Metro proposing changes that would reduce operating hours after SafeTrack ends

WASHINGTON - Metro is proposing changes that would reduce operating hours after the SafeTrack maintenance plan comes to an end next spring.

Officials say the proposed reduced operating schedule will be needed in order to maintain the safety level they hope to achieve after almost a year's worth of safety surges.

SafeTrack, an accelerated track work plan to rehabilitate Metrorail, began in June of this year.

The proposed changes would give Metro and additional eight hours a week to maintain the transit system.

These are the new operating hours Metro is proposing:

Proposal #1
-Mon-Thu: 5:00 a.m. - midnight
-Fri: 5:00 a.m. - midnight
-Sat: 7:00 a.m. - midnight
-Sun: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Proposal #2
-Mon-Thu: 5:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
-Fri: 5:00 a.m. - midnight
-Sat: 7:00 a.m. - midnight
-Sun: 7:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Proposal #3
-Mon-Thu: 5:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
-Fri: 5:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
-Sat: 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
-Sun: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Proposal #4
-Mon-Thu: 5:00 a.m. - midnight
-Fri: 5:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
-Sat: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
-Sun: Noon - 11:00 p.m.

An open house will be held Thursday, October 20 between noon and 9:00 p.m., and a public hearing will be held between 12:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., at Metro Headquarters located at 600 5th St NW, Washington D.C.