Following the Washington Nationals’ win of the wild-card game on Tuesday, Oct. 1, WMATA General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld made the executive decision to extend train hours beyond normal closing times for the remainder of the season.
For loyal fans attending the ballpark and nearby bars in the area, the Navy Yard-Ballpark Station will remain open until 20 minutes after the end of each game for entry, in what Metro is calling its “flex” hours. All other Metro stations will be open for exit only.
According to a press release from Metro, roughly one in four fans at Nats Park used the rail system to get home following Tuesday night’s National League Wildcard game, prompting the organization to accommodate with the extension of hours.
The flex hours will continue for Washington Mystics fans, too, should the basketball team play next Thursday at the Events and Sports Center by Congress Heights Station.
“Today’s commitment to keep trains running 20 minutes after all Nationals and Mystics postseason games lets the region’s fans choose Metro and know that we’ll be there to get them home,” Wiedefeld said in a recent press release. “This approach is a bridge to address the immediate concerns of customers until the Board can take a fresh look at the policy.”