Tim Bracken, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Today is the first day of spring and the first official day of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Metro announced a spring break from weekend track work between March 24 and April 13, and now they are offering some suggestions for anyone planning to use Metrorail to check out the Cherry Blossoms.

• On weekdays, try to avoid taking Metro during rush hour, especially between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Metro suggests using their Trip Planner and downloading the Metro Pocket Guide.
• The Smithsonian Station can become especially busy during Cherry Blossom season. Consider using other stations, such as Federal Triangle, Archives, Arlington Cemetery or L’Enfant Plaza.
• Each traveler age 5 or older must have a Farecard or SmarTrip card. You can purchase a Farecard at any Metrorail station entrance. Remember to load enough value on the card for your return trip.
• If you’re planning to take multiple trips, consider purchasing a One-Day Pass for $9. The One-Day Pass can be used for unlimited travel after 9:30 a.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends.
• When boarding the train, move all the way in to the center of the car to allow other customers to board. Don’t stand near the doors.
• When riding on escalators, stand on the right to allow others to pass.
• When the “door closing” chime sounds, step back to avoid injury. Train doors do not bounce back like elevator doors.

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