Fewer Riders This Fourth for Metro

Where have all the riders gone?

If you were one of the thousands who descended on the National Mall for the Capitol Fourth Concert and fireworks display, you won’t be surprised to hear that more than 582,000 people took Metro this July 4.

While it sounds like a lot, it’s actually about 49,000 fewer riders than last year, and more than 15,000 fewer than the year before.

Taking a look at the last five Independence Day ridership numbers:

  • 2010: 582,286
  • 2009: 631,206
  • 2008: 598,898
  • 2007: 499,341
  • 2006: 451,623
  • 2005: 541,201

Metro said that despite removing 100 of its 4000 series rail cars from service before the weekend, it was still well prepared to accommodate the big holiday crowds.

The transit agency said the cars were removed as a safety precaution. A defect in the doors may cause them to open suddenly while the trains are in motion.

The busiest day in Metro history, meanwhile, remains President Barack Obama’s inauguration with 1.1 million riders.

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