Inauguration Commemorative Transit Tickets

[sandnsea]

and updates on transit information for Baltimore, Virginia and DC. I think this is going to be a mess. I really hope people don't get their expectations too high and really do start to plan to just enjoy the atmosphere, rather than any intention to actually see anything.

http://www.obama-mamas.com/blog/?p=123

"From Baltimore, MARC Train and Commuter Bus Service will operate special trains to Washington D.C. which will require special Inauguration Day tickets. MARC Train service will run to D.C. between 5:00 and 9:00am, and outbound from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. The Penn line will run 12 trains, Camden will run 7 and Brunswick will run 9. Any other tickets, including monthly passes, will not be honored on these trains. The round-trip special tickets go on sale Dec. 20, at the cost of $25, and include a commemorative program booklet that will be distributed on Inauguration Day.

The Virginia Railway Express will also offer special service to D.C. on Inauguration Day. Beginning at 5:05am, there will be six trains on the Fredericksburg Line and six on the Manassas Line, with fourteen return trains beginning at 1:30pm. Inauguration Day trains will not make stops at Franconia/Springfield, Alexandria or Crystal City.

These trains will also require a special $25 round trip ticket, which must be ordered by mail with a form through the web site. There will be no refunds for any purpose. Amtrak service from Philadelphia, Wilmington, Charlottesville and other regional areas has filled up quickly, even though they are still being promoted as inexpensive alternatives to D.C. People will need to arrange their transportation as quickly as possible, there are still a few Amtrak buses available from various locations, as well as train roomettes and bedrooms.

The Metro is making massive changes to accommodate the throngs of people, and expects to be able to transport over a million people which will top their highest traffic day of 860,000. Plans to accommodate this massive number include adding cars, offering rush service from 4 am - 7 pm, and remaining open until 2 am. Riders will need special commemorative Day Passes or a SmartTrip card, these can be purchased at vending machines by late December, or call 202-962-1488 or 202-962-5700. The Metro is offering free parking at its facilities from Saturday to Tuesday. They will be asking for fares to be increased to $1.00 for the entire day to help defray the costs of expanded service."