Metro News Release

For immediate release: July 12, 2005

Metro to upgrade air cooling system

Metro plans to upgrade the cooling system in rail stations over the next several years, transit agency officials said Tuesday.

Eight cooling towers, five chiller units, 40 station air-conditioning units and deteriorated ducts will be replaced over the next five years.

"We pushed back the $34 million of needed upgrades because of a lack of funding in previous years. But we’re able to complete the deferred work over the next five years due to the Metro Matters funding agreement," said Pat Porzillo, chief engineer.

The $3.3 billion agreement reached last year between the local and state governments that fund Metro provides for nearly $525 million for deferred rail and bus maintenance rehabilitation.

The station cooling system was developed in the 1970s and the temperatures were set to reflect energy conservation efforts.

Buses and railcars are designed to be 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperatures. However, it may feel warmer to passengers due to increased ridership, doors opening, which releases the cooler air during stops and heat generated from more frequent train operation. Passengers also often open bus windows.

News release issued on July 12, 2005.