December 30,1999
Mayor Williams Funds Metro's 5:30 A.M. Opening On Fri., Dec. 31
Commuters, visitors can get early start on New Year's Eve
(Washington, D.C.) Mayor Anthony A. Williams's committed $25,000 today to ensure that Metrorail opens at 5:30 a.m., Friday, December 31, the official holiday for the New Year. The result is commuters and visitors can get an early start on their day. Maryland and Virginia followed the District's lead by committing the $25,000 balance necessary to fund the earlier start time.
The Metro board, in an emergency session this afternoon, with the Mayor's commitment in hand and Maryland and Virginia's participation, approved the earlier time, which is 2.5 hours sooner than their normal 8 a.m. holiday opening.
"I am very pleased that the District played a leadership role in making it possible for people to get to work on New Year's Eve without having to find alternative forms of transportation," said Mayor Williams. "Councilmember Jim Graham [D-Ward 1] presented our proposal and got the support of our Maryland and Virginia partners to open Metrorail when people need to use it.
"I also want to thank the WMATA board for their adherence to sound fiscal restraint and being flexible when the means were presented to get those trains rolling earlier."
The District has a long history of support for the Metro system, making a sizeable contribution to getting the public transit system operational.
During this millennium weekend, people visiting the District's "Main Street Millennium" celebration are urged to take Metro.
