Metro News Release
For immediate release: March 21, 2007
Metro launches "RESPECT: Give it. Get it." effort
Metro launched a new outreach effort to improve student behavior in the Metro system by focusing on respect. The Metro Transit Police Department, and DC public and charter schools partnered on the initiative to address the growing concern about student behavior in the Metro system.
Because the District of Columbia does not have a school bus system, many students use Metrobus and Metrorail to go to school. Student behavior on and around Metro impacts other riders, businesses and residents near Metro stations and bus stops. Metro listened to the concerns of its riders and partnered with the schools, local law enforcement and communities to remind students about appropriate behavior while riding Metro.
The “RESPECT: Give it. Get it.” theme was developed by students and reminds them that it is important to adhere to Metro’s laws while traveling throughout the system. Failure to follow the laws can negatively impact other passengers. The campaign stresses that when one respects the laws, property and all customers riding Metro, one will get respect from Metro customers and employees.
“Our partnership in this campaign with schools and students is an important part of our effort to keep the students, other Metro customers and the Metro system safe,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson. “The campaign message reminds everybody that safety and security is Metro’s highest priority, and our laws are meant to accomplish this,” she said.
“Educators, police officers and adults showed respect to the youth of our region when they asked students how to put together this program,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe. “We gave respect and in return, got great ideas on how to communicate with today’s youth. Metro employees will continue this effort by treating our younger riders – and all customers – with respect,” he said.
RESPECT posters will be displayed throughout the Metrorail system and on Metrobuses. Additionally, public service announcements will air on a local radio station. The ads remind students and all riders that it is unlawful to smoke, eat, drink, fight, be disruptive, carry weapons or other dangerous articles or destroy Metro property.
Metro Transit Police officers will be visiting local schools to present the campaign’s message to schools officials, teachers, students and parents. The campaign’s goals also include encouraging parents and community members to reinforce expectations.
“Respect for others is a character value that our school system seeks to teach everyday," said Superintendent Clifford B. Janey. "This campaign reminds our students that the use of Metro is a privilege and that we fully expect them to behave with respect for each other and for other passengers. There will be zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior,” he said.
“Because charter schools enroll students from all over the city, a significant number of charter school students use Metro. We felt this was an especially important issue to the charter community, and have been pleased to collaborate with Metro, DCPS, and parochial schools, in support of all D.C. students,” said Tom Nida, Chair of the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board.
“Everyday, whether they realize it or not, our youngsters go to school and while doing so, they are learning about Metro and how important it is to the region,” said Emeka Moneme, Director of the District’s Department of Transportation. “This campaign truly involves our students, and gives them ownership of the system,” he said.
News release issued at 12:00 am, March 21, 2007.