Metro News Release
For immediate release: December 4, 2008
Metro unveils new Web site
Visitors should find what they need in three clicks
Visitors to Metro’s Web site, MetroOpensDoors.com, will find a comprehensively redesigned Web site that gives riders, businesses and visitors effortless access to online information about Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess service on Monday, Dec. 8.
The redesigned site offers clean, contemporary look with streamlined content and simplified navigation.
At the new site, customers should be able to find what they are looking for in three clicks or less, whether it’s real-time arrivals, information about delays or detours, or how to purchase fare cards. The most popular features of the Web site, including the Trip Planner and service disruptions information about rail, bus and elevators, still remain prominently positioned on the home page and now include improved interactivity and usability.
Metro’s former Web site contained a wealth of information, but much of it was buried under multiple links. This information has been edited, streamlined and reorganized. Navigation has been enhanced by the use of strong graphic elements and icons.
The new layout enables users to find information quickly. For example, all online tools such as the Trip Planner, savings calculator and real time arrivals can be found under the “Rider Tool” section and all information about fares, Metrorail, Metrobus, parking, SmarTrip, reduced prices for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and how to purchase, is now grouped under the “Fares” tab.
A new feature on the home page is a rotating headline and eye-catching graphic at the center of the page that highlights important topics of the day. Current headlines include the elimination of paper transfers slated for Jan. 4, and plans and information about the Jan. 20 Inauguration. In the event of a major service disruption, this space will be devoted solely to real-time urgent communications.
Rail system information also has been enhanced to provide more immediate rider information and more interactivity. On the interactive Metrorail map, a pop-up box with the station’s address, arrival times for the next few trains and any service alerts for the station appears on screen when a user clicks an individual Metrorail station. The box also has links to a Google map of the area, allowing searches for nearby establishments such as restaurants, hospitals, schools or grocery stores. New station pages organize a wealth of information for each location with rider-friendly icons, graphics and drop-down menus.
Included on the home page is a “New to Metro” tab, which links to information a newcomer to the region would need to find their way around the Metro system.
Metro launched its Web site in 1996. Web site usage has grown from 1 million page views per month in 1999 to more than 16 million page views in November 2008.
News release issued at 12:02 pm, December 4, 2008.