Attending Events During Inauguration Week - This Is A Must Read!

Events and activities celebrating the 56th Presidential Inauguration will take place beginning on Saturday, January 17, 2009, through Wednesday, January 21, 2009, with the swearing-in scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Click here to view a map of street closures.

Security and transportation plans for the Inaugural have been developed by a partnership of local, state and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies, including the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the Virginia State Police, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the United States Secret Service, the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the United States Capitol Police and the United States Park Police.

This transportation plan provides the general outlines for road closures, vehicular restricted zones, public transportation, charter vehicles and pedestrian routes. Additional information is available online for residents of the District, Virginia and Maryland, as well as charter operators, through the websites listed at the end of this plan. Additions to this plan may be made prior to the Inaugural and will be updated on these websites. Specific questions regarding this transportation plan should be directed to the participating agencies as identified.

Access into Washington, D.C. will be limited on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. The following is a summary of routes and their status that day:
14th Street Bridge – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
Roosevelt Bridge – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
Memorial Bridge – Restricted to Pedestrians and Emergency Vehicles Only
Key Bridge – Restricted to Mass Transit Only
Chain Bridge - Restricted to Authorized Vehicles and Mass Transit Only, no charter buses.
South Capitol Street Bridge – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
Southeast/Southwest Freeway – Restricted to Emergency Vehicles Only
Rock Creek Parkway – Open to traffic from Beach Drive to Virginia Avenue NW (Holiday traffic schedule in effect throughout the park)
Clara Barton Parkway operating under Holiday schedule (2 way traffic all day)
11th Street Bridges – Restricted to Buses and Authorized Vehicles Only
Sousa Bridge – Open to all traffic from east of the river to security checkpoint in Capitol Hill; Barney Circle closed to all vehicles
East Capitol Street – Open to all traffic but roadways around RFK will be filled with tour buses
Benning Road – Open to all traffic
New York Avenue – Open to all traffic
3rd Street Tunnel – Closed to all vehicular traffic and restricted to pedestrian use only.
Authorized vehicles include taxicabs and limousines with valid licenses.

