Metro announces customer experience improvements coming to six Blue & Yellow line stations

The upgrades are included as part of the Summer 2019 Platform Improvement Project

Metro today announced several customer experience improvements that are being installed as part of the Summer 2019 Platform Improvement Project. Once completed, customers will find more than just new platforms under their feet, as Metro is adding new features to improve safety, customer information and convenience while modernizing the stations.

The improvements include slip-resistant tiles, stainless-steel platform shelters with USB charging ports, energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the station and improved speakers for clearer public announcements and emergency notifications. Metro is also installing twice as many 55-inch Passenger Information Display (PIDs) screens on the platforms, which will display upcoming train information and service alerts simultaneously.

When stations reopen, work will continue at each of the six stations to finalize station improvements.

“When critical repair projects disrupt customers, we want to use the shutdown time to accomplish as much work as possible,” said Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “This summer we are fixing structural and safety issues, getting out on the tracks to renew our infrastructure, and renovating the stations with new customer experience improvements. We hope our customers will find not only safer stations, but more accessible and modern features, when these improvements are completed.”

The new slip-resistant tiles resemble the original tile in color, shape and material, but have a textured surface to improve traction. The new tiles are produced using a wire-cut process that creates small grooves on each tile. The textured surface is slip-resistant in both dry and wet conditions, allowing for safer customer passage. The tiles are being installed throughout each of the six stations – including on the platforms and inside the station mezzanines.

Metro is also installing new stainless-steel platform shelters, upgraded with USB charging ports and digital displays. The shelters will be enclosed on three sides with clear laminated glass panels and granite benches. New 55-inch digital displays will replace static maps and have the capability to display dynamic content such as service alerts, important messages and emergency information, if needed.

Old lighting will be replaced at each station with brighter, more energy-efficient LED fixtures, greatly increasing brightness. The new lights, while aesthetically similar to the original station design, use LED technology to reduce energy consumption and maintenance requirements. In addition, all existing stair handrails are being replaced with LED-illuminated handrails.

Below is a list of improvements coming to all six stations south of Reagan National Airport:

Slip-resistant tiles

New stainless-steel platform shelters with digital displays and USB charging ports

Upgraded Passenger Information Displays (PIDS) with digital screens

Improved platform speakers and PA system equipment

New canopy roofing/skylights

Refinished and new ceiling panels

New platform surveillance system (CCTV) to enhance customer safety

Brighter, energy-efficient LED lighting and lighted handrails

New passenger call button to directly contact station managers and operation control center

Fire Life Safety enhancements

Station cleaning and painting

Renovated bathrooms

Concrete repairs

New bus shelters

In addition to these improvements being made across all of the closed stations this summer, station-specific improvements are also being made, including bus loop/Kiss & Ride upgrades, escalator improvements and more. View here for the full list.

Metro's Capital Program

Metro is investing in system safety, reliability and the region's economy through its 10-year, $15 billion capital program. For the first time in Metro's history, the capital program is bolstered by dedicated funding from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The capital program will improve the customer experience and keep the region's infrastructure in a state of good repair by investing in new railcars and buses, improving stations and platforms, upgrading fire-suppression and emergency response systems, replacing and repairing tracks, tunnels, bridges, signals, and communications systems, rebuilding decades-old bus garages and providing modern customer amenities such as passenger information systems. In spending local taxpayer dollars for capital projects, Metro is seeking to reinvest in our hometown economy, creating jobs and encouraging participation from disadvantaged, minority-owned, and small businesses in the region.