Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 7, 2005

Metro selects Blue/Orange Line Manager

If all goes according to Charlie Dziduch’s (ZID’-itchz) plan, tens of thousands of Blue and Orange line passengers can expect a smooth ride more often than not.

Dziduch, 45, who’s spent most of his life working for Metro, will now be in charge of 33 stations and trains that carry about 270,000 people a day on the Blue and Orange lines, transit agency officials announced Wednesday.

"He’ll be focusing on reliability, customer service, safety and cleanliness along the two lines," said Steven Feil, chief operating officer for Metrorail.

Earlier this year, an outside peer review panel, made up of officials from six major subway systems, recommended appointing line managers and making them responsible for service from end-to-end as one way Metro could improve rail reliability. The Red Line manager, Belynda J. Jones, was appointed in May. A Green/Yellow Line manager will be announced by the end of the year.

Each line manager is directly responsible and accountable for all aspects of rail service, including a delay-free and safe trip, customer service, maintenance and clean stations and trains. Dziduch will manage a team of about 630 employees from janitors and train operators to station managers and customer service representatives.

"This job is about customer service and reliability and about making a difference to our passengers and employees," Dziduch said. "We’ll survey passengers about what they want to see and ask for suggestions from employees, then we’ll see what we can deliver in the short and long term."

Dziduch began his career at Metro as a parking lot attendant 27 years ago. He’s amassed managerial, operating and budget experience since then, overseeing Metro’s improved response during snow storms, developing plans to continue operations following a terrorist attack and contributed to industry-wide operating standards for subway and light rail systems.

A photo of Dziduch and contact information for the Blue/Orange line team will be posted throughout Orange and Blue line stations. Customers can speak to Dziduch in person or contact him and his team by telephone at 301-562-4606 or e-mail blue-orangeline@wmata.com. His office will be in the McPherson Square Metrorail station, where he plans to have set public office hours. Construction is set to be completed in the fall. Information about the manager and line also will be posted on http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/line_managers.cfm

News release issued on September 7, 2005.