Metro News Release
For immediate release: January 7, 2005
Customers can vote on Metro’s Web site to choose their favorite Metrorail seating arrangement
Starting today, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) would like to hear from its customers on their preferred choice for design layout of the interior of Metrorail cars.
Customers are encouraged to visit Metro’s Web site at http://www.wmata.com/survey/railcar/railcar_survey.cfm to participate in a poll about the interior design of rail cars. Metro is looking at car designs that would provide the best compromise between comfort and capacity as Metro looks to increase capacity inside its rail cars.
Yesterday, Metro’s Board Planning and Development and Administration Committee discussed ways to increase capacity and improve passenger flow inside its rail cars. They looked at several concepts with new seating arrangements that would eliminate anywhere from eight to 48 seats. Currently, Metro’s rail cars have 64 or 81 seats.
"We are interested in getting feedback from our customers as it pertains to rail car seating and capacity," said Metro General Manager/CEO Richard A. White. "We want to hear from our customers and we value their input on this critical issue." On Metro’s Web site, customers can choose from one of the five concepts that was presented at yesterday’s Board meeting. Customers can only vote once, as one response per person will be recorded.
"We recognize there is a need to strike a balance between maintaining comfort for customers with longer rides and accommodating more riders so that customers are not left on the platforms. That’s why our customers’ opinions will be critical as we examine these different concepts," said Mr. White.
More formal means for public input into this issue will be announced in the next few weeks. Results from the on-line poll will be included in a package of material that Metro will forward to the Board in the next 60 days along with updated rail car concepts.
News release issued on January 7, 2005.