Metro News Release

For immediate release: March 17, 2005

Metro’s Board of Directors approve the purchase of new bomb containment trash receptacles to be placed inside metrorail stations

Today, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) Board of Directors approved the purchase of new bomb containment trash receptacles that will be installed on Metrorail station platforms.

Metro expects the initial delivery and placement of these trash receptacles to occur this summer, with full delivery to be completed by the end of this year. Metro will purchase between 250 and 300 bomb containment trash for $800,000, which includes the cost of installation.

"Since we removed trash receptacles from the station platforms after September 11, 2001, patrons have commented that Metrorail stations and rail cars have more trash," said Polly Hanson, Metro’s Chief of Police. "To alleviate the problem, we will install special bomb containment trash receptacles on station platforms, similar to the ones located near fare vending machines and faregates."

In the summer of 2002, Metro purchased 400 bomb containment trash cans that were installed near the fare vending machines and faregate areas of all Metrorail stations. The installation of those receptacles was made possible through an emergency safety and security funding grant from The White House and the U.S. Congress in December 2001.

The installation of the bomb containment trash receptacles is another step toward Metro’s emphasis on safety, reliability, enhanced cleanliness and improved customer service and outreach. As part of Metro’s proposed fiscal year 2006 budget, Metro is looking to invest $1.7 million in cleanliness enhancements, including doubling the staff assigned to clean rail cars at the ends of major rail lines; adding 10 cleaners to allow for frequent cleanings inside high volume stations; creating a second special project crew for special response cleaning needs at rail stations; and improving bus cleanliness by reducing the frequency of specialized interior bus cleanings from bi-weekly to weekly.

"This is another example of how Metro listens to its customers and works to address their needs," said Chief Hanson. "We hope that our customers will continue do their part by keeping the Metrorail system safe and clean by utilizing these new receptacles. Additionally, we continue to ask our customers to be our partners in keeping the system safe by reporting any suspicious package or activity to a Metro employee or police officer."

News release issued on March 17, 2005.