WASHINGTON (AP) – Metro officials plan this week to discuss weekend shutdowns of sections of the system’s rail lines and their impact on riders.

The transit system for more than two years has been closing large portions of its five rail lines and some stations on weekends.

Officials say the shutdowns are necessary to allow time for repair work and system improvements, and that riders can continue to expect weekend and overnight track work over the next few years.

The Washington Post reports (http://wapo.st/YamtsY ) that the finance committee of Metro’s board of directors will take up the topic at a meeting on Thursday.

Meanwhile, weekend rail ridership is down 9 percent from July to December.

— Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)