WMATA to restore rail service to near pre-COVID levels

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will restore most service to pre-COVID levels starting Aug. 16, the agency announced yesterday. 

WMATA will add 15 hours more of service per week on the Metrorail, return opening times to normal and close two hours later in anticipation of potential ridership increases after Labor Day, WMATA officials said in a press release.

The agency also will reopen six stations on the Orange and Silver lines in Fairfax County, Virginia. 

In addition, WMATA will increase its on-demand transportation subsidy for qualified late-night workers from $3 to $6. The program gives workers options during times when Metrorail is unavailable.