Metro's Track Work Angers Advocacy Group

"The Action Committee for Transit" is expressing what it calls "deep concern" about Metro's scheduled maintenance, which coincides with a busy sports weekend in the District. The group is asking Metro to postpone the work, because of projected heavy ridership.

The Washington Nationals host Philly for a weekend series, and the Capitals host the Rangers in a Saturday playoff game.

All Metro lines are affected by track work. Most significantly, the Green Line, which serves both Nationals Park via the Navy Yard Station and the Verizon Center via Gallery Place.

According to Metro, four stations are scheduled to shut down on the Green Line this weekend. Buses replace trains between Greenbelt and Fort Totten stations, adding nearly an hour of travel time.

Ben Ross with the grassroots group charges highway agencies such as DDOT would not similarly inconvenience drivers for non-emergency maintenance.

"The transportation departments spend lots of money to keep lanes open when they do road repairs," says Ross. "Transit riders deserve the same consideration."

Work is scheduled to begin Friday at 10 p.m. and continue through system closing on Sunday.