The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced Wednesday that it will welcome bicycles on Metro trains during rush hour times starting Jan. 7.
The move breaks with a longstanding WMATA policy that prohibits bikes during Metro’s busiest hours on weekdays from 7-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.
Metro reviewed its policy and determined that it could respond to requests from the bicycling community by ending the rush-hour bike restriction without significant negative effects.
“The policy change is expected to make Metrorail a more attractive travel option for reverse commuters who want to take their bike to travel between the rail station and their workplace,” WMATA’s statement said.
Greg Billing, executive director of the the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, celebrated the announcement.
“Bicycling extends the reach of Metrorail for customers at the beginning and end of their trip. Members of the community have long wanted the option to bring a bicycle along with them on their rush hour trips, especially reverse commuters,” Billing said.
Bikes were first allowed on Metro trains in 1982, with a paid permit on weekends and holidays only. The policy was revised in 2001, allowing bikes at all hours except weekdays during rush hour.
The move brought some immediate criticism on social media.
The Twitter account Unsuck DC Metro, well-known in the area for biting and often comical commentary about the train system, weighed in with a harsh take on the move:
Letting bikes on during rush hour:
A convenience for a few, a hassle for the many.
— Unsuck DC Metro (@unsuckdcmetro) January 2, 2019
