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Metro Takes Holiday From Weekend Track Work

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Cherry blossom season means a holiday from weekend track work for Metro riders.

The transit agency won't conduct any of its typical weekend maintenance until April 20. Metro says the break from track work
will ensure that weekend riders headed to the city's Tidal Basin to see the flowers have a "seamless travel experience."

Metro says ridership increases by an average of more than 15 percent during the cherry blossom season, and weekend ridership can double to near-weekday levels during nice weather.

More than 1 million people are expected in Washington to see the pink and white blossoms over the duration of this year's festival, which continues through April 27.

This year's festival marks the 100th anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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