Date:  November 10, 2014
From: Metro News Release

Taking Metro to the "Concert for Valor"
Five things to know

Tomorrow, Veterans Day, Tuesday November 11, a major concert will be held on the National Mall that could draw up to 800,000 attendees -- larger than July 4 and many Presidential Inaugurations. In order to safely and efficiently provide rail service for as many riders as possible, Metro will make several service adjustments to maximize train capacity. Here are five things to know for those taking Metro to the event:

1. All stations will be open except Smithsonian. Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight. Nine stations near the National Mall will remain open past midnight if necessary to accommodate concertgoers after the event (you must be in line by midnight). Arlington Cemetery will be served by rail shuttle trains from the south, as well as free buses from Rosslyn and Pentagon stations.

2. Additional Yellow Line trains will replace Blue Line service between Franconia-Springfield and Greenbelt. Because Yellow Line trains get Virginia riders to the concert 12 minutes faster than Blue Line trains, this service change will allow Metro to run trains more frequently and maximize space for other riders. Trains will run as frequently as every three minutes before and after the event. Riders who normally use Blue Line trains can use Yellow and Silver/Orange trains instead (transfer at L'Enfant Plaza), or take advantage of free shuttle bus service between Pentagon and Rosslyn from 5 a.m. until closing.

3. Know what not to bring. Bicycles and large coolers will be prohibited on Metrorail all day to maximize space for all riders. Prohibited items at the concert include alcohol, bicycles, explosives/fireworks, glass containers, coolers, animals (except service animals), weapons, and more. Be sure to check the event website for a complete list. If in doubt about whether an item will be permitted, it is best to leave it home. In addition, for security reasons, all Metrorail restrooms will be closed on Veterans Day.

4. Travel without transferring. Metro recommends planning your trip so that you do not have to transfer between rail lines. Choose a station near the National Mall on the same line as where you begin your trip, and then return to the same station after the concert.

5. Pre-load your SmarTrip card. To avoid long lines after the concert, load enough value on your farecard or SmarTrip in advance for your entire roundtrip. If using a paper farecard, add $2 per roundtrip. (To avoid this surcharge, use SmarTrip.) Due to the holiday, off-peak fares will be in effect all day. Parking at all Metro-owned facilities will be free.

For complete details, visit wmata.com/valor and download the Official Rider Guide here.