[RP TownTalk] Metro Update: Metro requests your feedback on proposed changes to Metrorail Operating Hours

[Jessica Barnes]

Responding to federal directives, and in an effort to provide sufficient time for maintenance to ensure a safe and reliable transit system, Metro is asking the public to provide feedback on four proposed changes to Metrorail's hours of operation.

Each proposal will provide Metro with an additional eight hours of track access weekly to improve safety, reliability and maintain the Metrorail system in a state of good repair and seeks to minimize the number of riders who are affected by the change in operating hours:



Proposal #1

Proposal #2

Proposal #3

Proposal #4

Monday-Thursday

5:00 a.m.-midnight

5:00 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

5:00 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

5:00 a.m.-midnight

Friday

5:00 a.m.-midnight

5:00 a.m.-midnight

5:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.

5:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m.

Saturday

5:00 a.m.-midnight

5:00 a.m.-midnight

7:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m.

Sunday

7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

7:00 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.

Noon-11:00 p.m.


Recognizing that many riders affected by these proposed changes work a variety of schedules, Metro is planning a 9.5-hour public hearing to accommodate as many people as possible. Metro is also providing multiple ways for public comment for those who cannot attend the hearing:


  *   Take an online survey in English or Spanish at wmata.com/hours<http://wmata.com/community_outreach/proposed-hours.cfm>.
  *   Email written comments to writtentestimony at wmata.com<mailto:writtentestimony at wmata.com>.
  *   Provide in-person feedback to staff at various Metrorail stations. For more information about dates, times and locations visit wmata.com/hours<http://wmata.com/community_outreach/proposed-hours.cfm>.
  *   Attend an open house (anytime between noon and 9:00 p.m.) and public hearing (anytime between 12:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.) on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Metro Headquarters, 600 5th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

The public comment period on these proposed changes is open through 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25. For more information about these proposals, as well as fliers in multiple languages, visit wmata.com/hours<http://wmata.com/community_outreach/proposed-hours.cfm>.

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Background Information

Last June, Metrorail service hours were temporarily adjusted to a midnight closing, seven days a week as part of the implementation of SafeTrack, Metro's accelerated track repair program. While SafeTrack was designed to rehabilitate the Metrorail system and accomplish three years of work in approximately one year, recommendations from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), third-party experts and peer reviews concluded that properly maintaining the system long term requires more maintenance time on the tracks.

Prior to SafeTrack, the Metrorail system was closed only 33 hours each week, providing little time for maintenance and inspections. By contrast, in 1998 when the Metrorail system was roughly 20 percent smaller, had 12 fewer stations and was under less stress (i.e. by running shorter trains less frequently), the system enjoyed 25 percent more maintenance time - 44 hours per week.

Adjusting Metrorail operating hours and increasing track access will enable Metro crews to properly maintain the rehabilitated tracks and signals, mitigate water intrusion and complete other safety-critical maintenance and inspections beyond the completion of SafeTrack. The change will also reduce the risk of disruptive shutdowns for extensive repairs.

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We know that these proposed changes may impact you and your organization - please forward this information along to others who may be affected in your organization so that they can provide feedback. If you would also like printed brochures about these proposed changes, please let me know.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, and have a wonderful day.

Sincerely,

Lisa Schooley
External Relations
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Email: lschooley at wmata.com<mailto:lschooley at wmata.com>
Direct line: (202) 962-1754

600 5th Street, NW
Room 3E-11
Washington DC 20001



Jessica
Jessica E. Barnes
Town Clerk
Riverdale Park
5008 Queensbury Road
Riverdale Park, MD 20737
www.riverdaleparkmd.info<http://www.riverdaleparkmd.info/>
301-927-6381

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