Metro News Release

For immediate release: August 31, 2005

Metro Prepares for National Emergency Preparedness Month with Activities Designed at Making Sure the Region is Prepared

With September designated as National Emergency Preparedness Month, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) is preparing with a series of activities designed to encourage its customers to be prepared in the event an emergency situation occurs on Metrorail or Metrobus.

"With the recent transit events in London fresh in everyone’s minds, Metro would like to encourage area residents to prepare for an emergency that is likely to affect their typical commute, and know how to respond if the emergency occurs while commuting to and from home and work," said Richard A. White, Metro’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer.

As part of National Preparedness Month, Metro will provide its customers with the necessary tools for alternate route planning, teach its customer base that alternate route planning is essential, work to establish realistic public expectations for mass transit during emergencies, conduct refresher training for its front line employees as well as conduct supplemental training to Metro employees to respond and assist during emergencies.

"Now is the time to reinvigorate the preparedness of our employees as well as our customers to be prepared for emergencies," said Mr. White. "There are simple steps people can take now to minimize the impact that a service disruption might have, and the critical first step is planning ahead.

"Metro can offer individuals plenty of advice on finding alternate routes to get from place-to-place, however the best time to figure out alternative routes is before there is an emergency," said Mr. White.

Metro will provide customers with opportunities to learn more about transit safety and emergency planning at the following events:

As part of an all day event hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the American Red Cross, Metro personnel will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to distribute and share information on transportation preparedness and assistance planning for alternate routes to and from work. Metro officials will make a special presentation on the importance of Metrorail safety between noon and 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 1.

Metro has planned a series of eight emergency preparedness events to be held throughout the Metrorail system at various stations. The goal of these events is to have an open dialogue with Metro customers. Metro personnel from the Department of System Safety and Risk Protection and the Metro Transit Police will speak to customers on safety issues, address concerns, and encourage them to partner with Metro in its ongoing mission to create a safe transit environment.

These outreach events will take place at the following stations on the following dates:

At these locations, Metro customers will also be able to pick up safety material including the Together We Prepare, Metrorail Safety and Metrobus Safety brochures and the Express Newspaper supplemental safety special on Metro.

During the month, Metrorail train operators will make special train announcements including a "Tip of the Day" and will also provide other transportation preparedness information.

News release issued on August 31, 2005.