Metro’s board members don’t want to know how much more money food and beverage sales could rake in under a proposal to bring new retail services to 12 stations — they already know the answer.
A board committee gave preliminary approval Thursday to a five-year pilot program to allow retail establishments — similar to the kiosks at shopping malls — inside subway stations and parking garages to sell merchandise to riders. The proposal makes it clear that the sale of food and beverages is not permitted, but did ask potential retailers to indicate how projected revenue would change if food were allowed.
“You know the answer to that now,” said Metro Board Member Gordon Linton. “But we don’t want a McDonald’s. If you thought we had a problems with candy bars now …”
Metro interim General Manager Dan Tangherlini said he doesn’t believe food items should be allowed on trains, but items could be sold to riders leaving the system.
Several board members said they would consider “to-go” proposals but didn’t want the food and beverage numbers to be included with the current retail proposal. Tangherlini said he wants to continue to explore the food options.
The proposal, which is expected to get full board approval on May 18, is a sign that the typically conservative leadership is easing restrictions on a system often criticized for poor customer service, several board members said.
And much of the credit is being given to Tangherlini.
The 38-year-old last week began appearing on posters throughout the transit system encouraging riders to share their ideas with staff.
“We want to encourage people to give us their ideas,” Tangherlini said. “I think the best ideas exist in our employees and in our customers themselves.”
» Metro will choose businesses to own, operate and manage the kiosks for at least five years, and the businesses would pay rent to Metro.
» Kiosks and retail spaces would be set up in and outside of rail stations and in parking garages on Metro property.
» Magazines, newspapers, sports memorabilia and even dry cleaners and shoe repair are among services Metro expects to locate in the system, officials said.
