Metro News Release

For immediate release: October 26, 2010

Bethesda Metrorail station upgrades complete

Two escalators now in service

New escalators, upgraded ceiling tiles and a new outdoor wayfinding sign are just some of the recent enhancements completed at the Bethesda Metrorail station as Metro continues its commitment to improve customer service and maintain a state of good repair throughout the entire rail system.

During the last six months, Metro, in partnership with local officials and business leaders, have been working to address customer quality issues at the Bethesda Metrorail station. “New to the station are two new platform-to-mezzanine escalators, tiles in the passageway leading to mezzanine and upgraded lighting in the station and bus bays.

As part of Metro’s Capital Improvement Program, Metro recently modernized its two escalator units from the platform to the mezzanine. Typically, it takes about 12 to 14 weeks to completely overhaul each escalator unit, as they returned to service on Friday, Oct. 22.

During the last few months, Metro’s maintenance staff has repaired water leaks in the passageway that leads to the mezzanine area of the station, and replaced ceiling tiles in the same passageway.

Metro officials also have been working with the Bethesda Urban Partnership to install a new sign at the top of the entrance escalators as people leave the station. The new sign was installed last week.

Metro also will continue to work with county officials to ensure the Kiss & Ride, loop adjacent to the bus bays, is kept clean and maintained in a state of good repair.


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News release issued at 12:56 pm, October 26, 2010.