Yes, it’s April Fool’s Day, but WMATA‘s financial troubles are no joke.
The latest saga involves Metro’s shortest route, the Yellow Line. Despite voting to expand the line in 2006, the powers that be are now contemplating an elimination of that extention – as well as a change in hours of service – to make up for the budget shortfall.
Here’s the full list of cuts:
- End the Yellow Line Extension from Mount Vernon – Fort Totten
- End the Yellow Line entirely at 9:30 during the day and all day weekends
- Close the 10th & U entrance at U Street/AACWM/Cardozo stop on weekends
- Close the 8th & R entrance at Shaw/Howard U entrance on weekends
- End service on weekends at midnight at all stations
Whether or not you live in the area, you’re probably still affected. That eastern entrance of the Cardozo station is the one you probably use for the 9:30 Club and all of the other “Little Ethiopia” venues. It’s an emerging area that requires public transportation for business and resident growth. However, it’s true that the Yellow Line has the lowest ridership, and the most widely cited alternative to this metro cut has been eliminating a citywide bus service, which is equally as unfavorable.
To voice your concerns against the Yellow Line cuts, sign this online petition, or attend WMATA’s meeting on April 1, at All Souls Church at 16th & Harvard. .
