Businesses look forward to Metro Silver Line extension bringing foot traffic to stores
RESTON, Va. (7News) — While many may be thinking of the long-awaited Dulles Airport stop when thinking about the Metro Silver Line extension that's set to open Tuesday, the shops and restaurants just steps away from the five other stops have money on their minds.
The extension spans from Reston to Ashburn and includes the following stops: Reston Town Center, Herndon, Innovation Center, Dulles Airport, Loudoun Gateway, and Ashburn.
As riders look forward to shaving time off of their commutes with these new stops, Ersin Karaman and his family are expecting to shave more meat off their skewers at their restaurant, Taste of Istanbul.
The Karaman family's restaurant is in Reston Town Center, and they are looking forward to the potential for more foot traffic by their store.
"We're pretty excited. Hopefully, it brings in some business. I think it is much needed around here, at Metro," Karaman said.
The Silver Line extension has been a long time coming, opening four years later than planned and $250 million over budget. The extension completes the final phase of the full 23-mile expansion that began construction in 2009, opening the first segment five years later.
But Karaman said it's better late than never.
"It got delayed, but if they opened at Covid, during the beginning of Covid, I don't think many people would have rode the Metro, but I think now everyone is starting to get in their comfort zone," Karaman said. "I think people will use these new stops."
With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, Reston Town Center is already shining with holiday lights lining the streets.
Businesses there are already accustomed to being flooded with shoppers during the holiday shopping season.
According to Metro, around 420,000 people live within five miles of the six new stations. With these potential customers able to access the shopping center by train, Karaman said he thinks this will only make the area more crowded over the next month.
"If it was a holiday, you would see families, couples walking, everyone out," Karaman said.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has conducted 18 weeks of testing, training, and safety certification efforts by Metro. Metro took control of the Silver Line Extension from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
On opening day Tuesday, customers who visit the six new Silver Line stations will be greeted by Metro teams handing out commemorative pennants, a Metro tradition that started when the first station opened in 1976.
The Silver Line Extension includes a brand-new rail maintenance and service yard, located on 90 acres of the Washington Dulles International Airport property. The Dulles Rail Yard is the largest rail yard in the Metro system and employs approximately 450 people.
Metro has been testing the new tracks and equipment, and training staff at the stations, railyard, and maintenance facilities in preparation for the long-awaited opening to the public.
You can find updates for the Silver Line extension at this link here.
