Metro Beefs Ups Inauguration Security

Transit system prepares for record crowd

Police officers with specially trained dogs could be seen at the Foggy Bottom Metro station Thursday morning, signaling the official start of the inauguration security season.

And there was little rejoicing.

The patrols are part of special security measures that will last through Inauguration Day. 

Crowd control is a major concern as a record-number of passengers are expect to ride Metro on Tuesday. 

And if you're standing at a packed Metro station waiting to board a train, you might watch as that train slowly passes you by, or even worse, you might have to stand outside a turnstile waiting to get on a platform. 

Officers will monitor the number of people on the platforms, and if things get too crowded they may temporarily close stations until the platforms clear. 

Extra law enforcement officers from jurisdictions around the country are coming into town to help with Metro security.  Some will arrive as early as Sunday and receive special training from Metro Transit Police. 

There are no metal detectors at Metro stations, and, for the moment, no plans to conduct random bag searches. 

Metro Transit Police Chief  Michael Taborn said that could change if police receive information regarding a credible threat. 

Moving The Masses

To help move people around on Inauguration Day, Metro will run an unprecedented 17 hours of continuous rush-hour service beginning at 4 a.m. Tuesday. 

Metro officials say they will use every railcar and bus available, will extend hours of operation and even tweak the flow of riders in and out of key Metro stations.

Metrorail will begin service at 4 a.m. Monday and stay open until 2 a.m. Tuesday. 

The system will then shut down for two hours so maintenance can be performed.  

On Inauguration Day, Metro will reopen at 4 a.m. and continue service until 2 a.m. Wednesday.  During the peak morning rush, five stations will become "exit only" stations, meaning riders will not be able to enter -- only leave the station.

The restriction will be in affect from 4 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and will apply to the Federal Triangle, Federal Center SW, Farragut West, Capitol South and McPherson Square stations.

To keep things moving, Metro also asks riders not to make tranfers at the Metro Center, Gallery Place and L'Enfant Plaza stations. 

Metro will also run 23 special Inauguration buses.  The routes will carry people to the National Mall and will run every 10 minutes.

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