Metro News Release
For immediate release: April 7, 2004
Metro reminds its customers: Do you have an Emergency Backup Plan while commuting in a Transit environment"
With the recent transit events of Madrid, Spain, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) would like to encourage area residents to prepare for an emergency that is likely to affect their typical commute, and know how to respond if the emergency occurs while commuting to and from home and work.
"More than ever, it’s important for our customers to be prepared for emergencies," said Robert J. Smith, Metro’s Board Chairman. "There are simple steps people can take now to minimize the impact that a service disruption might have on their lives, and the critical first step is planning ahead."
Metro can offer individuals plenty of advice on finding alternate routes to get from place-to-place, however "the best time to figure out alternative routes is before there is an emergency," said Mr. Smith.
"During an emergency, people will have to be more flexible, and they may have to utilize an alternate route home," said Dana Kauffman, Metro’s Board Vice Chairman. "People should take the time to learn alternate routes and ways to get where they need to go. In this region, there are multiple ways to reach a destination, and knowing a different route to get home or to work is critical." Information on emergency planning can be found on Metro’s Web site at: http://www.wmata.com/riding/safety/together_we_prepare.pdf. This link provides emergency planning tips on contacting family members; determining a meeting place; selecting alternate modes of transportation; securing updated transportation information; and preparing and practicing an emergency plan.
"Most people are used to getting to and from work and home the same way each day, either on Metrorail or Metrobus," said Metro Board Member Jim Graham. "Preparedness can be achieved through smart communications, and our Web site has several options for our customers to use at www.metroopensdoors.com."
Metro provides alternative route information via several modes of communicating with customers. They are:
Metro System Route Maps: These newly issued free maps are available at Metrorail stations, regional sales offices or by calling Metro at 202-637-7000. The route maps identify locations where the MARC, VRE, and Amtrak stations are located at or near Metrorail stations. These transportation providers, along with Metrobus and other local regional transportation providers are viable options during an emergency.
On-Line Ride Guide: Individuals can log onto Metro’s Ride Guide (www.metroopensdoors.com) to find out different ways to get from place to place. Options include rail-only travel, rail and bus travel, and bus-only travel.
Voice-Activated Ride Guide: This provides the identical service as listed above, but without the need for a computer. Individuals may call 202-637-7000 to access the Ride Guide via telephone. This is also a good option should someone with a cell phone suddenly find themself on a street corner in need of finding out how to get home using mass transportation.
E-mail Alerts: E-mail alerts from Metro regarding delays or closures can be sent directly via e-mail to a person’s desktop computer, cell phone, pager, or personal digital assistant.
Transportation Links: During an emergency, Metro’s web site will carry emergency transportation information, regardless of whether that information is Metro-related. Links to other transportation providers are also located on Metro’s web site.
Timetables: Metrorail and Metrobus timetables are also available on-line at www.metroopensdoors.com.
"The most important message that we can communicate to our customers is to have a plan in place in the event of an emergency," said Fred Goodine, Metro’s Assistant General Manager For Safety. "Having an emergency plan, and practicing that plan will help alleviate the stress or pressure that may develop if an emergency occurs. The best course of action in an emergency is to listen to the appropriate announcements from Metro personnel, and to implement your emergency back-up plan."
News release issued on April 7, 2004.