Metro News Release

For immediate release: May 27, 2003

This Week at Metro (May 27, 2003)


WMATA and District Government to co-sponsor Minnesota Avenue parking garage open house and public hearing; both are set for May 28, 6:30 p.m.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), in partnership with representatives from the District of Columbia government will hold the Minnesota Avenue Parking Garage and Open House on May 28, 2003, at 6:30 p.m., at the St. Luke Center, 4923 East Capitol Street, SE, in Washington, DC.

Individuals or representatives of organizations wanting to testify are requested to furnish in writing, at least five days prior to the proposed hearing date, their name, address, telephone number, and organization affiliation, if any, to Mr. Harold Bartlett, Secretary and Chief of Staff, WMATA, 600 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20002.

The District of Columbia has proposed constructing a parking garage at the northwest corner of Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road, south of the Minnesota Avenue Metrorail station and Metrobus access facility in Northeast Washington. The four-level garage will accommodate 333 spaces on levels two through four for the exclusive use of Metorail park-and-ride customers. These spaces will replace those in the current surface parking area at this station.

While construction is underway, the surface facility will initially be displaced, and spaces to accommodate 50 to 60 vehicles provided on a temporary basis. Upon final approval, construction of the garage is expected to begin in late 2003 and be completed by the fall of 2004. In addition, the District of Columbia has proposed the construction of Government Center, adjacent to the new garage, to house the departments of Employment Services and Human Services.

Metro will provide customer-service information for directing passengers who use the Minnesota Avenue Metrorail station safely around the construction prior to and during the start of this project. For more information on riding Metro, customers may call 202-637-7000 or TTY 202-638-3780 or log on to the Web site at www.metroopensdoors.com.

WMATA receives "Clean Cities National Partner Award"

On May 21, 2003, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) received a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) "Clean Cities National Partner Award" for its success in converting the portions of the Metrobus fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG); for its current plans to convert an additional 564 buses to natural gas in the District, Virginia; and Maryland; for completing the first major renovation of a facility for CNG usage; and for its plans to develop a second CNG facility in Virginia in the next two years.

The award was presented to Metro at the 9th National Clean Cities Conference held in Palm Springs, California. WMATA was one of nine entities, including the City of Dehli, India, recognized for making improvements in air quality through the use of alternative fuels. Metrobus’ Chief Operating Office Jack Requa received the award on behalf of the Authority. Mr. Requa also presented a conference workshop on WMATA’s CNG experience.

Upcoming events accessible by Metro

  • June 7, 2003, the Komen National Race for the Cure, with Metro entering a team and providing safe and secure transportation for race volunteers, participants, and spectators.
  • June 13-15, the22nd Annual Alexandria Waterfront Festival, with free shuttle service from the Eisenhower Avenue and King Street Metrorail stations every 20 minutes; if attendees show a Metro farecard or SmarTrip they will each receive $1 off the price of admission at the gates.
  • July 8-12, 2003, 32nd Annual Conference of Minority Transportation Officials’ National Meeting and Training Conference in Washington, DC; the conference will feature workshops, technical tours, and a youth symposium. Conference planners expect 1,000 attendees at the conference sponsored by Metro and the COMTO Washington, DC, chapter and co-hosted by the Maryland COMTO chapter. DC Mayor Anthony Williams is the Honorary conference Chair.

No Board Meetings scheduled

On Thursday, May 29, 2003, no Board meetings are scheduled. To hear a recording about upcoming meetings, date and time changes for meetings, or the results of the last meeting, call 202-962-1055. New: To hear quotes by Metro experts, call MetroVoices, 202-962-2007.

News release issued on May 27, 2003.