Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The 2013 Inauguration Day metro ridership was significantly less than the 1.12 million trips four years earlier.
If you felt like Metro was less crowded this inauguration than in 2009, you were right. The transit agency recorded 779,787 passenger entries Monday, according to the Associated Press. Metro set its all-time ridership record on Inauguration Day 2009, recording 1.12 million rail trips. The transit agency told the AP that part of the reason for the lower ridership levels was that Monday was the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in addition to being Inauguration Day. That cut out many of the daily commuters who use the system and would have used the system regionwide in 2009. Lower ridership, however, did not mean the day went off without any hitches. After President Obama's inaugural ceremony concluded, Metro temporarily closed several stations…
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Read the full text of President Barack Obama's speech made at his second inauguration.
Remarks of President Barack Obama – As Prepared for Delivery Inaugural Address Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 Washington, DC Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that…
Monday, January 21, 2013
Heading into DC? Here's a guide to surviving the inauguration.
While the crowds may not be as intense as in 2009, when an estimated 1.8 million people came to DC for President Barack Obama’s inauguration, there’s still a lot of info you need to know to survive the day. From Metro closures and changes to where to eat and how to stay warm, Patch has you covered. Transportation Check out Patch’s inauguration travel guide. What to Bring Essentially, you should bring yourself, an ID and as few other items as possible. There’s an extensive list of prohibited items, including backpacks, strollers (in certain areas) and more. See the list of prohibited items at inauguration and related events here. Weather and Staying Warm Right now, forecasts indicate that Monday’s weather will be downright cold with a …
Snow showers still possible for the afternoon and evening.
The weather forecast for President Barack Obama's second inauguration suggests temperatures could be warming into the low 40s as events get underway Monday in Washington, D.C. But a chance of snow showers is still possible after 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The forecast for Monday, which is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day, calls for mostly cloudy skies, with a high near 43. The chance for precipitation is at 40 percent, with no significant snow accumulation expected. If you're going, here are some tips for what to wear to watch the inauguration ceremony. And we have complete coverage at our Presidential Inauguration 2013 page.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Certain express routes will not be running Monday.
Residents should be advised that the Fairfax Connector Bus Service will be running on a special schedule Monday for the Presidential Inauguration. Weekday service routes will operate with their regular schedules except for the following routes, which will not operate: For more information on Fairfax Connector holiday schedules, click here.
A look at what you need to know about the Orange Line for Inauguration Weekend.
Metro is not performing any scheduled track work anywhere on the system Inauguration Weekend, but there are service advisories in effect. Read up on Patch's other Metro-related Inauguration Weekend information: According to a Metro news release, the following is a summary of Metro service plans for Inauguration Weekend 2013: On Saturday, Jan. 19: On Sunday, Jan. 20: On Inauguration Day, Monday, Jan. 21: For more, see Patch's special 2013 presidential inauguration section.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Maps, schedules, social network and more for Obama's ceremonial swearing in.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee has released a free official app for attendees at the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Monday, as well as for those watching from home. The app includes a schedule of events, maps, volunteer opportunities, a feed for social networking, behind-the-scenes videos and photos and a live stream available Monday for those who won't be there. The app is available on iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Click here to download the app. Steve Kerrigan, President and CEO of the Inaugural Committee, said in a statement the app is for Americans across the country to share in this moment in history. "Whether you're in Washington, DC or any other part of the nation, there are plenty of ways to be involved in …
Vienna offices closed Friday and Monday for holiday and Inauguration Day; public safety services not impacted.
Most of the Town of Vienna and Fairfax County's government offices — including courts and schools — will be closed Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Town of Vienna Town of Vienna offices will also be closedFriday for the observed Inauguration Day, and again on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Refuse will be collected as normal on both days, the town said in a release. The Vienna Community Center will be open from 10 am to 3 pm, and public safety services won't be impacted. Fairfax County Government offices and Fairfax County Public Schools are closed Monday. Park Authority RECenters will be open with regular hours. Trash pickup will also be on a regular schedule. Fairfax Connector will operate on a modified schedule: Bus…
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Committee releases more tickets on sale to public Wednesday.
Additional tickets to the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Parade went on sale Wednesday, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced. The tickets are for bleacher seats along the parade route close to the White House, according to a news release from the committee. A limit of six tickets per person are available online HERE at a cost of $44 each. Tickets are limited, and will be distributed on a first come, first-serve basis. If you go, expect to see thousands of spectators lining the parade route as President Obama and Vice President Biden are escorted from the Capitol to the White House. Music, cultural and community groups will join representatives from the Armed Forces in the parade, which concludes at the presidential reviewing …
Metro offers several suggestions to get to the National Mall, the parade route and to the White House for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration.
Whether you are attending the inauguration on the National Mall, taking in the parade along Pennsylvania Avenue or cheering the President's return at the White House, you can expect to do a lot of walking on Inauguration Day. Between metro station closures, parade route street closures and bus route changes, you will be using your own two feet to get you where you want to be once you arrive downtown on Metro. See also: Guide to Taking the Metro to the 2013 Presidential Inauguration. To help, Metro has created a list of walking directions from various locations close to the National Mall area: Arlington Cemetery (1.5 miles to Mall) Walk 0.7 miles toward the Lincoln Memorial (away from Arlington Cemetery). Go around the left side of the …
