Metro News Release

For immediate release: November 9, 2006

Metro Promotes Elevator and Escalator Safety During Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation National Safety Week

During Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation National Safety Awareness Week (November 12 to 18), Metro reminds riders of all ages the importance of elevator and escalator safety.

To coincide with the safety awareness campaign, Metro officials will be at the following stations promoting the importance of elevator and escalator safety:

• Metro Center - Wednesday, November 15, 8 to 10 a.m.

• Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan - Saturday, November 18, 10 a.m. to noon

• Smithsonian - Saturday, November 18, 2 to 4 p.m.

During these outreach events, Metro riders have the opportunity to talk with and question safety officials about escalator and elevator safety and learn about safety features in the Metro system. They also can pick up literature on system security, including Metrobus and Metrorail safety brochures.

“Each day, Metro’s 588 escalators and 263 elevators carry over a million customers, throughout its 86 rail stations,” said Fred Goodine, Metro’s Assistant General Manager for System Safety and Risk Management. “Not only during Safety Foundation National Safety Week but during the year we need to remind all of our customers of the importance of elevator and escalator safety.”

Metro reminds people of these important escalator safety tips:

• Hold onto the handrail at all times.
• Never sit on an escalator.
• Never place wheelchairs, strollers or bicycles on escalators. Use the elevators.
• Never place excessive baggage on escalators. Use the elevators.
• Patrons should not crowd at the top or bottom of escalators.
• Always keep shoelaces tied.
• Never ride barefoot on an escalator.
• Never run down or run up escalators.
• Do not allow children to play on escalators.

Metro reminds people of these important elevator safety tips:

• Always watch your step when entering and exiting an elevator.
• Do not try to stop elevator doors while they are closing.
• If the elevator doors do not open, press the “Call” button to speak to the station manager.

“Safety is our top priority at Metro,” said Goodine. “If all patrons follow these safe escalator and elevator tips, they will have a safe and pleasant journey while using the Metrorail system.”

News release issued on November 9, 2006.