Metro News Release

For immediate release: July 3, 2003

3 a.m. late night service on Metrorail begins this Friday


Metro Transit Police offer tips for late night riders

Starting this Friday, Metrorail service will close at 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. With the start of the 18-month pilot program of late night service in the Metrorail system, Metro Transit Police offer customers "Metrorail Late Night Travel Tips."

"We are providing these tips to our customers as a way to inform them of the steps they should take to keep themselves safe when traveling late at night. Whether riding on Metrorail, Metrobus, any other transit service, or walking about the streets of the region, people should be aware of what to do to stay safe," said Metro Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson.

The Metro Transit Police encourage people to follow these safety tips for the start of the new extended hours:

  • Remain awake and alert to your surroundings and the people who are around you.
  • Travel with someone you know.
  • Don’t stand alone on a station platform. If you feel uncomfortable, move toward other people or seek a Metro employee for assistance.
  • Ride in a rail car that is occupied by other people, or in the first rail car where the operator of the train is located.
  • When entering a parking facility, have your keys ready as you approach your automobile, look inside before entering, and lock the doors as soon as you get inside. Only unlock the door you need to enter.
  • Customers are reminded not to travel either intoxicated or impaired.
  • Report objectionable conduct immediately.
  • Tell a police officer or Metro employee about unusual behavior or unattended bags and packages.
  • Use intercoms located on station platforms and at either end of every car in Metrorail trains.
  • Use telephones on platforms and near faregates.
"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 customers 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 upon entering or leaving the system.

News release issued on July 3, 2003.