Update: Metro to continue normal service if government shuts down

WMATA released a statement this afternoon about their service if the federal government shuts down.  Yesterday, they didn't have much of a plan.

They say they will continue normal service during the shutdown; however, as expected, there may be a reduction in cars since there will clearly be fewer people riding Metro.

"We estimate that the temporary shuttering of certain federal government offices could reduce ridership from 5 to 20 percent, depending upon the decisions made to continue some federal operations and essential services. In the event ridership decreases to levels of federal holidays, we may operate fewer 8-car trains," Metro said in their statement.

You can read the full text of the statement here, or after the jump:
 

To our customers:

You may be hearing about the possibility of a federal government shut down and wondering how it would impact Metro services.

In order to continue to serve more than a million commuters and visitors traveling daily to work, schools, and hospitals, as well as retail, entertainment venues and sporting events, the Metro system would continue to operate on a normal schedule, but may make adjustments to the number of rail cars in service to match demand and conserve budget resources.

We estimate that the temporary shuttering of certain federal government offices could reduce ridership from 5 to 20 percent, depending upon the decisions made to continue some federal operations and essential services. In the event ridership decreases to levels of federal holidays, we may operate fewer 8-car trains.


News release issued at 1:06 pm, April 6, 2011.