We will post information here as we have it — please come back frequently for updates.
The demonstration will begin at 7:00 a.m. and continue until after Trump passes at the conclusion of the parade, which will be sometime in the afternoon. Throughout that time, there will be speakers, music, chanting, etc., and then we will be right there when Trump goes by.
- When to arrive: To access the demonstration on the Inaugural Parade Route, people will have to pass through checkpoints operated by the Secret Service. The checkpoints will open sometime between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., so that's when people can enter the parade route and come to the demonstration. It is recommended to arrive first thing in the morning because the checkpoints may close at some point based on crowd size, and it is crucial that demonstrators get into the parade route and fill up the space along it.
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Where to enter: The Secret Service says the location of the checkpoints are still subject to change, but as of now the closest listed checkpoint to the Navy Memorial, the main protest stage, is on 7th St. and D St. NW. This checkpoint is about a block from the rally site. There may or may not be the ability to walk east and west on Pennsylvania Ave., so it is recommended to use the checkpoint closest to the rally site in case it becomes too congested; definitely enter on the north side of the parade route, as that is where the demonstration will be. Do not enter the parade route from the south side as there will be limited ability to cross Pennsylvania Ave.
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What to bring: People will have to make sure they don't have anything on the Secret Service list of prohibited items. Please note the list of prohibited items below, which include such as bags (except very small ones) and sign poles. We recommend everyone bring snacks and bottles of water in their pockets.
- How to get there: Metro will open at 4:00 a.m. and be running extra trains, so getting downtown by that time will be possible. The Archives Metro Station will be closed because it is within the secure zone, but the other stations in that area will be open and running extra service. Gallery Place / Chinatown (Green and Yellow lines) is the closest to the checkpoint entrance. Other nearby Metro stations that will be open are Metro Center (Red, Blue, Orange and Silver) and Judiciary Square (Red). Given the heavy traffic, the authorities are recommending that passengers not transfer Metro lines.
Street closures
List of prohibited items
- Aerosols
- Ammunition
- Animals other than service/guide animals
- Backpacks and bags exceeding size restrictions (18” by 13” by 7”)
- Bicycles
- Balloons
- Coolers
- Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
- Explosives
- Firearms
- Glass, thermal, or metal containers
- Laser pointers
- Mace / Pepper spray
- Packages
- Selfie Sticks
- Signs exceeding the size restrictions (20’ x 3’ x 1/4”)
- Structures
- Supports for signs and placards
- Toy guns
- Weapons of any kind
- Any other items determined to be potential safety hazards
Source: Page 16 of the attached PDF, released by the Secret Service
Public transportation and changes to Metro schedule
Inaugural events attendees are encouraged to use public transportation, as many streets in and around the Capitol Grounds and the National Mall area will be closed to private automobiles for much of the day. Metro plans to run special rail service on Inauguration Day to support large crowds traveling to and from the National Mall and other events in the region.
Metrorail
- Metrorail will open at 4 a.m. and close at midnight. Peak fares will be in effect from 4 a.m. until 9 p.m. After 9 p.m., off-peak fares will be in effect.
- Five of Metro's 91 stations -- Archives, Mt Vernon Square, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian and Pentagon - will be closed due to enhanced security measures.
- For 17 consecutive hours -- from opening until 9 p.m. -- trains will run frequently on all lines, including "Rush Plus" service on the Yellow Line between Franconia-Springfield and Greenbelt.
- Riders planning to use Metro are encouraged to purchase their SmarTrip card in advance to avoid long lines on Inauguration Day. (Each rider age 5 or older needs his/her own SmarTrip card to enter and exit the system.) Before January 13, visit wmata.com/inauguration to purchase a special $10 one-day pass good for unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus trips on Inauguration Day.
- Metro recommends that riders plan their trip to the National Mall without transferring between lines. There is a station near the National Mall on each Metro line.
Metrobus
- Metrobus will operate "Saturday Supplemental" service (Saturday schedule with additional trips on selected routes). Check wmata.com for details.
- Approximately 50 routes will operate with detours due to Inauguration events and road closures. Expect delays and detours. Please allow additional time.
- Routes that normally cross the National Mall will turn around at special locations outside the secure area; use Metrorail instead. Visit wmata.com/inauguration for information.
- Temporary bus stops will be marked around the security perimeter of the event where bus routes will end.
MetroAccess
- MetroAccess paratransit service for customers with disabilities will operate identical hours to rail and bus schedules.
- MetroAccess customers are encouraged to plan extra time to travel due to increased traffic throughout the service area. Due to road closures, MetroAccess vehicles will only be able to drop off customers several blocks from the National Mall and parade route.
- MetroAccess vehicles will not be permitted access to streets that are closed. All MetroAccess users should be prepared for detours and extended travel times.
Parking
- Metro has approximately 60,000 parking spaces in 29 lots and 22 garages throughout the Washington region for private motorists to park on Inauguration Day. Many of these facilities are located near major highways, such as I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway).
- Tour buses are not permitted to park at Metro stations or use Metro bus facilities or roadways. Follow tour bus instructions on dc.gov.
- Regular weekday parking rates will be charged as you exit the garage and may be paid by credit card.
- Parking facilities at Metro stations may reach capacity early on Inauguration Day. Have a backup plan in the event that your selected parking facility is full.
Metro's website is wmata.com. For important real-time updates regarding Metro service and parking availability, follow @wmata, @metrorailinfo and @metrobusinfo, and sign up for Metro Inauguration Alerts by texting POTUS to 90360. For Metro travel information by phone, call (202) 637-7000 [TTY 202- 962-2033].
Charter Buses
Transportation and security planners anticipate up to 1,500 private buses carrying approximately 100,000 participants to Washington, D.C. for the Inaugural events. Parking is only available at RFK Stadium and must be reserved in advance at http://goground.com/pi2017/home. From RFK Stadium, passengers will be able to take Metrorail, walk, or, in limited cases, take shuttle buses to the Inaugural events.
Charter buses will not be able to park and/or drop off passengers at any Metro station in Washington D.C., Virginia or Maryland. All transportation providers planning to travel to the District of Columbia during Inauguration Week with chartered buses, motor carriers, etc., must obtain a trip permit from the