Metro News Release

For immediate release: November 25, 2003

Metro’s prepared for winter weather

Now that fall is in full swing, Metro has already begun its preparations to ensure that the Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess systems are ready for safe service for its customers, whenever the system is open during winter time snow/ice emergencies. There are a number of steps Metro takes to ensure that its system is ready. If weather conditions become severe enough, Metro will first and foremost activate its Snow Command Center to monitor the system from a centralized location to quickly deploy personnel, equipment, and materials throughout the system. Once the center is activated, most snow emergency-related personnel, inside and outside of the Department of Operations, will work extended shift periods. A summary of the major steps Metro undertakes for winter weather emergencies is as follows:Metrobus∙ Snow shovels, snow blowers, sand, coolants (de-icers) are on hand at each Metrobus division.∙ Radial tires on buses have eliminated the need for the universal use of chains. Chains will only be installed in an emergency to remove a Metrobus stuck in snow or ice.∙ Metrobus staff is ready to handle snow and ice situations with street supervisors who will travel throughout the region to assess route conditions and determine whether streets are passable " especially hilly areas and bridges, which freeze first in severe winter weather. ∙ Articulated buses, buses with the accordion-like pleat in the middle of the bus, will usually be removed from service in severe weather conditions like snow and ice.Metrorail∙ Scraping and spraying equipment is in position for deployment when needed.∙ Super Prime Movers (diesel trains) which are used to assist in mainline and rail yard moves during snow emergency weather will be positioned and be ready for use when conditions require.∙ Switch-point and switch-rod heaters as well as third-rail heat tape will be activated when winter weather emergencies indicate their use is required. The first two are for keeping the switch equipment (which changes the direction of train travel) warm so that they will operate; and heat tape on the third-rail (the source of electricity to power trains) keeps the third-rail warm to deter the build-up of frozen snow or ice.∙ Snow plows for clearing station entry ways and parking lots are available for use; salt/sand applications at entrances and on outdoor platforms will continually take place during snowy/icy weather.∙ Employees will deploy a variety of equipment " from hand shovels to power brushes and blowers " for clearing entrances and bus bays at Metrorail stations and for clearing rail yards where trains are stored. MetroAccess∙ As with Metrobus, MetroAccess (the curb-to-curb service for people with disabilities certified to use this service) will operate during winter weather emergencies as long as it is safe to do so on the area’s roads.∙ MetroAccess vehicles undergo winterization that includes, among other things, the inspection of coolant and other fluid levels, as well as heater, tire pressure, and tread status checks.∙ Once a severe winter weather event is predicted, the fuel tanks are kept no lower than half full.∙ MetroAccess vehicles are also equipped with chains, sand, fuses, shovels, and more for use in an emergency.∙ MetroAccess and LogistiCare essential personnel are placed on readiness and standby levels during a winter weather emergency. From October 15 through April 15 of each year, daily reports of the status of equipment and supplies are provided the Department of Operations so that the system remains in a readiness position for any winter weather-related emergency. " While Metro undertakes an intensive effort to be ready for winter weather each year, there are times when the system could be overwhelmed by the amount of snow and/or ice. Under such severe conditions, the system may have to curtail service, especially at outdoor Metrorail stations " with a measured snowstorm of eight or more inches " operating service only at designated underground stations. And the Metrobus system’s level of operation is dependent on the condition of the region’s roadway system," Mr. Gallagher noted. " To alert our customers in plenty of time for them to make alternate plans, we will undertake an aggressive public communication campaign should severe winter weather necessitate curtailing service in any manner." If Metro should have to curtail service, it will use a number of ways to get the word out to customers: E-alerts to personal communications devices, if customers have registered for this service (those not registered for e-alerts can go to Metro’s Web site to do so); the Web site at www.metroopensdoors.com,; the Passenger Information Displays in rail stations; the Customer Information line at 202-637-7000 (TTY 638-3780); and frequent updates via the media on television and radio. Support departments/offices such as the Department of Communications, System Safety and Risk Management, and the Metro Transit Police will place their essential staffs in readiness level, and during the height of any winter weather emergency, these personnel are also placed on extended shifts. " Thousands of employees at Metro play a front-line and support role during any weather emergency in the winter," noted Mr. Gallagher. " We are committed to safety being our number 1 priority for our customers at all times, and especially during the winter time when the challenges to operate safely are even greater."

News release issued on November 25, 2003.