Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) has announced its service plan for the next SafeTrack surge at the northern end of the Green Line. Originally planned as a longer period of continuous single tracking, Metro will instead conduct Surge #14 as a “shutdown” to reduce the duration of the project and mitigate the impact to customers elsewhere along the Green Line.
Surge #14 will be conducted in two phases. The overall surge will run from Saturday, April 15, through Sunday, May 14.
During phase 1, from April 15 through April 29, buses will replace trains between Greenbelt and Prince George’s Plaza. Two stations will be closed: Greenbelt and College Park. Free shuttle buses will run between Greenbelt and Prince George’s Plaza with an intermediate stop at College Park. Green Line trains will run close to regular service elsewhere on the line, between Prince George’s Plaza and Branch Ave, every 6 to 8 minutes during rush hours. Yellow Rush+ trains will not operate during this time.
During phase 2, from April 30 through May 14, the work zone will be shortened to between Greenbelt and College Park only. As a result, only Greenbelt Station will be closed. Free shuttle buses will run between Greenbelt and College Park. Green Line trains will run close to regular service between College Park and Branch Avenue, every 6 to 8 minutes during rush hours. Yellow Rush+ trains will not operate.
Customers at the following four stations should take note of service changes:
- Greenbelt – free shuttle buses will replace trains for the duration of the surge. Connect to regular Green Line service at Prince George’s Plaza (April 15-29) or College Park (April 30-May 14).
- College Park – Free shuttle buses will replace trains to Greenbelt throughout the surge. In addition, from April 15 through 29, free shuttle buses will replace trains to Prince George’s Plaza Station. At Prince George’s Plaza, regular Green Line service will begin and end.
- Franconia-Springfield – Regular Blue Line service will operate throughout the surge (every 12 minutes). Yellow Rush+ trains will not operate. For Yellow Line service, transfer at King St-Old Town.
- Van Dorn Street – Regular Blue Line service will operate throughout the surge (every 12 minutes). Yellow Rush+ trains will not operate. For Yellow Line service, transfer at King St-Old Town.
Riders who normally park and ride at Greenbelt and College Park stations may wish to consider using New Carrollton (Orange Line), Prince George’s Plaza (Green Line) or Forest Glen (Red Line) instead. For more information about alternate service options, please visit wmata.com/safetrack.
SafeTrack is Metro’s one-year program of aggressive maintenance and reconstruction to replace worn rail ties, rail and other infrastructure required for safe and reliable train operations. The program will conclude in June.