Metro says it plans to add signs and make more public announcements on how to contact its police force, following a transit advocacy group’s request.
Last month, the local Sierra Club had written to Metro asking the transit agency to provide riders with more information on how to contact Metro’s police department in emergencies after a series of incidents including the theft of a Metrobus that picked up passengers then crashed into a tree.
Metro’s 911
» In case of emergency on the Metro system, call 202-962-2121.
“We believe that while riders are on buses, in rail stations or on trains, they don’t have a clear understanding as to whom they should contact for police matters,” the letter said. “We believe that the public is contacting the police less than is warranted, and that when the public does contact the police, there may be unnecessary delays.”
Transit advocate Dennis Jaffe, who wrote it, received a response 10 days later, thanking him for the suggestion with a pledge that Metro was working on the idea.
Jaffe said he was pleasantly surprised, saying it was “significantly quicker and was significantly more responsive” than what he has gotten used to with Metro in recent years. In 2006, he said, subcommittees from the Metro Riders’ Advisory Council urged Metro to post signs with the police phone number to no avail.
But now, Metro says it plans to create signs showing the police department’s contact number and post them in all Metrobuses, trains, stations and bus shelters. It also is working to develop additional station announcements on how to contact police.
Metro spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein told The Washington Examiner the plans are preliminary and the agency does not have a timeline. The agency does not know how much the program will cost, she said.
“We have, however, started the design for an interior bus ‘card,'” she said.
Jaffe said Metro’s response bodes well for rider safety and helping restore confidence in the beleaguered agency after a series of safety missteps and lack of openness. “This is only one change, but we hope it is an indication that General Manager Richard Sarles is determined to provide vigorous responsiveness to the public that rides and funds Metro,” he said.
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