Metro wants your feedback on proposals to improve service and reliability on the Blue, Orange, Silver lines
Metro quiere su opinión sobre las propuestas para mejorar el servicio y la confiabilidad en las líneas Azul, Naranja y Plata
Metro today opened its public engagement and feedback period on six options to address future capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. The proposed alternatives, part of the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity and Reliability Study (BOS Study) launched in 2019, include a set of potential infrastructure and operational improvements that will ensure quality service while meeting the needs of the growing region.
Beginning today, July 17, Metro will conduct a series of virtual and in-person engagement activities to provide information about the proposed alternatives and receive public input that will help Metro’s Board of Directors select a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). Visit wmata.com/BOSstudy for full details about the proposals and how to weigh in.
The Board’s selection of an LPA is only the first step in a long process. The type of large project needed to address the needs and opportunities on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines will require federal funding as well as support and investment from Metro’s regional partners. Recognizing this, the BOS Study is structured according to federal guidelines and requirements to qualify for federal grants. Projects of this scale can take ten to twenty years or more to plan, design, fund, and build. Metro and the region need to be planning now for our growing region.
Engagement Opportunities
Website
Members of the public are encouraged to review materials on the BOS study website, wmata.com/BOSstudy, and provide feedback on the proposed alternatives by responding to an online survey.
Online Survey
The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed alternatives through an online survey. The survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open until September 30, 2023, at wmata.com/BOSstudy.
VISA Gift Card Giveaway: By responding to the survey, respondents may enter for a chance to win a $50 VISA gift card in a drawing to be held once the survey closes.
Hybrid Public Meetings
In addition, the public is encouraged to register for and attend one of three upcoming hybrid public meetings, either in-person or virtually (online). These hybrid meetings include a live presentation by project staff, followed by a question-and-answer session.
- Tuesday, July 25 | 6:30-8 PM - George Mason University - Van Metre Hall Multipurpose Room (3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington VA 22201)
- Saturday, August 26 | 10:30 AM -12:00 PM - St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church Omega Room (408 Addison Rd S, Capitol Heights MD 20743)
- Tuesday, September 12 | 6:30-8 PM - Metro L'Enfant Plaza HQ Board Room (300 7th Street SW, Washington DC 20024)
To register for an upcoming meeting, visit: wmata.com/BOSstudy
About the Study
Metro launched the Blue/Orange/Silver Capacity & Reliability Study (BOS Study) in early 2019 to identify the best and most cost-effective solutions to address ridership, service, and reliability needs on these Metrorail lines. After conducting an analysis of the key issues and trends, Metro developed a broad range of potential options for addressing the study goals. Following two rounds of public engagement and extensive feedback, Metro worked with community stakeholders and local jurisdictions to evaluate and narrow these options to six potential alternatives addressing capacity, reliability, and customer needs on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines.
Click here to view the proposed alternatives.
The BOS Study is a type of study known as an Alternatives Analysis (AA). The AA complies with best-practices guidelines from the Federal Transit Administration and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This will allow Metro to move forward with the study recommendation(s) and compete for federal funding, while reducing the length and cost of any future environmental review process. The study recommendations will be based on data analysis, with input from regional stakeholders and the public to define the problems and determine the preferred solution.
For More Information
To learn more about the project, upcoming engagement activities, and complete the online survey, visit the project website at wmata.com/BOSstudy
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, or family status. If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or translation services (free of charge), contact the project team at 703-683-7447, ext. 115 (TTY: 711) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting date.