WASHINGTON — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) says Metro saw one of its biggest ridership days since 2015 on the Fourth of July.
According to WMATA, Metrorail ridership topped 410,000 on Independence Day. The agency credits the increase to fireworks on the National Mall, A Capitol Fourth Concert, and other holiday festivities, along with fans attending the Nationals game helped drive ridership.
WMATA also offered fare-free service after 5 p.m. and a boost in service to accommodate the influx in riders, adding that ridership was up 61% compared to last year.
“We are proud to connect the region and to have brought people together to celebrate America’s birthday. We hope many of those that experienced a safe and reliable Metro yesterday will use trains and buses for their future non-holiday travel needs,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “I want to commend our staff who gave up their holiday to provide fantastic service so our customers could celebrate July 4th stress-free. I’m proud and thankful for their dedication to serving our community and country.”
Officials report that the Smithsonian Station was the busiest Metro stop, with 60,000 entries and exits reported all day, an amount comparable to the capacity of FedExField football stadium. At the Navy Yard-Ballpark Station, about 20,000 entries and exits came through the faregates midday.
Additionally, the American Public Transportation Association reported at the end of May that Metro saw a 66% ridership increase in the first quarter of 2023, surpassing cities like Boston and Chicago. However, Baltimore reported a 28% decrease in ridership for the Maryland Transit Administration.
It's Independence Day! Which means it's time for the annual fireworks celebration on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Fireworks will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.