Washington, D.C. Vehicular Restrictions

Vehicle Restricted Zone: Vehicular road closures in Washington, D.C. will be instituted by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Park Police. Extensive road closures and vehicle restricted zones will be established in Washington, D.C. Beginning at 3 p.m. on Monday, January 19, through 7 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, all of the following areas will be posted as Emergency No Parking. From 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, many of these areas will be posted by law enforcement personnel and vehicular traffic will be limited to residents with government issued identification (driver’s license) or vehicle registration showing residency inside the restricted area, or to vehicles conducting essential business within the restricted area.
K Street NW from Washington Circle to 12th Street NW
Washington Circle from K Street NW to 23rd Street NW
Pennsylvania Avenue NW from Washington Circle to the U S Capitol
I Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 11th Street NW
H Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
G Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
F Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
E Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
Virginia Avenue from 23rd Street NW to 2nd SW
D Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 1st Street NW
C Street NW from 23rd Street NW to 3rd Street NW
Constitution Avenue from 23rd Street NW to 2nd Street NE
Madison Dr. NW from 15th Street NW to 3rd Street NW
Jefferson Dr. SW from 15th Street SW to 3rd Street SW
Independence Avenue from 23rd Street SW to 2nd Street SE
C Street SW from 7th Street SW to 2nd Street SW
D Street SW from 7th Street SW to 2nd Street SW
E Street SW from 7th Street SW to 2nd Street SW
Maryland Avenue SW from 7th Street SW to the U S Capitol
23rd Street from Washington Circle NW to Independence Avenue SW
22nd Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
21st Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
20th Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
19th Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
18th Street NW from K Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
17th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
Connecticut Avenue NW from K Street NW to H Street NW
16th Street NW from K Street NW to H Street NW
Vermont Avenue NW from K Street NW to H Street NW
15th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
14th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
New York Avenue NW from 18th Street NW to 11th Street NW
13th Street NW from K Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
12th Street from K Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
11th Street NW from K Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
10th Street NW from H Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
9th Street from H Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
8th Street NW from H Street NW to D Street NW
7th Street from H Street NW to E Street SW
6th Street from H Street NW to E Street SW
5th Street from H Street NW to D Street NW
4th Street from H Street NW to E Street SW
3rd Street from Massachusetts Avenue NW to E Street SW
Henry Bacon Dr. NW from the Lincoln Memorial to Constitution Avenue NW
Daniel French Dr. SW from the Lincoln Memorial to Independence Avenue SW
Ohio Drive from Independence Avenue through West Potomac and East Potomac Parks
Buckeye Drive in East Potomac Park
West Basin Drive
East Basin Drive
Parkway Drive from Rock Creek Parkway to Lincoln Memorial Circle
Maine Avenue from East Basin Drive to Independence Avenue
Vehicular Road Closures: In addition to above listed Emergency No Parking and vehicle restricted areas, from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, the following roads will be closed and off limits to vehicles without a law enforcement escort:
Pennsylvania Avenue NW from 18th Street NW to the U S Capitol
I Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
H Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
G Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
F Street NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
E Street NW from 18th Street NW to 6th Street NW
D Street NW from 18th Street NW to 6th Street NW
C Street from 18th Street NW to 2nd Street NE
Constitution Avenue from 17th Street NW to 2nd Street NE
Madison Dr. NW from 15th Street NW to 3rd Street NW
Jefferson Dr. SW from 15th Street SW to 3rd Street SW
Independence Avenue from 14th Street SW to 2nd Street NE
Maryland Avenue SW from 6th Street SW to the U S Capitol
17th Street from I Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
Connecticut Avenue NW from I Street NW to H Street NW
16th Street NW from I Street NW to H Street NW
Vermont Avenue NW from I Street NW to H Street NW
15th Street from I Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
14th Street from I Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
New York Avenue NW from 18th Street NW to 12th Street NW
13th Street NW from I Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
12th Street from F Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
11th Street NW from F Street NW to Pennsylvania Avenue NW
10th Street NW from F Street NW to Constitution Avenue NW
9th Street from F Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
8th Street NW from F Street NW to D Street NW
7th Street from F Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
6th Street from F Street NW to Maryland Avenue SW
5th Street from D Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
4th Street from D Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
3rd Street from D Street NW to Independence Avenue SW
Capitol Hill: Road closures on Capitol Hill will be instituted by the U.S. Capitol Police in cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department. Access to the perimeter will be restricted to properly authorized and credentialed personnel only. No public parking will be provided. The following street closures will go into effect starting at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2009:
Louisiana Avenue between Columbus Circle and Constitution Avenue NW
Delaware Avenue between Columbus Circle and D Street NE
First Street between Columbus Circle and D Street NE
North Capitol Street NW between E Street and Louisiana Avenue
E Street between New Jersey Avenue and North Capitol Street NW
New Jersey Avenue NW between E Street and Louisiana Avenue NW
D Street between Louisiana Avenue NW and Second Street NE
First Street NW between D Street NW and Louisiana Avenue NW
C Street NW between First Street and Louisiana Avenue NW
Second Street NW between C Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Second Street NE between Massachusetts Avenue NE and C Street SE
C Street SE between Second Street SE and First Street SE
First Street SE between C Street and D Street SE
D Street between First Street SE and Washington Avenue SW
Washington Avenue SW between D Street SW, and Independence Avenue SW
Independence Avenue SW between Second Street SW and Third Street NW
Third Street between SW Freeway and Constitution Avenue NW
Constitution Avenue NW between Second Street NW and Third Street NW
Streets will reopen once the parade concludes at 5 p.m.
Charter Bus Parking Zones: Tour bus parking is available at RFK Stadium and designated zones within the District. Specific zones and road closures are posted on the District’s Inauguration web site at www.gettingthere.dc.gov. Streets around the bus parking areas will be closed to private automobile traffic and will be posted as Emergency No Parking zones beginning at 3 p.m. on Monday January, 19, 2009. Generally, these areas include:
RFK Stadium
12th Street NW to 22nd Street and K Street NW to P Street NW
First Street NE to 6th Street NW and New York Avenue to H Street NW
Designated areas in Southwest and Southeast
Virginia Vehicular Restrictions
All vehicular road restrictions will be coordinated between the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions. On January 20, 2009, personal vehicles will not be permitted into Washington, D.C., from Virginia.
I-395 north will be closed to general traffic. As a result, northbound I-95 traffic will be diverted onto I-495 North (Inner Loop) or I-495/I-95 East (Outer Loop) at the Springfield interchange.
Eastbound I-66 lanes east of the Capital Beltway/I-495 will be closed to general traffic. Eastbound traffic on I-66 will also be diverted onto I-495
Only authorized vehicles – emergency vehicles, buses, taxis and for-hire limos - will be permitted on I-395 North and I-66 East within the Beltway.
Memorial Bridge will be open to pedestrian traffic only. No motor vehicles will be permitted to cross the bridges.
Key Bridge is restricted to mass transit only
Chain Bridge is restricted to authorized vehicles and mass transit only, no charter buses.
The Woodrow Wilson and the American Legion bridges will have no traffic restrictions.
North Washington Street at Montgomery Street (City of Alexandria City) to Reagan National Airport will be closed.
U.S. Park Police Closures

