Although there have been delays in the announcement of the opening of the Silver Line rail line, Metro will begin offering passenger service Saturday, July 26. “Simulated service ” began July 20 and reportedly allowed Metro to help “familiarize employees and finalize train schedules under real-world conditions.” Approximately 11.4 miles of new of track has been laid in the first phase of the regional line that is also known as the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project. Five new stations—McLean, Tysons Corner, Greensboro, Spring Hill and Wiehle-Reston East—are expected to open to the public at noon. The Silver Line will operate between Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station in Va. and Largo Town Center Metro Station in Md., making stops through downtown D.C. The first train leaving Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station is scheduled to head toward Largo Town Center Metro Station, during the unveiling of the new stations.
According to www.silverlinemetro.com, in the first couple of years, Metro estimates that the Silver Line will eventually attract 50,000 riders travelling to and from the new stations each day. Customers who ride the Orange Line are eventually expected to switch to the Silver Line, due to convenience. Large employers and shopping areas like Tysons Galleria are located near the new metro stops in Va. Riders will now have direct access to Tysons Corner and Reston without having to change trains at Stadium-Armory Metro Station in Washington, D.C. Metro reported that riders will be in walking distance of the economic centers and other attractions near four clusters of stations around Tysons Corner.
“The Silver Line will provide new connections to several of the region’s most dynamic and rapidly growing economic centers. Coupled with integrated bus service, the Silver Line’s high-quality, high-capacity transit service will give riders new, traffic-free access to employment, entertainment,and shopping opportunities,” the official Silver Line brochure informed.
Prior to first train leaving at noon, an opening-day ceremony will be held in Reston, Va. Transportation representatives are scheduled to be present at Largo Town Center Metro Station to inform potential users in Prince George’s County of the Silver Line’s opening. Metro says that the Silver Line will bring a net increase in rail service and allow shorter wait times. Trains will be scheduled to run every six minutes during rush hour. There will reportedly be a 50 percent increase in availability of trains at the Largo Town Center Metro Station. During off-peak times, trains will be scheduled to run every 12-20 minutes. Metro reported that customers will notice an increase of trains running on weekends at Morgan Boulevard and Largo Metrorail Stations.
After the Silver Line begins service, Metro users who ride Blue and Orange Lines may notice service reductions. Service changes during peak times are outlined on www.wmata.com under Alerts & Advisories for Orange and Blue lines.
Early construction of Phase 2 of the Silver Line is underway. Another 11-mile section of new track will extend the Silver Line into Loudon County, Va. When fully completed, service will also run to Washington Dulles International Airport. Completion of the expansion is expected to occur in 2018.
For more information about the Silver Line, visit www.silverlinemetro.com. Riders may also sign up and customize MetroAlerts at www.wmata.com/MetroAlerts to be notified of Metro service disruptions and delays.