Metro News Release

For immediate release: December 16, 2004

Metro to make access to records easier

The Metro Board today authorized a 60-day period for public comment on a proposal to create a privacy policy and to alter its public access to records policy (PARP) to make it easier for the public to request copies of records. The proposals are posted on Metro’s web site and the public will be able to submit their comments.

See the public access to public records policy page.

The proposed changes to the PARP more closely aligns the policy with the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and federal practice although it is tailored to the way that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) operates. WMATA also proposes the adoption of a privacy policy which is designed to protect the legitimate privacy expectations of persons and entities who provide personal and confidential information to WMATA.

The proposed changes to the current policy includes conforming time frames for processing requests with FOIA; tailoring FOIA’s exemptions to Metro’s operations; providing for judicial review; and exempting individual SmarTrip data/information from disclosure except in limited instances.

The proposed privacy policy is designed to protect the privacy of individuals by preventing disclosure of records without consent, assuring individuals access to their information, and accounting for disclosures. It requires Metro to provide a privacy act statement when it collects personal data from an individual; prohibits disclosure of personal information without written permission of the subject of the information, except in the case of identified routine uses, law enforcement request or under court orders; provides for individuals to review, amend and/or disagree with facts contained in records; provides a code of conduct for employees with access to or who use personal information and requires them to execute confidentiality statements; and authorizes the filing of a civil action for violation of the policy.

The draft policies will be posted on Metro’s website, www.metroopensdoors.com starting on or about December 17 for the public to review and submit comments. Copies may also be obtained by calling 202-962-1013 and are also available for pick-up at the receptionist desk at Metro headquarters, 600 Fifth St., NW; at the Metro Lost and Found Office in Silver Spring; and at the Transit Police substation adjacent to the Huntington Metrorail station.. Comments may be sent to the Office of General Counsel, WMATA, 600 5th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 or by e-mail to comments@wmata.com.

News release issued on December 16, 2004.