Metro will spend $250,000 to accommodate the crushing crowds expected to swarm the transit system this week during Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Washington.

The transit agency will operate continuous rush-hour service until 7 p.m. Thursday — the day of the 10 a.m. Papal Mass at Nationals Park — but will charge nonpeak fares from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.