The following vehicular road closures will be coordinated by the U.S. Park Police. On January 20, 2009:
The George Washington Memorial Parkway will be closed in both directions from I-495 to the 14th Street Bridge.
Buses and authorized vehicles traveling to Washington Reagan National Airport via I-395 may exit onto southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway for the airport only. All other traffic will need to use Route 1 or mass transit to access the airport.
Buses and authorized vehicles will be allowed to exit Washington Reagan National Airport onto northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway to enter the District of Columbia via the 14th Street Bridge. All other traffic will be allowed to exit the airport via Route 1 or southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Maryland Transportation Information

While there are no anticipated road closures or restrictions in Maryland, officials are discouraging individuals from driving into the District and encouraging the use of mass transit. The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration is supporting Inaugural activities by:
Conducting extended emergency traffic patrols along interstate and primary highways approaching the National Capital Region
Providing real time traffic public information by means of Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), Highway Advisory Radios (HAR), and CHART (Coordinated Highways Action Response Team) on the Web
Assisting motorists and removing abandoned and disabled vehicles from travel lanes and reporting on travel conditions
Providing traffic control support to conduct ramp closures and other operations warranted to maintain traffic
Log onto www.marylandtransportation.com for transit and travel information
Public Transportation

Public transportation to all Inaugural events is encouraged as many streets in and around the Capitol and the Mall area and bridges into/out of the city will be closed to private automobiles for much of the day.

Metrorail will operate rush hour service for 17 consecutive hours on January 20, from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will operate on a non-rush hour schedule for two extra hours until 2 a.m. As Metrorail will be operating rush-hour service, it will charge peak fares throughout the day. Due to security measures, the Archives-Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter Metrorail station on Metro's Green and Yellow Lines and the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines, will be closed all day on Inauguration Day, Tuesday, January 20.

Metro’s commemorative One-Day Pass with a special Inauguration design is currently being sold for $10 online or $7.80 at Metro sales offices and fare vending machines. The cost of the passes will be $10 at all sales locations on January 20. People should purchase their farecards, One-Day Passes or SmarTrip cards in advance of Inauguration Day if possible to avoid the lines.

Metro has about 60,000 parking spaces in 29 lots and 22 garages throughout the Washington region for private motorists to park on Inauguration Day. Metro will charge $4 cash only for motorists as they pull in to park in its lots. The Minnesota Avenue Metrorail station parking lot is closed to the public and is only available for Metro employees who will be working on Inauguration Day.

Metrobus will be operating on a modified Saturday schedule from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Inauguration Day. However, with street closures around the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue for the parade, all Metrobuses will be prepared for detours. Bus riders are encouraged to plan significant extra time to travel through these areas.

MetroAccess will operate identical hours to Metrorail and Metrobus during Inauguration Weekend and through Inauguration Day. MetroAccess customers are encouraged to plan significant extra time to travel due to increased traffic throughout the service area. Street closures around the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue for the Inauguration and parade on Inauguration Day will mean that MetroAccess vehicles will only be able to drop off customers several blocks from the Inauguration and parade route. MetroAccess vehicles will not be permitted access to streets that are closed. All MetroAccess users should be prepared for detours. MetroAccess customers must reserve their trips by 4:30 p.m. the day prior to travel.

People planning to use Metro during the four days of Inaugural activities can sign up for special e-alerts on Metro’s Web site at www.wmata.com/inauguration. E-alerts will be issued when Metro has news relating to service for the Inauguration and when there may be service disruptions.

