Metro Marks National 'Dump the Pump' Day with new customer information campaign about its efforts to build a better ride

Metro issued this release about National "Dump the Pump" day: 

"As prices for gas at the pump continue to hover around $4 a gallon, Metro is inviting travelers to get out of their cars and try transit as part of National “Dump the Pump” Day. Metro is alerting customers and stakeholders that it’s working to build a better ride with a new information campaign—Metro Forward—to keep customers up to speed on the massive capital program underway to rebuild the 35-year old Metro system. 

The campaign will use social media channels to get information to more customers about how the temporary inconveniences they see today when riding the system will translate into real benefits for them. Metro Forward includes a redesigned homepage at metroopensdoors.com, a blogstyle website and new content pages atmetroforward.com, a Facebook page at facebook.com/metroforward and a Twitter feed at twitter.com/metroforward. 

Customers are encouraged to visit these pages today to view a special video message from Metro’s General Manager/CEO Richard Sarles. 

“Our customers deserve to know how we are moving forward to rebuild their transit system,” said Richard Sarles, Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer. “This multi-year rebuilding effort is now underway and, in addition to alerting riders about construction work, we are committed to keeping the public well informed about each project and how it delivers safer, more on-time, better quality service in the months and years ahead.” 

The first wave of the campaign gives an overview of how Metro is investing $5 billion over the next six years to produce a better service for customers, made possible through funding support from the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and the Federal government. 

As the awareness campaign is rolled out more broadly this summer, customers will be engaged through a mix of communications channels including in-station signage and displays and on-board posters, as well as through outreach to community organizations to showcase local capital projects and their benefits. 

The first wave of Metro Forward information highlights five facts that begin to inform customers how the investments will result in a better ride, a better commute and a better experience. 

• Metro Fact #1: Metro is investing more than $5 billion in over a hundred projects - new rail cars and buses, escalator overhauls, better technology, new track and much more- to build a better ride for you. 

• Metro Fact #2: To help ease travel through stations, Metro is overhauling or replacing 153 escalators at 25 stations on every line of the system. 

• Metro Fact #3: Metro is designing a new generation of rail cars to replace its oldest cars and address its top safety priority. 

• Metro Fact #4: To provide greater reliability, Metro is replacing 60 miles of rail over the next six years. 

• Metro Fact #5: To improve reliability and service, Metro is replacing or rehabilitating 80 percent of its bus fleet."