Anticipating a 5-20 percent decrease in ridership in the event of a federal government shutdown, Metro could reduce the number of cars on trains but not the number of trains.
The decline in ridership would depend on what federal operations and essential services are continued. Metro is prepared to run fewer eight-car trains if ridership drops to federal holiday levels.
In addition to keeping with decreased demand, putting fewer cars in service would save Metro money.
The transit agency would operate on a normal schedule, though, to provide regular service to riders not affected by a shutdown.
