Speak Up, Metro, So Your Riders Can Hear You

Dear Dr. Gridlock:

In response to your Feb. 24 column on Metro's proposal to reroute some trains along the Blue and Orange lines, I, too, am curious as to how Metro plans to notify riders about which train is going where. You say that "the rerouting would challenge Metro's customer communications." I agree, although calling it a "challenge" is being kind.

Metro's ability to provide information to its customers in a clear, accurate, helpful and timely way is abysmal, at best. I am a seasoned rider, and I often see inaccurate destination signs on the sides of Metrorail cars.

I recall, years ago, having boarded a designated Blue Line train only to find that I was actually on an Orange Line train. No clear announcement had been made that would have clued me in. It's only when I found myself at the Court House Station that I knew I was headed in the wrong direction.

There are far more serious problems that might arise from splitting the lines, particularly when trains with mechanical problems are taken out of service or trains are single-tracking. Fewer trains running the tracks equals more people on the platforms, particularly at heavily congested stations such as Rosslyn, Farragut West and Metro Center.

I understand the need to alleviate congestion along the various lines, but Metro needs to dramatically improve its communications and other operations systems before adding another challenge.

Sheri Gordon

Woodbridge