Metro says traffic light for Pope’s first morning in DC

The Washington, D.C. Metrorail subway system says passenger traffic was light for the first morning commute during the Pope’s visit to the nation’s capital. 

A pair of major incidents that caused hours of delays on Monday and Tuesday raised fears the Capitol-area subway system would not be able to handle the expected rush of passengers during the Pope’s visit, but the agency that runs the system said Wednesday that the first morning commute was successful. 

“As of 8am, Metrorail ridership is a bit LIGHTER than a typical weekday,” the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority tweeted. “Down ~14% vs same time last Wed. 109K trips taken so far. #wmata” 

As of 8am, Metrorail ridership is a bit LIGHTER than a typical weekday. Down ~14% vs same time last Wed. 109K trips taken so far. #wmata

— Metrorail Info (@Metrorailinfo) September 23, 2015

The D.C. Metrorail system typically carries about 751,000 passengers per day, making it the second-busiest subway system in the U.S. normally.  

Many federal workers have been encouraged to telework during the Pope’s visit to ease congestion in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, however. 

Metro said Wednesday its parking garages that are typically full on weekday mornings still have availability as regular commuters heeded the message. 

“As of 8:45a, all garages still have availability. E. Falls Church at 90%, Branch Ave & Wiehle at 75% full, #wmata,” the agency tweeted. 

As of 8:45a, all garages still have availability. E. Falls Church at 90%, Branch Ave & Wiehle at 75% full, #wmata

— Metrorail Info (@Metrorailinfo) September 23, 2015

The D.C-area transit agency has said it plans to run shuttle buses from stations near areas that are expected to be crowded during the Pope’s visit, especially for his planned mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Northeast Washington on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Pope is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia on his six-day trip from Sept. 22-27.

The Pope is scheduled to give a speech to a joint session of Congress on Thursday.