WASHINGTON — Busy days on Metro could mean major headaches for D.C. public school students trying to get to and from class.
Concerns about large transit crowds and major road closures during Pope Francis’ visit have already caused several D.C. charter schools to close on Wednesday, the day of the papal parade and mass.
The pope arrives 4 p.m. Tuesday and leaves 4 p.m. Thursday.
Still, Mayor Muriel Bowser says the city’s public schools will not close because of the pope’s visit.
“We want the kids to have access to learning,” Bowser said, “so the schools will be open.”
Bowser said it’s up to families to “plan ahead” to get students to school. However, neither the mayor’s office nor the D.C. school system have offered specifics on what planning ahead would entail for students who take Metro.
Officials have said to budget extra time, but getting somewhere on time could prove especially tricky with Metro warning of significant crowding on trains and in stations, and extensive bus detours and service adjustments.
