DC: Metro Campaign Seeks to Boost Public Involvement

March 19, 2014
Metro is encouraging riders to make their voices heard as part of its "Speak Up! It’s Your Ride campaign."

Metro is encouraging riders to make their voices heard as part of its "Speak Up! It’s Your Ride campaign." 

The goal of the campaign is to collect information from customers to determine how Metro can improve two-way communication and boost inclusiveness, diversity and accessibility when getting feedback about decisions that affect riders.

Metro is holding community events, conducting interviews and encouraging riders to take an online survey to help shape Metro’s public involvement process.  The feedback from the surveys and community events will be used in the development of Metro's new public participation plan, which will guide future outreach for changes in Metro service, fares or programs in accordance with federal requirements.

A key component of the Speak Up campaign is the innovative use of "pop up" events, less formal opportunities for interaction with Metro staff at convenient locations, such as Metrorail stations, community gatherings, festivals, sporting and recreational events and trade shows.

“Building continuous two-way communication helps us respond to riders’ needs,” said Samantha Rapoza, Metro’s director of external relations. “We know that most of our customers don’t attend public hearings, but completing a quick survey will help us determine the most convenient ways to involve customers in changes at Metro to improve their commute.”

As part of the campaign, Metro will hold nine pop-up events outside of Metrorail stations to provide the opportunity for customers to make their voices heard during their commute. All survey participants will receive a free giveaway and can enter for a chance to win a $50 SmarTrip card at the pop-up events.