DC Metro Yellow Line Reaches Greenbelt Again
Metro Yellow Line resumes Greenbelt service Dec. 31, restoring route cut in 2020
Metro Yellow Line Extends to Greenbelt Dec. 31
Washington Metro's Yellow Line will extend service to Greenbelt starting Tuesday, restoring a route that was cut during the pandemic. The change affects riders traveling between Virginia and Maryland, with trains running the full Huntington-to-Greenbelt route every 12-15 minutes. Randy Clarke, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, oversees the service restoration that brings back pre-2020 travel patterns for the region's transit system.
Service Pattern Returns After Pandemic Cuts
The extension restores service that WMATA suspended in March 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic reductions, according to the transit authority. Yellow Line trains previously served Greenbelt before the cuts eliminated that segment of the route. The restoration is part of broader efforts to bring back service levels across the system, though officials haven't said whether additional route expansions are planned. Transit agencies typically restore service gradually as ridership recovers and operational capacity allows.
Split Service Balances Frequency and Coverage
Half of Yellow Line trains will run the complete 17-station route between Huntington and Greenbelt, covering 19.5 miles with 12-15 minute waits between trains. The other half will operate between Huntington and Mt. Vernon Square with 6-8 minute frequencies, maintaining faster service on that core segment. WMATA hasn't released ridership projections for the extended service or disclosed the cost of implementing the route restoration. The split pattern allows the agency to balance coverage to Greenbelt with frequent service on heavily-used downtown segments.
Changes Take Effect at Start of Service Tuesday
The service change takes effect at the start of operations December 31, transit officials said. WMATA announced the extension December 27 through its service alert system and social media channels. The agency didn't provide advance notice timelines for informing riders about schedule changes at affected stations. System-wide, Metro averages approximately 450,000 weekday riders as of 2024.
Riders Gain Direct Access Between Virginia and Maryland
Passengers traveling to or from Greenbelt will have direct Yellow Line access without transferring, while riders using stations between Huntington and Mt. Vernon Square can expect trains every 6-8 minutes during most service hours. The change affects travel times for commuters crossing between Virginia and Maryland's Prince George's County. Riders can check real-time arrival information and service updates through Moovit to plan trips on the extended Yellow Line route.