Charter Vehicles

Transportation and security planners anticipate up to 10,000 private buses carrying 500,000 participants to Washington, D.C., for the Inaugural events. DDOT has designated parking zones for buses throughout the metro area. From these areas, riders will be able to walk, take Metro or, in limited cases, take shuttle buses to the Inaugural events. Charter buses will not be able to park and/or drop off passengers at any Metro station in Washington D.C., Virginia, or Maryland.

All those who plan to travel the District of Columbia during Inauguration Week via chartered buses, motor carriers, etc., must obtain a Trip Permit from the District Department of Motor Vehicles and must sign up for a parking pass at designated parking sites.

Registration for permit and parking for charter buses must be completed no later than Thursday, January 15, 2009. No registrations will be accepted after this date. Additional information and registration is available at www.bus.dc.gov.

Pedestrian Routes

The following access points have been identified as pedestrian-only routes to the National Mall:
E Street NE from Massachusetts Avenue NE to 3rd Street NW
7th Street SW from D Street SW to Independence Avenue SW
19th Street NW from K Street NW to DuPont Circle NW
3rd Street Tunnel (I-395) from New York Avenue NW to SE/SW Freeway
Arlington Memorial Bridge from Virginia, around Lincoln Circle to Independence Avenue SW
East Capitol Street NE to North Carolina SE to New Jersey Avenue SE to I Street SE
The following access points have been identified as pedestrian-only routes to the Inaugural Parade:
6th Street NW from K Street NW to P Street NW
13th Street NW from K Street NW to Logan Circle NW
East Capitol Street NE to Massachusetts Avenue NE
Arlington Memorial Bridge from Virginia, around Lincoln Circle to Henry Bacon Drive NW
Bicycle Parking

Free valet bicycle parking will be provided in designated areas north and south of the event perimeter. Additional information may be found at www.gettingthere.dc.gov.
Inaugural Balls

There will be 10 official Inaugural balls, hosted at the Washington Convention Center, the National Building Museum, Union Station, the D.C. Armory and the Washington Hilton. Emergency No Parking zones and some road closures will be in effect near each of these locations.
Online Information

Additional information is available online for residents of the District, Virginia and Maryland, as well as charter operators, through the following websites:
DDOT – www.gettingthere.dc.gov
Maryland Department of Transportation – www.marylandtransportation.com
Virginia State Police – http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Inauguration_2009.shtm
Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority – www.wmata.com
In addition, Inaugural information is available on the following sites to help those planning to attend the inaugural events:
Presidential Inaugural Committee – www.pic2009.org
D.C. Presidential Inaugural Committee – www.inauguration.dc.gov
Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies – www.inaugural.senate.gov
Armed Forces Inaugural Committee – www.afic.northcom.mil
United States Secret Service – www.secretservice.gov
Virginia
Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation are preparing for thousands of buses and vehicles to travel through Virginia for the Inauguration on January 20, 2009, and urge visitors to know what to expect before leaving home to ensure a safe and less stressful trip.

“We urge motorists – whether traveling by bus, van or car – to plan their route well in advance, know what bridges and roads will be restricted and where they will park, make sure their vehicle is in top operating condition, travel with a full tank of gas and prepare for long delays and a lot of walking,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent.

Road and Bridge Restrictions

Beginning at 2 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, personal vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickups, vans, etc.) will not be allowed to enter Washington from Virginia. Those driving are encouraged to seek out public transportation to access the District on Inauguration Day. (See Public Transit Resources for more information). Personal vehicles will only be able to enter Washington by driving in from designated Maryland routes.

Beginning at 2 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, only authorized vehicles – emergency vehicles, buses, taxis, and for-hire limos and car services – will be permitted to travel northbound on Interstate 395 and eastbound on Interstate 66 inside the Capital Beltway/I-495. All other traffic heading to Washington on Interstate 95 will be diverted at the Springfield interchange (Exits 170B and 170C) onto I-495 North (Inner Loop) or I-495/I-95 East (Outer Loop). All general traffic traveling eastbound on I-66 and toward Washington on the Dulles Toll Road will also be diverted to the Capital Beltway/I-495.

