The National Cherry Blossom Festival is just around the corner now that official peak bloom predictions are out, and evenWMATA is getting in on the excitement, debuting its annual blossom-beautified buses and train!
There will be one six-car train and three buses bearing this year’s designs – each reading, “Bring on the blossoms.” in bright pink. Want to catch one but not sure where it is? No problem—the Metro also designed a special tracker so riders can see where they are and how to catch them!
In addition to the cherry blossom train and buses, WMATA is also releasing a physical Cherry Blossom Festival commemorative SmarTrip card that will be available only at the following stations: Metro Center, Navy Yard, L’Enfant Plaza, and Smithsonian. The commemorative travel card can be purchased at specially marked fare machines around March 15, before the start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The special Metros will run throughout the season, including through the National Cherry Blossom Festival, March 18th through April 19th.
“The annual cherry blossom season is an iconic part of our region, and we are proud to be a part of that experience,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “We want you to enjoy the ride to see the blooms and join us in celebrating the season on our cherry blossom buses and train.”
Every year, people from all over the world flock to D.C. from late March through mid-April to take in the sight of the beautiful, blossoming cherry blossoms that adorn the capital and turn it into a pink paradise that people travel from far to see.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place during this time, highlighting these natural beauties with a bevy of additional themed activities and events, such as the Blossom Kite Festival, live music and art at Petalpalooza, and, of course, the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run.
This year’s National Cherry Blossom Parade will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024, and will head the parade along Constitution Avenue.