Metro News Release

For immediate release: November 24, 2009

Metro testing new lights at Judiciary Square Metrorail station

Installation of new lights brightens F Street mezzanine

In its continuing efforts to improve lighting inside Metrorail stations, Metro officials are testing a new bank of lights on the mezzanine level at one entrance to the Judiciary Square Metrorail station – the F Street entrance.

“Customers have told us they prefer more light in our stations and on platforms, so we are looking at ways to brightening them up,” said Gerald C. Francis, Metro’s Deputy General Manager and Chief Operating Officer.

The $38,000 pilot program is designed to provide additional lighting on the vaulted ceiling over the mezzanine area as well as additional lighting down to the mezzanine level at the Judiciary Square F St. entrance. This location was chosen as a pilot since it was one of the darker mezzanines in the rail system. The fixture types and lamps were selected for their ease of maintenance, energy efficiency, and to achieve an overall lighting level based on Metro’s new criteria.

“Ultimately, we want to make stations brighter and use lights that will be more reliable, less expensive and more energy efficient,” said Francis. “We think it will improve the atmosphere of the stations, preserve the architectural aesthetics, deter crime and enhance the images seen on Metro’s security cameras.”

Metro officials are looking to install these new light fixtures at future Metrorail stations where mezzanines overlook rail station platforms, such as Dupont Circle, Metro Center and Foggy Bottom-GWU Metrorail stations.

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Media contact for this news release: Steven Taubenkibel or Lisa Farbstein at 202-962-1051.
For all other inquiries, please call customer service at 202-637-7000.

News release issued at 8:40 am, November 24, 2009.