Metro News Release
For immediate release: September 2, 2008
Emergency evacuation maps available on Web site
Printed copies will be available in stations during service disruptions
Station-specific emergency evacuation maps are now available on Metro’s Web site to inform riders about nearby Metrobus and Metrorail options in the event that an unforeseen incident shuts down or greatly impedes a station or portion of a rail line that they normally use. To view the maps, go to the “Metrorail stations” page (http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/stations.cfm) and click on individual station names.
The maps, customized for each of Metrorail’s 117 station mezzanines, show all bus service near the station and provide walking directions to the closest Metrorail station along with the distance and estimated walking time. For stations with more than one mezzanine, there are multiple maps. For example, Metro Center has four different maps customized for each mezzanine (SE corner 13th and G streets, SE corner 11th and G streets, NE corner 12th and G streets and SW corner 12th and F streets). The map marks the station exit with a “You Are Here” icon and pinpoints all bus stops in the immediate area with a list of all of the bus routes making those stops. It also lists the nearby Metrorail stations, identifies the rail lines that serve each of the stations, and provides walking directions to the station with the distance and estimated walking time.
“September is National Preparedness Month and is the perfect time to download a few of these maps along your regular route and keep them in your briefcase or backpack,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn.
The maps are part of an ongoing initiative to improve communications with customers, particularly during major service disruptions. The maps are meant to aid Metro riders if they have to evacuate a rail station or choose to find an alternate route during a lengthy service disruption. Metro urges riders to map out an alternate route before an emergency happens.
Each station mezzanine initially will receive 5,000 copies of the individualized maps and make them available during major service disruptions. Metrorail station managers or other Metro personnel responding to the scene will be able to distribute the maps to riders as riders looking for alternate routes leave the station. Once the inventory gets low, personnel will be able to make photocopies to keep a supply of maps on hand.
News release issued at 9:29 am, September 2, 2008.