Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles announced Nov. 21 that the authority plans to install new, brighter mezzanine lighting at all underground stations following the successful completion of lighting upgrades at Judiciary Square, Gallery Place, Bethesda, Metro Center and Smithsonian stations.
The new lighting structures are significantly brighter and more energy efficient than the older “coffee can” lighting they are replacing. They provide a higher quality of light with an improved Color Rendering Index (CRI) that improves both lighting levels and overall visibility.
In addition to the five already-completed stations, one station – L’Enfant Plaza – is currently under construction, and the remaining 41 underground stations will be completed by 2015.
“The new lighting will provide for better visibility and in turn, improve safety, security and the overall customer experience for riders as that make their way through the Metrorail system,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles. “Through our Metro Forward rebuilding program, we are committed to improving the customer experience and lighting efficiency upgrades will continue to be rolled out as part of that process.”
The lighting improvements are the result of an effective partnership between Metro, the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), and other community stakeholders, including the National Capital Citizens with Low Vision. The year-long efforts of this partnership highlighted specific lighting needs in stations and developed recommendations for improvements, many of which have been implemented.
"We applaud Metro's decision to move forward with brighter lighting in nearly four dozen stations," said AAC Chair Patrick Sheehan. "Today's announcement follows a productive and cooperative dialog between the AAC, the community and Metro staff.”
41 New Stations Announced Nov. 21
- Anacostia
- Archives
- Ballston
- Benning Road
- Capitol Heights
- Capitol South
- Clarendon
- Cleveland Park
- Columbia Heights
- Congress Heights
- Court House
- Crystal City
- Dupont Circle
- Eastern Market
- Farragut West
- Farragut North
- Federal Center
- Federal Triangle
- Foggy Bottom
- Forest Glen
- Friendship Heights
- Georgia Avenue-Petworth
- Glenmont
- McPherson Square
- Medical Center
- Mt. Vernon Square
- Navy Yard
- Pentagon
- Pentagon City
- Potomac Ave
- Rosslyn
- Shaw-Howard
- Stadium-Armory
- Tenleytown
- U Street
- Union Station
- Van Ness
- Virginia Square
- Waterfront
- Woodley Park
- Wheaton
Currently Under Construction
- L’Enfant Plaza – to be completed this month
Already Completed
- Bethesda
- Gallery Place
- Judiciary Square
- Metro Center
- Smithsonian
