Metro News Release

For immediate release: July 20, 2004

Metro launches speakers bureau to spread the word about its Metro is Accessible project

To further increase public awareness of its Metro is Accessible project, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) recently launched a Speakers Bureau to support the project. Under the direction of Metro’s Office of Americans with Disabilities Act Programs (ADAP), the Metro is Accessible project, introduced last December, is designed to encourage people with disabilities to ride Metrobus and Metrorail. The new Speakers Bureau, which is comprised of Metro employees, members of Metro’s Elderly & Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee, and customers with disabilities, is one of the many ways that Metro is reaching out to the disability community. Members of the Speakers Bureau volunteer their time to speak about Metro’s accessibility and the benefits of riding Metrorail and Metrobus. There is a potential audience of 385,000 people with disabilities in the region, 80,000 of whom it is estimated could use Metro’s fixed-route bus and rail system. The goal of the Speakers Bureau is to increase awareness of the accessibility features of Metrorail and Metrobus, ranging from lift-equipped and low floor ramp buses with stop announcement systems to extra-wide faregates and accessible farecard machines with lower panels and easy-to-follow instructions in Braille and raised alphabet, as well as a button to press for audio instructions. Currently, 16,000 people with disabilities are enrolled in Metro’s Reduced Fare Program and receive discounted fares when traveling on Metrobus and Metrorail. "Through our Speakers Bureau, Metro is striving to reach out to a larger audience and educate them about the ease of using the fixed-route system, a system that can provide great flexibility and convenience when traveling around the Capitol region," said Rikki S. Epstein, ADA Project Officer. "Our speakers who are current customers or Metro employees who have a disability are the most compelling, as they can provide first-hand experiences and perspectives on the benefits of using the fixed-route system." The Speakers Bureau presentations include information about trip planning, travel tips, safety precautions and a call to action for suggestions on how to improve the existing system. Metro’s reduced fares for customers with disabilities are also outlined. Members of the Metro is Accessible Speakers Bureau are available to speak to groups including service providers who work with people with disabilities, disability advocacy organizations, people with disabilities, families and friends of people with disabilities, and any other interested parties. Individual and group orientation sessions which provide hands-on assistance in learning to use the bus and rail systems are also available for free through the Metro is Accessible project. To schedule a Metro is Accessible presentation, please contact Metro’s ADAP Office at 202-962-1558 or 202-962-2033 (TTY).

News release issued on July 20, 2004.