Metro News Release

For immediate release: November 1, 2004

Transit police encourage customers to "See it" Say it!" with new campaign

Metro officials are continuing to provide increased security at Metrorail stations, on trains and Metrobuses as the entire metropolitan region focuses on ensuring a safe environment.

"We are continuing to take precautionary measures to assure our customers that we are doing everything we can to ensure they can use our system without incident," said Metro Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson. "Our customers are likely to see members of our special response teams of officers moving throughout the system. We also are wearing our high-visibility vests so that customers can easily identify us.

"Transit police are distributing new cards that advise our customers that if they, ’See it" Say it!’ which is how we are asking our them to be an extension of our eyes and ears, and let us know if they see anything unusual," Chief Hanson added.

The "See it" Say it!" cards encourage transit riders to report suspicious behavior and packages to any Metro employee or police. The cards also direct customers to visit the Metro web site to view additional safety-related tips and information.

As part of the "See it" Say it!" campaign, Metro customers are being asked to be aware of suspicious behavior or unusual activity, unattended items, and smoke or odd odors. "If you see someone leave a package, politely bring it to their attention," explains Chief Hanson. "If you see suspicious behavior, find an unattended item or witness something unusual, stay away from it and tell the bus operator, train operator, police officer or station manager immediately." The Metro Transit Police can be contacted at 202-962-2121. "The presence of our special response teams and other security efforts do not indicate any specific, impending danger," Chief Hanson said. " We are continuing to take precautionary measures intended to add an additional layer of security."

There are several things that Metrorail passengers should be aware of in case of an emergency:

There are emergency intercoms inside each rail car at either end of the car that can be used to report suspicious or unusual activity, or unattended items to the train operator.

Inside each rail car next to the center doors, there are emergency procedures posted. All passengers should familiarize themselves with these procedures.

If a train stops, passengers should listen for the operator’s instructions and follow them quickly and calmly.

Customers should never block doors from closing because a train will only move if all doors are closed.

"Metrorail customers need to make sure they are aware of their surroundings so that if an emergency situation arises, they are prepared for action," Chief Hanson said. "While waiting for a train to enter a station, customers should familiarize themselves with all of the entrances to the station in case they have to take a different exit," Chief Hanson noted. "They should locate the emergency intercoms on specially marked pylons and use them to report suspicious behavior, unusual activity, or unattended items to the station manager."

Metrobus riders should follow the bus operator’s instructions. Emergency exit procedures are listed on windows, ceiling escape hatches, and on doors.

For more information on Metro emergency preparedness visit www.metroopensdoors.com and review the safety-related tips and information including the emergency ev acuation guide and alternative route guide. From the home page, go to How to Travel, then Safety. Also, visit washingtonpost.com/express to review the Metro Emergency Guide.

News release issued on November 1, 2004.