DC Metro preps riders for Obama inauguration

The Washington, D.C. Metrorail system is preparing attendees for President Obama's inauguration for using public transportation to get around the capital region.

Attendance at Obama's second swearing-in ceremony is expected to be smaller than his first inauguration, when Metro set a record for single-day ridership of 1.1 million passengers. Metro normally averages 787,000 riders on its trains on weekdays.

Despite the expected drop off between Obama's second inauguration and his first, however, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) released a video Tuesday to prepare first-time riders for what to expect on the day the president takes the oath of office for a second term.

"Inauguration Day is typically one of the busiest days for Metro, so you should be prepared for busy stations, crowded trains and lengthy walks to the ceremony and parade," the video says.

But the Metro video quickly adds: "With a little bit of planning, and by following these tips, you should be able to travel with ease."

Among the tips is visiting a website set up for the Inauguration Day travel by Metro, wmata.com/inauguration.

"There, you'll find a 'Best Route' trip planner that will help recommend the best stations for you trip," the video says. "We recommend planning your trip so that you don't have to transfer between line [rail] lines."

Other tips include using bus lines to reach destinations more quickly.

---