Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 15, 2003

This week at Metro (Monday, Sept. 15, 2003)

Metro Recognized for Outstanding Commitment to Area Youth

The Prince George’s One-Stop Career Center recognized the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for its outstanding commitment to and support of area youth during WMATA’s fiscal year 2004 Summer Youth Program. The Authority mentored 52 youngsters from the area as they obtained real-world work experience at Metro. Of that total, 27 youth came from Prince George’s County. Several WMATA departments have mentored the same youngsters for several years. The award and certificate of recognition was presented to WMATA in a ceremony last month. The Department of Workforce Development and Diversity Programs, which administers the Summer Youth Program at WMATA, accepted the award on behalf of the Authority.

Metrorail Cited as One of the World’s Best Subway Systems

According to the Travel Channel, Metrorail is considered a top travel destination due to its ranking by the Travel Channel as the world’s third best subway system, behind only Moscow and Paris. Travel, part of the Discovery Communications family, cites Metro’s monumental architecture, long escalators, cleanliness, and quiet. It calls the underground ride "a destination in itself." Rounding out the top five subways are London and Sao Paolo.

Metrorail Station Kiosks Now Have Computer Connections

With funding through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration, computers have been installed in all kiosks (the booths staffed by station managers) at Metrorail stations. The project for connecting kiosks began two years ago when 21 kiosks at 11 Metrorail stations received computers. Today, all stations are equipped with these computers and all station managers and rail supervisors are being trained in their use.

Now, the Rail Transportation department can simultaneously provide information to all station managers and communicate with them by e-mail. Most importantly, station managers have access to Metro’s Web site, www.metroopensdoors.com. This means they have access to the elevator and escalator outage information, The RideGuide, and other information which they can provide to Metro customers who request information from stations managers at Metrorail stations.

About five dozen individuals - employees from Rail Transportation, Information Technology Services, and the Budget office - worked together over a two-year period to bring this project to a successful conclusion. Rail recognized members of the project team last month and presented them with the first Rail Service Excellence pins for their outstanding team work.

Upcoming Events Accessible by Metro

  • September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month; the month recognizes the traditions, ancestry, and experiences of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean; employees of Hispanic origin make up 2.9 percent of WMATA’s work force.

  • September 20, 2003, Giant Food BikeDC 2003; organizers are planning for 10,000 bicyclists and the 30-mile bike events begins and ends at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.; the 12-mile family bike event begins and ends at 10th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Metrobus customers should expect rolling delays and plan to add more time to their trips on buses traveling near the bike event: Pennsylvania Avenue, the Anacostia Waterfront, and Whitehurst Freeway, and other scenic routes in the Washington metropolitan region. Metrobus bike racks hold two bicycles per bus.

  • October 24 to 26, Boo at the Zoo, an evening of not-too-scary fun featuring animal encounters, festive decorations, and haunted trails for families with children to enjoy. All adults and children, ages 2 and older, must have tickets. Attendees are encouraged to take Metrobus or Metrorail to the Woodley Par-Zoo/Adams Morgan station. To plan your trip, visit the RideGuide.

Board Meetings Scheduled

The Human Resources Committee will convene on Thursday, September 18, 2003, at 9 a.m., in the Meeting Room followed by the full Board meeting in the Board Room. Both rooms are adjacent to the lobby at Metro headquarters, 600 Fifth Street, N.W. To hear a recording about upcoming meetings, date and time changes for meetings, or the results of the last meeting, call 202-962-1055. To hear quotes by Metro experts, call MetroVoices at 202-962-2007.

News release issued on September 15, 2003.