Metro News Release

For immediate release: December 5, 2003

Winter is here!

Metro wants customers to keep these tips in mind when traveling by Metro during winter weather

Now that fall seems to have fallen, cold weather is here, it’s time to think about the first snow fall and the preparations and safety precautions our customers need to take to keep safe during wintry weather. Since early, Metro has been prepping for winter, making sure that the equipment and supplies that may be required to deal with snow and ice are on hand.

Metro also wants to provide tips for its customers on keeping safe and warm during the winter season, especially when traveling by Metrorail or Metrobus:

· Wear appropriate clothing and shoes to walk in snow or ice. Be mindful that Metro stations, especially those which are aerial or above ground, can feel even chillier than when you are on the ground.

· Take particular care of children traveling with you in inclement weather. Hold youngsters’ hands when you are out and about and help them watch their step entering and exiting stations, buses, and trains, as well as getting on and off escalators.· In general, do not allow children to play on escalators and make sure that they do not sit on the steps of escalators.

· Be sure that all clothing, including shoelaces and buckles, are Be sure that all clothing, including shoelaces and buckles, are kept from the sides of these escalators.· If you are traveling with infants in strollers, use elevators instead of escalators.

· Remind children, even older youth, to approach bus stops with care as snow sometimes piles up against the curbs near where these stops and shelters are located. It is especially dangerous for children to play in the snow in these areas where buses and other traffic pass by.

For more information on riding Metro, customers are encouraged to call 202-637-7000 (TTY 202- 638-3780) or visit Metro’s Web site and log onto The RideGuide to plan your trip on line, from the convenience of your home or office, at www.wmata.com. The RideGuide is also available by phone at 202-637-7000.

Customers are also reminded to check these and other sources of information before traveling in severe winter weather (on rare occasions, Metro may have to curtail service on bus and rail in severe snow/ice conditions): Metro’s Web site and system alerts, e-alerts (go to the Web site to apply for e-alerts to personal communications devices), PIDS (Passenger Information Displays at Metrorail stations), the Customer Information line at the phone numbers above, and frequent TV and radio reports on Metro service status.

To alert our customers in plenty of time for them to make alternate plans, using a variety of the forums indicated, Metro will undertake an aggressive public communication campaign should severe winter weather necessitate curtailing service in any manner.

News release issued on December 5, 2003.