Metro News Release

For immediate release: May 5, 2003

Metro upgrading public address systems in stations

Metrorail officials are upgrading the public address systems in its stations to improve sound quality to ensure that customers can clearly understand announcements that are made inside the stations. So far, six Metrorail stations-Union Station, Judiciary Square, Gallery Place-Chinatown, Metro Center, Farragut North, and Dupont Circle-have had new public address system equipment replaced, such as control equipment, new speakers, and new locations for those speakers. Three other stations are slated for upgrades--L’Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian, and Pentagon. "When the public address systems were initially installed, they were intentionally done in a way so as to not be visible and not detract from the architectural integrity of the stations," said Metro’s CEO Richard White. "The original positioning of the sound system was preferred from an architectural standpoint, however from a practical standpoint, what we are doing now makes the most sense. We are moving the speakers closer to our customers, and as a result, the clarity of the announcements is enhanced considerably. "Our customers have let us know that they sometimes have difficulty understanding the public address announcements due to the acoustics in the underground stations. We concur and are making the needed improvements," Mr. White said. The public address system upgrades, which are focused in the older underground stations, cost approximately $250,000 per station and take about eight weeks to install. The majority of the installation work takes place when the Metrorail system is closed so that the work does not interfere with customer flow through the stations. The station public address system remains one of the best means for communicating with customers, especially if an emergency situation should arise. Other methods of communicating with customers immediately include the use of the passenger information display system located at station platforms and mezzanines, via the e-mail alert system, and via the Metro web site.

News release issued on May 5, 2003.