WMATA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield WMATA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is WMATA's Safety Management System (SMS) designed to do? → Proactively identify and mitigate safety risks before incidents occur
2. Who is responsible for verifying that each worker understands the on-track safety procedures during the briefing? → The Roadway Worker In Charge
3. Which of the following colored lines best describes the following: Columbia Heights to U Street? → Green Line
4. Which chemical agent detection system is deployed in WMATA stations? → Chemical Agent Detection System (CADS)
5. Why should a trainer adapt their pace to the group? → To ensure all trainees can keep up and learn
6. Which of the following colored lines best describes the following: Bethesda to Dupont Circle? → Red Line
7. When designing a training session for new WMATA bus operators, what should be established first? → Clear learning objectives
8. What is the primary purpose of an interlocking in a rail system? → To prevent conflicting train movements through switches and signals
9. What is the purpose of a training needs assessment? → To identify skill gaps and target training
10. On multiple-track territory, what additional hazard must roadway workers account for? → Trains approaching on adjacent tracks in either direction
11. What is the role of WMATA's Safety Oversight Office? → Developing, implementing, and monitoring WMATA's system safety program
12. What is the WMATA 'Close Call' reporting program? → A confidential reporting system for near-miss safety events
13. How should a trainer handle a trainee who dominates discussion and prevents others from participating? → Politely redirect and invite input from others
14. When two trains must pass on a double-track line, they normally: → Use separate tracks, one per direction
15. What is the purpose of WMATA's 'Close Call' reporting program? → To collect near-miss event data and improve safety before accidents occur
16. How can visual aids improve a training session? → They reinforce concepts and aid comprehension
17. What is WMATA's 'Safety Culture' initiative aimed at? → Building an environment where employees prioritize and report safety without fear
18. Which of the following is a component of WMATA's 'Family Assistance Plan' following a mass casualty incident? → Establishing a family assistance center to support victims and their families
19. What is the function of a 'trip stop' or train stop device beside the track? → To automatically apply brakes if a train passes a stop signal
20. Why should a trainer evaluate their own performance after a session? → To identify what worked and improve future sessions
21. If an operator observes a person on the track ahead, the first priority is to: → Apply emergency braking and sound the horn
22. Why is good communication equipment essential for roadway worker protection? → To maintain contact with the controller and coordinate train movements
23. What is WMATA's policy on reporting injuries sustained on the job? → Report all injuries, no matter how minor, immediately to a supervisor
24. Before fouling the track or contacting the third rail area, a worker must confirm that power has been: → Deenergized and verified with a confirmation
25. In a chemical emergency on a Metrorail train, what is the train operator's immediate priority? → Move the train to the nearest station, notify the OCC, and begin passenger evacuation
26. What should WMATA staff do when a customer speaks a language other than English? → Use WMATA's language line or translation services
27. Which WMATA service allows customers to plan trips using multiple transit modes? → WMATA Trip Planner
28. When is a WMATA bus operator required to use four-way hazard lights? → When stopped for an emergency, breakdown, or loading passengers in hazardous conditions
29. Which of the following WMATA RWP Cardinal rules applies? Employees must always be on the lookout for trains or equipment moving in any direction. → RWPCR 2
30. What does WMATA's Incident Command System (ICS) establish? → A unified command structure for managing emergency incidents