Metro News Release

For immediate release: December 31, 2009

Metro Customer Information Call Center will close at 8:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 10

Call Center hours shortened to reduce costs

Metro’s Customer Information Call Center will cut its hours beginning Sunday, Jan.10, and close at 8:30 p.m. instead of 10:30 p.m. daily in an effort to reduce costs.

In addition, beginning with Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 15, the Call Center will be closed on all federal holidays, except for July 4.

All customers calling 202-637-7000 will still be able to get automated information 24 hours a day for inquiries about Next Bus, trip planning, fares, hours of operation and other general information. However callers will no longer be able to speak with a customer information agent after 8:30 p.m.

Beginning Jan. 10, the hours of operation for Metro’s Customer Information Call Center will be Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Metro is looking for ways to plug an estimated $40 million gap in the operating budget for current fiscal year, which ends June 30, and reducing hours at the Call Center will save an estimated $400,000 a year. Metro’s revenues are lower than expected so far this fiscal year due to lower ridership on Metrorail and Metrobus.

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

News release issued at 9:56 am, December 31, 2009.