Metro: 525K passengers for Pope’s first day in DC

The Washington, D.C., Metrorail subway system says it carried 525,00 passengers during the first day of 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 Pope Francis’s historic visit, but the agency that runs the system said Day 1 was a success. 

{mosads}”As of 9pm, >525,700 trips taken so far, ~20% lower than same period last Wed,” the agency tweeted. 

Metrorail Ridership Update: As of 9pm, >525,700 trips taken so far, ~20% lower than same period last Wed. Final stats in the morning. #wmata

— Metrorail Info (@Metrorailinfo) September 24, 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.  

Many federal workers have been encouraged to telework during the pope’s visit to ease congestion in the region, however. 

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

“As of 7 a.m., parking is available at all Metro garages & lots. Here’s additional info by station. #wmata #popeindc,” the agency tweeted. 

As of 7 a.m., parking is available at all Metro garages & lots. Here’s additional info by station. #wmata #popeindc pic.twitter.com/YbfXnFJ2f0

— Metrorail Info (@Metrorailinfo) September 24, 2015

The D.C-area transit agency has said it plans to run extra non-rush-hour trains on Thursday to handle the expected passenger increase that is anticipated because of the pope’s visit. 

Francis is on the first leg of a six-day trip to Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia that is scheduled to last until Sept. 27.

The pontiff gave a speech to a joint session of Congress on Thursday morning.