Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 20, 2005

Train Lengths to Return to Metro’s Passenger Information Display Monitors

Metrorail customers will soon know how long their train is before it pulls into a station

A customer survey indicated that Metrorail customers like knowing the length of the trains so Metro officials have altered the display screens to include that information. Train length information, along with multiple predictions for Metrorail trains, which is currently available on the platform levels of Metrorail stations, will return by May 31st.

In February, Metro implemented a multiple prediction program for the passenger information display monitors. The enhancement simplified customer information by including multiple predictions for up to three incoming trains.

"When we implemented the new multiple display system in February, customers were very positive toward the change," said Leona Agouridis, Metro’s Assistant General Manager for Customer Communications. "Afterward, we developed several screen concepts to include consist information, and surveyed customers. We tested these concepts with our customers, and their input reflects the new design display."

The enhanced monitors will provide the following information:

LN #Cars/Dest MIN YL 6/Mt. Vrn. Sq BRD GN 4/Grnbelt 6 YL 4/Mt. Vrn. Sq 12

The new displays will provide the color of each rail line, the number of cars operating on a train, the train’s endpoint destination and the appropriate number of minutes in which the train is expected to arrive.

When a train is about 30 seconds away, the letters "ARR" will continue to appear under the arrival section, signaling that a train is arriving at the station. When a train is at the platform, the arrival time for the train will be shown as "BRD" for boarding.

"As we implement the peer review findings and start to run eight-car trains, train length information will be very critical to our customers," said Jim Hughes, Acting Deputy General Manager for Operations. "The placement of train length information will also improve the flow of information to our customers who rely on these signs everyday, and alleviate any concerns customers had before as to where to stand on the platform for their train."

News release issued on April 20, 2005.