Only authorized vehicles will be allowed to cross the 14th Street Bridge, Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge, all of which lead from Virginia into Washington, D.C. The Memorial Bridge and Chain Bridge will be open to pedestrians only.

To augment patrols and expedite emergency response along Interstates 95, 66 and 495, Virginia State Police will be bringing in several hundred troopers from around the state to the Northern Virginia region. Increases in manpower and resources will begin Monday, January 19, and continue through Wednesday, January 21.

I-95/395 HOV Schedule

From 4 p.m. Saturday, January 17 until 3 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, the I-395/95 HOV lanes will be northbound for vehicles carrying three or more people (HOV-3).
From 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, only buses and authorized vehicles will be permitted to use the I-95/395 HOV lanes from Route 234/Dumfries to Washington.
The I-95/395 HOV lanes will open to HOV-3 traffic at 5 a.m. Wednesday, January 21.
The I-95/395 HOV lanes will be open southbound for HOV-3 vehicles from 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, until 3 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, and from 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 21, until 9 p.m. or later.
I-66, Dulles Toll Road and Dulles Connector Road HOV Schedule
From 4 p.m. Saturday, January 17, until 3 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, HOV-2 will be in effect eastbound.
From 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, only buses and authorized vehicles will be allowed to use the eastbound HOV lanes.
From 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, until 9 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, HOV-2 will be in effect westbound.
VDOT will help motorists by:
Pre-treating ramps, bridges and critical locations on highways and major commuter routes with anti-icing chemicals regardless of the forecast. Major commuter lots in Northern Virginia will also be pre-treated.
Suspending all lane closures in Virginia for construction or maintenance work on Interstates 66, 95, 395 and 495. In addition, lane closures will be suspended on heavily traveled roads in Northern Virginia to include Routes 1, 7, 28, 50, 234, 236, the Dulles Toll Road, Fairfax County Parkway and Prince William Parkway. This restriction will be in effect from Friday, January 16, until noon, Wednesday, January 21.
Providing portable toilets at the I-66 and I-95 rest areas in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg.
Doubling the number of safety service patrols on the interstates on January 20. Forty patrollers will be pre-positioned and available to assist stranded motorists and provide traffic control. The patrol wears bright, highly visible uniforms and drives specially equipped pickup trucks.
Re-timing traffic signals on major routes as needed to keep traffic moving as best possible.
Staging seven wreckers at locations along interstates to remove disabled vehicles.
Motorists can stay informed by:

Calling 511 from a land line or a cell phone for the latest traffic and travel information. Drivers are reminded to only dial 911 or #77 on a cellular phone in emergency situations.
Tuning into Virginia’s highway advisory radio for information on delays and possible detours due to accidents or congestion.
Getting the latest traffic conditions and travel times on overhead and roadside message signs on I-95, 495, 66 and 81, and Route 29.
Carrying an emergency kit in their vehicles to include an ice scraper and brush, wiper fluid, blankets, extra warm clothing, a bag of sand or cat litter; flashlight and cell phone, with extra batteries for each; jumper cables; water, snacks, paper towels and a first aid kit.
Public Transit Resources

Metrorail, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Amtrak are primary transportation choices for travel from Virginia to Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day. For more information on Metrorail and VRE access and availability, visit their Web sites at http://www.wmata.com and http://www.vre.org.

Currently, Amtrak trains from Virginia to Washington, DC that will serve the Inauguration Day events are sold out. However, tickets may become available as reservations change. Visit Amtrak’s Web site at www.amtrak.com for information on ticket availability.

The Commonwealth is also working with Virginia transit operators to finalize plans for bus service. Details will be available soon.

Employers in the region are encouraged to consider offering telework, flex time and/or other leave options for their employees on January 20.

Inauguration Traffic/Event Resources

Visitors are encouraged to stay informed of traffic and weather conditions by checking the following Web sites before traveling:

District of Columbia’s Inaugural Web site www.inauguration.dc.org Official Inaugural Web site http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009/planyourtrip.cfm
Washington Post http://voices.washingtonpost.com/inauguration-watch/transportation/WTOP Radio www.wtopnews.com
Ntional Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov

For Virginia-specific information log onto the Virginia State Police Web site at http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Inauguration_2009.shtm

Maryland
Governor Martin O’Malley today provided an update on the development of Maryland’s transportation plan that will be in place for events surrounding the Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2009.

