The Washington Nationals have made the playoffs for the third time in five years, but fans who want to attend the postseason games may have to make alternate travel plans
Some fans who take Metro rail to the game could get stuck if the games run late. The transit agency shuts down rail service at midnight, and some District leaders are trying to get Metro officials to change their minds about the closing time.
DC Council member and Metro Chairman Jack Evans said he's urging the Metro board and General Manager Paul Wiedefeld to stay open. The first home game could be Friday, Oct. 7.
“I'm trying to rally the region to say to the board we need to stay open late,” Evans said. “I know Paul Wiedefeld needs the extra hours and is reluctant to grant exceptions, but the World Series is not just anything. It's a huge, national event.”
Wiedefeld has previously said it's impossible to continue making strides in the maintenance effort and have late hours.
"While the Board will ultimately decide what changes are made to the span of service, I have made clear that returning to a schedule of operating service 135 hours out of 168 hours in a week is not sufficient for our ongoing maintenance needs,” Wiedefeld said on Sept. 13. "For years, the (Federal Transit Administration) and National Transportation Safety Board, as well as other oversight groups and outside consultants, have identified the need for increased track access."
"The push and pull between providing passenger service and providing access for the litany of maintenance work and inspections must be decided by one issue – the safety of our system."
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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said she supports late hours of Metro service for the playoffs.
“We want people to be able to enjoy America's sport but also to be able to get home safely,” the mayor said.
Team officials said they welcome the support for their fans.
“Obviously, Metro can't stay open late every night. We understand that,” said Gregory McCarthy, vice president of community relations for the Nationals. “(The fans) need a way to get home.
It's unclear if or when Metro might alter its closing policy.
