Metro to Run Special Service Schedule for July 4

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METRO WILL OPERATE on a special service schedule for Independence Day, due to the large crowds expected downtown for the holiday. The Smithsonian station will be closed entirely, because it lies within the National Park Service's fenced-off secured area on the National Mall.

Service will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday, and parking at all Metro lots will be free. In addition, no bicycles will be allowed on the system, and reduced fares will be in effect all day. Those planning on using regional bus transit service can check the holiday schedule here.

In a switch from years past, Metro will no longer offer shuttle buses to the Pentagon after the fireworks. According to a press release, a combination of low ridership and more railcars this year have resulted in the elimination of the shuttles.

As for rail service, there will be multiple service alterations to take into account when planning your day.

» The Yellow Line will run between the Franconia-Springfield and Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center Metrorail stations. Riders should exit at L'Enfant Plaza and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metrorail stations to get to the Mall.

» Blue Line service will run between the Huntington and the Rosslyn Metrorail stations.

» The Orange Line will serve both the Largo Town Center and New Carrollton Metrorail stations.

» Extra Green Line service will see alternating trains turning back at the Fort Totten Metrorail station starting at 6 p.m.

» Extra Red Line service will see every other train turning back at the Silver Spring Metrorail station starting at 2 p.m.

To assist passengers, Metro will have station managers and other employees available to provide information. They will also provide walking maps, pictured above, to help you figure out your way on foot.

The usual notices all apply, so make sure you have enough money on your SmarTrip or farecard to avoid long lines on return trips, and use the Passes/Vendors machine if you plan on buying multiple farecards for a group.

Map courtesy WMATA