DC: Metro restores free customer parking on Saturdays
In response to customer feedback, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will eliminate Saturday parking fees for Metrorail customers beginning this weekend. A $2 fee had been implemented last February as part of a pilot program.
Riders who use Metrorail will park for free on Saturday, with the exception of designated regional or special events. During large-scale regional events such as Fourth of July, a Presidential Inauguration, marches or other events that draw large crowds Metro may still charge for parking on weekends or federal holidays under a new policy approved by Metro’s Board of Directors effective this year.
Weekday parking fees and hours implemented during the pilot period will become permanent. This includes a reduced $3 parking rate at the West Falls Church and Landover Metrorail stations to encourage ridership.
Parking fees will be collected during the following hours:
Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Individuals who park at Metro facilities but do not use the Metrorail system are charged a higher “non-rider fee” (ranging from $8.70-$10) at the following stations: Branch Ave, Greenbelt, Suitland, Huntington, Dunn Loring, Minnesota Ave, New Carrollton, Franconia-Springfield, Largo Town Center, Rhode Island Ave, Rockville, Twinbrook and White Flint. Metro may expand the use of "non-rider fees" in the future.
Metro is also planning to introduce new payment technology options such as mobile apps or online reservation systems to further improve customers’ parking experience.
