Metro orders office return to boost ridership, economy

Metro has ordered all employees to return to working from the office by July to boost collaboration and support local businesses. General Manager Randy Clarke said this change is important as D.C. prepares for big events like the presidential inauguration and World Pride.

Currently, 85% of Metro’s 13,500 staff work on-site. Clarke emphasized that the decision aligns with other companies, such as Amazon, in pushing employees back to the office even as hybrid work remains popular.

The move could boost Metrorail ridership
Federal workers, who made up 40% of Metro’s commuters before the pandemic, now account for half that number.

Weekday Metrorail ridership is only 60% of pre-pandemic levels, while buses see higher recovery rates.

Federal employees often buy costly passes covered by work benefits, making their return financially significant for Metro.