Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 22, 2003

Safety Reminder: As the tourist season is underway Metro reminds customers to be aware of surroundings

With the conclusion of the Cherry Blossom festivities, the annual tourist season is now fully underway. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) wants to remind the more than one million people who use Metrorail and Metrobus to pay attention to their surroundings at this time. Occasionally, Metro customers have reported to the Metro Transit Police that they were approached by an individual who seemed to be distressed and needed assistance. The individual often appears well dressed and is very courteous in describing their situation. Frequently, as an example, the individual explains that due to unforseen circumstances, he or she " needs just a few dollars for cab fare." However, it is difficult to determine if the need is genuine. Sometimes that same individual is seen later riding the subway or attempting to urge another customer to give him or her money. " This situation often leaves the impression that someone may have taken advantage of a sympathetic customer, otherwise known as a scam," said Polly Hanson, Metro’s Chief of Police. " Even though the decision to provide financial assistance to a patron is a personal choice, the Metro Transit Police would like to inform our customers that this interaction could constitute a crime. We urge our patrons to contact the Metro Transit Police immediately if this situation occurs." In the event of a situation or an emergency, Metrorail customers may utilize the emergency passenger intercoms located on station platforms, inside elevators, at the ends of each subway car, or contact a station manager. Metrobus customers are encouraged to notify the bus operator in the event of an emergency. " Metro is considered one of the safest transit agencies in the country, and our dedicated force of transit officers will continue to work hard to keep our system safe for passengers and employees 24-hours-a-day," Chief Hanson said. Customers are encouraged to call the 24-hour police line at (202) 962-2121 when they want to report anything before entering or after leaving the system.

News release issued on April 22, 2003.