Global Reach   |   Now Boarding Blog   |   Services   |   ATG UNITED STATES (WASHINGTON D.C.) - Reports indicate that the Washington D.C. metro rail system will close for 24 hours from 00:01 on 16 March for emergency inspection, maintenance, and safety checks according to Metro officials. Officials have warned that if significant repairs need to be undertaken, the period of closure could extend beyond 24 hours.  The cause of the announcement is unclear, but may be connected to a cable fire on 14 March that caused services on three lines to be suspended. In a previous incident in 2015, a woman died and dozens hospitalized after thick black smoke filled a train due to an electrical fire. The closure of the metro rail system will affect thousands of daily commuters; while the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has yet to announce alternative transportation services to assist those affected, it is expected that the rail closure will lead to a significant increase in alternative forms of transport, including buses and taxis. Clients in the Washington D.C. area are advised to anticipate probable travel delays on 16 March and adjust itineraries accordingly.          ATG has Customer Coaches available around-the-clock if you   need assistance with your travel plans.