basin.
Stay as still as possible if at all possible.
If you do not want a commemorative card, you may purchase a SmarTrip card or add money to an existing one using Metro's mobile payment alternatives for Apple iOS or Android if you want to avoid having to deal with the hassle of dealing with cash.
Check to see whether there are enough funds available on your card. Everyone above the age of five who rides the Metro will be required to have their card.
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