“We want people planning to attend the Inaugural festivities to have a positive experience as our nation celebrates this historic event,” said Governor O’Malley. “Key to making this a positive experience is planning ahead and having a full understanding of the transportation options available. It also is important to recognize the challenges such a large event will pose to our transportation network.”

No matter what mode of transportation attendees may be planning to use, movement in and out of Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area on Inauguration Day is expected to be extremely challenging. The region’s transit systems will be operating at capacity, travel on the road network in and out of the Washington, D.C., area will be severely restricted, and parking will be very limited.

In addition, those attending the events on Inauguration day should be aware of the following:

· Charter buses will be the only vehicles allowed to park within walking distance of the event.

· Due to the security restrictions in and around the National Mall, all the access roads into and around the Mall will be tightly controlled.

· Passenger car and commercial vehicle traffic will be restricted in downtown Washington, D.C.

· Many routes in the Washington region will only be open to buses and pedestrians.

· Event organizers are warning of the potential of long waits at transit stations and security checkpoints.

· Attendees must also be aware of weather conditions on the day of the event and plan accordingly.
-more-
Page Two


“Transit is the best alternative,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. “It is important for everyone to understand that driving your personal car to Washington and finding a parking space will be like winning the lottery. The better option is MARC, our MTA commuter bus service and the Washington Metrorail system. The advice to all is: plan ahead, arrive early, be prepared to walk and be patient.”

Special MARC commuter rail service and MTA commuter bus service will operate on Inauguration Day. The Metro system in Washington will operate a full schedule. Details are listed below:

MARC

· MARC will operate inbound trains from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and outbound trains from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

· Reserved tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold on Inauguration Day.

· Roughly 700 tickets remain on the Brunswick line.

· MARC reserved tickets on the Penn and Camden lines are sold out.

· Round trip tickets are $25.00

· Advantage of MARC is that it drops you at Union Station, three blocks from the Capitol.

· For ticket purchase information go to www.mtamaryland.com and click on the Inauguration icon.

MTA Commuter Bus

· MTA commuter buses will operate from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and then from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

· 9,000 tickets will be available on the day of the Inauguration for the commuter bus service.

· MTA commuter buses will operate between park and ride lots at specified locations across the state and suburban Washington Metro stations.

· Customers can then board Metro to the downtown Washington, D.C., area.

· Tickets are $10 for a round trip on the bus. Metro fare will be additional at the Metro station.

· Park and Ride lots offering MTA commuter bus service include:

Frederick (Monocacy Park & Ride) to Shady Grove every 30 minutesColumbia (Broken Land Park & Ride) to Greenbelt every 30 minutes -more-
Page Three


Scaggsville/Burtonsville to Silver Spring every 30 minutes
Annapolis to New Carrollton every 30 minutes
Kent Island to New Carrollton every 60 minutesPrince Frederick/Dunkirk to Branch Avenue every 30 minutesUpper Marlboro to Branch Avenue every 30 minutesCharlotte Hall to Branch Avenue every 30 minutesWaldorf (Blue Crabs Stadium) to Branch Avenue every 20 minutes

· For more information on the commuter bus service, go to www.mtamaryland.com and click on the Inauguration icon.


WMATA / Metrorail

Metro officials expect extremely crowded conditions on Inauguration Day.

· Metrorail stations and trains will be packed as people head to the Inauguration, and expect to see even tighter conditions afterward.

· Expect the crowds to be huge with hundreds of thousands of people expected to be in the nation's capital not only for Inauguration Day, but for the days preceding it as well.

· The U.S. Secret Service has deemed the Inauguration as a special national security event and due to security measures,the following stations will be closed on Inauguration Day:

- Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter station on Metro's Green /Yellow Lines
- Smithsonian station on the Blue and Orange Lines


Metro Operations:

· Metro will operate rush hour service for 17 consecutive hours from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. then revert to normal evening service.

· Metro will stay open for two extra hours until 2:00 a.m. (Jan 21)

· Parking at all Metro facilities will be $4.00, cash only.

· For fare information and additional details on Metro service in place for the Inauguration can be found at www.wmata.com.


Source: http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/DC-MD-VA-Release-Inauguration-Transportation-Plans.html