Metro Red Line summer shutdown leads to long shuttle lines
WASHINGTON - Thousands of commuters in Montgomery County are facing delays during Metro's major Red Line shutdown. Metro says blocked shuttle bus lanes are to blame.
Earlier this week, Metro closed three Red Line stations for upgrades, which are expected to continue through early September. The closures have forced riders onto temporary shuttle buses.
Monday evening, riders faced huge bus lines at stations like Friendship Heights. On Tuesday, Metro said it's working at better separating shuttle buses and express buses and having more traffic and crowd control.
RELATED: Metro’s Red Line shutdown is now in full effect: Here’s what you need to know
But, another major hurdle, Metro says, is drivers blocking the bus-only lanes, which are supposed to keep shuttles moving between the closed stations.
When the lanes are blocked, the buses have to merge into regular traffic, leading to congestion and major delays. Metro officials say they're going to crack down on enforcment in these bus-only lanes going forward.
Metro Red Line summer shutdown leads to long shuttle lines
Tuesday marks day two of Metro’s major Red Line shutdown in Montgomery County, and all eyes are on the morning commute after Monday’s results.
The shutdown closes rail service to Grosvenor‑Strathmore, Medical Center and Bethesda stations while crews tackle several major projects at once. Metro says shuttle buses are running every five to eight minutes, with both local and express service.
Officials estimate riders should plan for an extra 20 to 25 minutes of travel and say they added staff and improved signage after hearing feedback from day one.
The Source: Information in this article comes from WMATA and previous FOX 5 reporting.