Posts tagged Rac
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Sound off on WMATA bag searches tonight
Tonight, the WMATA Riders’ Advisory Council is holding a public meeting to discuss the controversial bag search program launched without public discussion in December. I’ll be chairing the meeting, which starts at 6:30 pm sharp at WMATA HQ, 600 5th Street, NW in the committee room (past security, left and then right.) The meeting will start with public comment,… Keep reading…
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WMATA bag searches make transit less safe, not more
This morning, the Metro Transit Police began conducting the system’s first random bag checks. These inspections are couched in the language of security, but they actually make the system less safe. Passengers boarding during the morning rush at Braddock Road and College Park faced these screenings. The Washington Post’s Dr. Gridlock reported that one man’s… Keep reading…
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Govs, Gray hastily jump on BOT’s WMATA bandwagon
Last night, following a conference call between Governors O’Malley (MD) and McDonnell (VA) and DC Mayor-Elect Vince Gray, a press release went out seeming to endorse the recommendations in the Board of Trade’s report on WMATA governance. The press release from the offices of the three executives seemed to endorse the report’s recommendations, including… Keep reading…
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Serious fixes for WMATA, part 2: Set goals and policies
Besides appointing members who actually show up to meetings and ride transit, the WMATA Board can start fixing the authority’s problems by spending more time on high-level policies and performance metrics instead of trying to decide every individual small issue. One of the biggest criticisms of the Board has been that they micromanage the agency. Ironically, one of… Keep reading…
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What can we seriously do to fix WMATA?
Everyone agrees WMATA has problems. Unfortunately, there are a lot more criticisms of the problems going around than actual solutions. That’s because solutions are hard. But if we’re going to actually fix WMATA, instead of just complaining about it, we need to seriously discuss how to fix what’s broken. Calling for all WMATA Board members to be lined… Keep reading…
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Apply for the RAC, if you really have time
The WMATA Riders’ Advisory Council is opening up applications for new members. Should you apply? If you live in Prince George’s County, definitely. There is an open seat right now that is not filled. If you live elsewhere, please apply if you’re interested in making a real time commitment beyond just showing up to one meeting a month. One-third of… Keep reading…
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At least one Metro customer service issue getting fixed
Customer service is one of the most frequent source of complaints about Metro, from poor communication during snowstorms to a few unhelpful station agents or train or bus drivers to a confusing feedback form. Is this much-maligned aspect of Metro’s service ready to turn a corner? Keep reading…
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WMATA presents options for SmarTrip negative balances
WMATA raised the hackles of many riders when it announced SmarTrips would no longer go negative. Responding to the outcry, CFO Carol Kissal and her team developed six alternatives for handing the issue, which they presented to the Riders’ Advisory Council last night. RAC members complimented Kissal and her team on presenting a number of options and seeking rider feedback. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Keeping it moving
Metro’s misfortunes; Blue Bus becomes Circulator 9/1; Bus stop consolidation very tough politically; BRAC imminent; Security sprawl; Washington Monument competition too modern?; Repeat after me. Keep reading…
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Why doesn’t Metro post the police phone number?
Periodic announcements on Metro buses urge riders to contact authorities if they see something suspicious, but how many people know the phone number for the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD)? This is a sign that was developed in 2007 at the urging of the Riders’ Advisory Council, says Dennis Jaffe in a letter from the Sierra Club yesterday. However, the sign was… Keep reading…