Metro sees highest ridership since COVID-19 as return-to-work orders begin
WASHINGTON () — Metro is seeing the highest ridership this week since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to return-to-work orders for federal workers.
This week, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) said Metro had its busiest Monday since March 2020 with 430,000 rail trips.
'I would say Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday is … overly packed,' said Chamira McKoy.
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Tuesday saw the highest morning rush hour in five years with 170,000 rail trips before 9:30 a.m.
'Doesn't matter what time. I'm normally catching the train between anywhere between 7:30 and 9:30, and it's extremely crowded. It's like no room. You have to wait for the next train,' McKoy said.
Not everyone has had the same experience, with some noting little difference in this week's commute.
'I've seen not a whole lot of difference, to be honest with you,' said Melanie Renzulli.
But, he said, there is a big demand for more frequency.
'I really wish they would add more trains, more lines,' Renzulli said.
New WMATA board documents show that could come this summer. Metro is proposing peak capacity, with targeted super peak capacity increases on the red and silver lines.
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'I would love to see it. I don't like running every morning and then having to miss the train, basically, because it's just too crowded. It's too much,' McKoy said.
Metro also wants to extend half of the Yellow Line trains to Greenbelt and split Silver Line service between Downtown Largo and New Carrolton.
Metro has revised and increased its revenue estimates for the next two fiscal years, which start in July. They're expecting ridership to increase by 13 million for fiscal year 202, which means more financial stability for the system.
'Makes me feel good. Make me feel more inclined to use the metro as much as I can,' said Steve Kohl.
Metro's board meets Thursday to discuss the proposed budget. From there, public hearings will be scheduled to gather feedback.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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