Metro News Release

For immediate release: February 2, 2004

Metro Prepares for Inclement Weather on Tuesday Morning

In anticipation of the winter storm watch that is in effect for Monday night and Tuesday morning, Metro is making several preparations for the inclement weather. They include:▸ Monitoring weather forecasts and conditions throughout the night;▸ Preparing personnel and equipment so that all snow and ice removal equipment and personnel will be on standby, ready to move into action as soon as the precipitation begins to fall;▸ Pre-positioning prime movers (diesel-powered trains) with snow plows, and ice scrapers and deicing agent to treat the electrified third rail (the rail that powers the trains). They will be pre-positioned along areas of elevated track such as near the Yellow Line bridge over the Potomac River and near the elevated Orange and Blue Line track near the Stadium Armory Metrorail station. This is being done because elevated track is more likely to freeze than ground-level track;▸ If snow accumulations Monday night or Tuesday exceed the 8- to12-inch range, Metro may shut down above ground service and operate underground only; it is also possible that if the region gets hit with several inches of the fluffy, powdery snow, some railcars might have to be taken out of service for repairs, which could make for shorter and more crowded trains on Tuesday;▸ Metro would like to remind all of its customers to tune to television and radio newscasts to get the most current information on Metro’s status, and to use Metro’s other customer service information outlets, including its web site (www.metroopensdoors.com), customer information number, 202-637-7000, and the Metro e-alert page system.

News release issued on February 2, 2004.