WASHINGTON — Wondering if you can catch the bus on Christmas? Or if you need to feed the meter?
Traffic and parking rules as well as transit schedules can get confusing on holidays, but WTOP’s guide has a breakdown of what to expect.
Christmas Eve may feel like a holiday, but remember — it isn’t. Most traffic and parking rules and transit schedules are still in effect.
See how getting around the area will change over the next few days.
HOV Lanes: Normal HOV restrictions are in effect on all Maryland and Virginia interstates. HOV violations are a $90 fine in Maryland, with one point, and $125 in Virginia. Remember — the 95 Express Lanes in Virginia are under HOV rules through Sunday evening, then convert to toll rules on Monday morning. The 95 Express Lanes in Maryland, from Baltimore to White Marsh, will remain tolled on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. HOV rules are lifted on Christmas Day and Friday, Dec. 26, except for the John Hanson Highway.
Parking meters: All parking meters are turned on and ticket writers are out enforcing the rules. On Christmas Day, there’s no need to feed the meters. But D.C. will issue $100 tickets for blocking streetcar path on Christmas Day, while DDOT continues final testing and approval from the State Safety Oversight Office through D.C. Fire and EMS.
Speed and red light cameras: All cameras are turned on. This includes highway work zone cameras from the Maryland State Highway administration, including on Route 29 in Columbia. Cameras can also issue tickets on Christmas Day in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Trains: VRE and MARC are on “S” schedules with no Camden Line service. On Christmas, there’s no VRE or MARC service. On Friday, there’s no VRE service, but MARC runs on an “S” schedule with no Camden Line service. Metro runs normal weekday service on Metrorail and Metrobus. On Christmas Day, Metrorail and Metrobus run on a Sunday schedule. On Friday, Metro will run on a regular weekend schedule.
Buses: All local bus service runs on a normal schedule on Christmas Eve, although DASH and Ride On service will end earlier than normal in the evening. Commuter buses will have modified afternoon schedules to increase service in the midday and afternoon to accommodate workers leaving early. Check with your local bus service for exact schedules.
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