Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 22, 2004

Metro launches online Metrorail alternate route planning guide

Guide encourages customers to plan ahead for emergencies

Metro has launched the Metrorail Alternate Route Planning Guide on its metroopensdoors.com Web site to help customers prepare for an emergency that affects Metrorail service. The guide offers easy, step-by-step instructions to plan alternative ways to get home using Metro’s online trip planning service, The RideGuide.

Metro officials have stressed the importance of alternate routes to help in times of service disruptions due to severe weather, fire, equipment malfunctions, or other emergency situations.

The Metrorail Alternate Route Planning Guide includes three basic scenarios for which customers should plan alternate routes: your regular home station is closed; several stations or all above ground stations are closed; all stations are closed or rail service is not practical. The Alternate Route Planning Guide will help customers figure out how best to get home when their normal commuting pattern is not an option.

Metro urges customers to log onto www.metroopensdoors.com and complete the quick exercise to find alternative routes home from work in the event of an emergency that affects Metrorail. Alternate routes may involve using another Metrorail station, taking Metrobus or a regional bus service, or even walking.

The online Metrorail Alternate Route Planning Guide is one part of Metro’s efforts to emphasize to customers the importance of emergency planning during September, which has been designated National Preparedness Month.

News release issued on September 22, 2004.