9:10 a.m. Delays on Metro, at Metro
Metro is reporting delays on almost every line, and long lines at stations, especially at the end of lines, due to fare card issues. According to Metro, usually tour groups buy fare cards in advance; that doesn't seem to be the case today. Many of the customers are standing in long lines and are not familiar with the fare card machines.
Reports from the Franconia station on the Blue Line have lines around the station.
A friend of mine, on FB, posted he passed up five jammed Metro trains before he gave up and grabbed a cab to the Mall.
The fare cards can be confusing to out of towners. Have cash instead of plastic. However...the machines do typically work and if you follow the instructions you’ll be fine.
Also, check which way the arrow is pointing on your card...that’s the way you should stick it into the machine.