Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 21, 2005

Metro’s Board of Directors Expected to Authorize Funds to Purchase Third Rail De-Icer Spray for the Upcoming Winter Season

Despite the warm weather, winter is quickly approaching and that’s why the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) Board of Directors plans to authorize up to $360,000 in funds at tomorrow’s Board Meeting to purchase third rail de-icer spray to use during inclement winter weather this season and next.

Third rail de-icer is used in the removal and prevention of snow and ice build-up during winter storms. The de-icer is sprayed on to the third rail to melt existing snow and ice, and to prevent further build up. If the third rail has ice on it, it does not allow for the flow of electricity from the rail to power the train. Keeping the third rail ice-free is a continuous process.

During winter storms, the third rail de-icer spray is spread using special equipment located inside Metrorail passenger cars and prime movers, Metro’s diesel operated equipment.

News release issued on September 21, 2005.