NextStop Blog

The first snow of the season is a good time to remind Metro passengers about safety during transit emergencies and during inclement weather conditions.

As you know, MetroLink, MetroBus, and Metro Call‑A‑Ride can be delayed by roadway accidents, utility and power disruptions, equipment breakdowns and general situations outside of our control.

To prepare for an emergency:

-Read the emergency exit instructions on Metro vehicles before you need them.
-Take time to familiarize yourself with station and transit center exits.
-Become familiar with alternative Metro transit routes to get where you are going.

Should an emergency occur on MetroLink:
-Stay calm and listen for instructions from your operator.
-Call on the Passenger Intercom located at the operator’s cab on both ends of the train.
-If the train is between stations, DO NOT exit the train unless instructed to do so by Metro personnel. With the electrical and other hazards on the tracks , it is almost always safer to stay on the train. Your life may depend on it.
–Do not touch wires due to the threat of an electrical shock.
-If you are instructed to exit the train, be careful. Trains may still be running, on either track, so look both ways and listen for trains.
-Rely on your operator; Metro employees will assist passengers during an evacuation.
-Evacuation of the train at locations other than station platforms, will typically occur through the stairway and door near the operator cab (low level door).  The doorways utilized for exiting at platforms (high level doors) are more than 3 feet above the track level.
-Take your personal items with you.

Should the train stop in a tunnel:

-Stay calm and listen for instructions from your operator.
–DO NOT leave the train, unless instructed to do so by Metro personnel.
-Signs in the tunnel indicate the distance to the next station or emergency exit.
-Blue lights identify the emergency telephones. Pick up the receiver to speak to the MetroLink Control Center.
-Follow signs to exits.
-Listen to station announcements and your operator.
-Know where the platform exits are located.
-The Passenger Assist Telephones (PATs) are located on the platform next to the ticket vending machines. Use the PATs to ask questions or to report an emergency.

Should an emergency occur on a MetroLink station platform:

-Listen to station announcements.
-Know where the platform exits are located before an emergency occurs.
-The Passenger Assist Telephones (PATs) are located on the platform next to the ticket vending machines. Use the PATs to ask questions or to report an emergency.
-Don’t touch or move unattended packages.
-To report unattended packages, use the PAT, report it to a Metro security guard or call 911.

Should an emergency occur on a MetroBus vehicle or Call‑A‑Ride van:

-Stay calm and listen for instructions from your operator.
–DO NOT leave the vehicle, unless instructed to do so by your operator.
-If you evacuate the bus, exit out of the nearest door
-Take your personal items with you
-Be familiar with emergency window and roof hatch exits
–Read the emergency exit instructions before you need them
-Familiarize yourself with transit center exits
-Become familiar with alternative Metro transit routes to get you where you are going
-Don’t touch or move unattended packages
–Report unattended packages to your operator