Metro News Release

For immediate release: February 13, 2007

Metro Outlines Winter Weather Preparations for Wednesday

Metro officials will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout Tuesday evening and Wednesday as the forecast calls for a wintery mix of ice and snow. Trains will run throughout the night to keep the rails clear of ice and snow. Metro’s plans for Wednesday, February 14 are:

Metrorail

▸ Metro will operate its de-icer trains overnight, paying close attention to the above-ground sections of the rail system and making sure the third rail is clear of snow and ice.

▸ Metrorail will provide normal weekday service with four and six cars.

▸ Starting at 5 a.m., 12 trains will be equipped with de-icing equipment to combat snow and ice on the third rail.

▸ Metro will use “heater tape” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape, which has been in use throughout the winter, is a cable clipped onto the third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark to keep the third rail warm enough to prevent snow and ice from building-up.

▸ Maintenance personnel will report early Wednesday, to treat station entrances, platforms and parking facilities as needed.

Metrobus

▸ Metrobus will provide a normal weekday schedule, however, Metrobuses will operate as road conditions dictate, so passengers should expect possible detours and delays due to changing road conditions.

MetroAccess

▸ MetroAccess will operate as road conditions allow, so passengers should expect possible detours and delays due to changing road conditions. If a MetroAccess passenger has a scheduled ride on Wednesday, and it is not an emergency trip, they are encouraged to reschedule the trip to another day. Otherwise, passengers with scheduled rides should call (301) 562-5360 for a status update of their ride.

Riders

▸ Riders should build extra time into their travel plans. They should also watch their step as wet tiles and steps may get slippery.

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News release issued at 12:00 am, February 13, 2007.