Metro is planning to spend the summer hyping up the D.C. region’s public transportation, starting with a family-friendly celebration for transit lovers this Saturday (June 29).
The inaugural Metro Fest at the Franconia Metro station is open to the public at no cost. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include arts and crafts, games, entertainment, snacks, water, and Metro-branded giveaways, according to a press release.
“Metro will host a series of community events this summer, beginning with Metro Fest,” the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said in the release. “The goal for these events is to connect with the region in a fun way and educate transit-enthusiasts of all ages about the value of transit in our communities.”
WMATA says it decided to kick off its summer of community events at the Franconia station because of its location at the end of the Blue Line. The station also serves as a commuter rail stop for the Virginia Railway Express.
“Franconia-Springfield was chosen because of its position as an end of the line station, which can accommodate not only bus, MetroAccess, and MTPD vehicles for display, but also rail vehicles,” Metro told FFXnow in a statement.
The second event will take place on July 27 at the Branch Avenue station in Suitland, Maryland.
In the release, Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke said the event is an opportunity for community members to take a closer look at the transit agency’s vehicles, meet its staff and learn more about how it functions to “move the region.”
“Our employees get to engage the public in little moments every day, but we are so excited to have a fun, dedicated time to show what we do and interact with the public,” Clarke said.
Face painting, a 360-photo booth, a live DJ and tables with information about Metro programs and services will also be available at the event.
Attendees are asked to register for Metro Fest in advance on Eventbrite.
