Metro coped with record ridership on both trains and buses today, starting early -- 4am for the first trains.

Jonathan Wilson and Jessica Forres report...



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As of 3:20 this afternoon-- Metro reported more than 733,000 people had ridden their trains today -- more than doubling the previous one day record.RUNS 1:25

It couldn't compare to the crowds downtown later in the day -- but near the top of the escalator at the Tenleytown station a full half-hour before the stationed opened at four, a line of nearly 200 people developed -- at times breaking out into a good natured cheer.

OPEN the GATE, OPEN THE GATE.

Busier still was Shady Grove -- at the north end of the red line. The crowd there had people, like Jeff Eberhart, from Detroit, wishing he had gotten up even earlier.

I KNOW THEY EXPECTED A LARGE CROWD BUT I DIDN'T KNOW THEY EXPECTED THIS MANY, THIS EARLY.

Crowds picked up even more once everyday commuters joined the flock -- but it wasn't until later in the morning that an incident at Gallery Place had Metro officials holding their breath.

Jessica Forres has more on that...

Jon Doe, a vendor, has been standing outside the metro station all morning. He says the festive atmosphere dulled when Metro closed the station after a 68-year old woman fell on the red line tracks.

THEY STOPPED PEOPLE FROM COMING OUT OF THE METRO FOR A WHILE. EVERYBODY WAS A LITTLE HUSH HUSH FOR A MOMENT.

[NAT: AT THIS TIME]

The incident caused lengthy delays on the red line for nearly an hour.

Taryn McNeil is a spokesperson for Metro.

APPARENTLY SHE FELL ONTO THE TRACKS AND SOME PEOPLE TRIED TO HELP HER AND THEY COULDN'T GET HER UP SO SHE WENT UP UNDER THE LEDGE AREA AND WAS REMOVED AFTER THE TRAIN HAD COME INTO THE STATION.

The woman was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials are still investigating the cause of the fall.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News