Metro to distribute Dear Fellow Rider brochure to inform customers about Metro's safety

Today, Thursday, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Metro will distribute the latest edition of Dear Fellow Rider, a brochure which General Manager Richard A. White is making available to customers in light of the nation's recent tragedy in New York City and Washington, D.C., and the understandable concern people have for their safety, no matter where they are. Copies of Dear Fellow Rider will be handed to customers throughout the Metrorail system at that time.

"The events of September 11 have caused Americans everywhere to question their safety and security," Mr. White begins in the brochure. "People wonder whether they are safe in places that they previously took for granted. Since the terrorist events of last week, we have heard from many of you asking about the safety of your Metro system."

The goal of the brochure is to respond to customers' questions and concerns. Dear Fellow Rider tells customers how they can help.

"You can help," the brochure says, "by being our partners in keeping the system safe. While the majority of items left unattended in stations and on buses and trains are harmless, we ask that you report any suspicious package or activity to a Metro employee or Metro Transit Police officer."

The brochure provides guidelines which tell customers how to deal with emergency situations on a train, in a station, and on a Metrobus.

On a train

• Use the emergency intercom at either end of the car to talk to the train operator.
• If the train stops, listen for the operator's instructions and follow them quickly and calmly.
• Fire extinguishers are located on trains under the seats at the end of the car.

In a station

• Use the red emergency intercom on the brown pylons (or columns) to talk to Metro personnel, or call 911 on any pay phone. Metro Transit Police can be reached at (202) 962-2121 around-the-clock.
• Listen for station announcements and follow the instructions quickly and calmly.
• In case you ever have to take a different exit, familiarize yourself with all the entrances to the station that you frequently use.

On a Metrobus

• Follow the bus operator's instructions.
• Emergency exit procedures are listed on windows, ceiling escape hatches, and on doors. Familiarize yourself with these procedures.

"Please be assured," the brochure ends, "that Metro employees are thoroughly trained to respond to emergency situations. Please cooperate with them, remain as calm as possible, and act quickly when you have been given instructions by appropriate personnel."

For more information, customers are directed to their station's kiosk (or booth) for the Metrobus Safety and Metrorail Safety brochures in the Take One racks.