Monday, July 03, 2000
Statement by Mayor Williams Calling for Goodwill Towards Metro Customers
(Washington, DC) On July 3rd, Mayor Anthony Williams called for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority to expedite repairs to elevators and offer a goodwill gesture to Metro riders.
While talking to a number of District citizens over the past few weeks, I have heard much discontent with the inconsistent operation of Metro's escalators. I have written to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority on behalf of those who live and work in the District.
Malfunctioning and/or non-operating escalators pose a tremendous inconvenience to District residents, workers and tourists. They place an extra burden on those who have difficulty walking and force District residents to wonder how their tax dollars are being spent.
We have all experienced a number of neighborhood escalators that have been operating intermittently for several weeks, often with no visible reason and no sign of repair crews. Yet, there is no printed information to indicate the reason for the outages.
I appreciate WMATA's flexibility in completing repairs at Judiciary Square by the end of July and building a wooden staircase in the interim. The escalator at Judiciary Square provides District residents access to their courthouse and government buildings. I hope WMATA can keep to this amended schedule.
Our residents understand the need to maintain our escalators but WMATA must make such maintenance known. When repairs are necessary, WMATA must give residents ample notice at the Metro stop and on WMATA's website. WMATA should provide residents a reason for the repair and a time schedule for its completion. Additionally, if WMATA fails to meet these customer service standards, WMATA should provide Metro patrons a coupon for a free ride. Our riders have remained patient and faithful; WMATA needs to reward their patronage.
I am proud that we have one of the best systems of public transportation in the nation. However, a high level of customer service is an important part of the Metro experience, a level that WMATA must better maintain.
As we move the District government and its partners towards greater accountability and better service for our citizens and workforce, I hope WMATA uses these suggestions, or enact alternatives of their own.
