WMATA Employment Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the first priority in WMATA's emergency response hierarchy?

Protecting property
Maintaining service continuity
Media communications
Life safety (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Life safety

Life safety is always the first priority in WMATA's emergency response framework, above all other considerations.

Question 2: What action does WMATA take when a safety deficiency is identified during an FTA inspection?

Resolves all findings informally without documentation
Waits for the next scheduled inspection to address findings
Contests all findings in writing
Develops and submits a Corrective Action Plan to the FTA (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Develops and submits a Corrective Action Plan to the FTA

FTA inspection findings require WMATA to develop and submit a formal Corrective Action Plan outlining remediation steps and timelines.

Question 3: What is WMATA's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) obligation for customer service?

Provide service only if staff are available
Ensure equal access and reasonable accommodation for all passengers with disabilities (Correct answer)
Require advance notice for all accommodations
Direct disabled passengers to a special counter

Correct answer: Ensure equal access and reasonable accommodation for all passengers with disabilities

WMATA is federally required under ADA to provide equal access and reasonable accommodations to all passengers with disabilities.

Question 4: A passenger reports smelling smoke in a WMATA station. What is the first action?

Search for the source yourself
Ignore it unless you see flames
Announce on PA to remain calm
Notify ROCC immediately and begin evacuation procedures (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notify ROCC immediately and begin evacuation procedures

Smoke smell is treated as a fire emergency; ROCC must be notified immediately and evacuation procedures initiated.

Question 5: What is the speed limit for WMATA buses in a bus depot facility?

10 mph
15 mph
20 mph
5 mph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5 mph

WMATA bus depot speed limit is 5 mph to ensure the safety of employees working in the facility.

Question 6: What is an Emergency Trip Station (ETS) used for on the WMATA rail system?

To immediately cut traction power to the third rail in an emergency (Correct answer)
To request emergency bus rerouting
To summon Metro Transit Police
To activate fire suppression systems

Correct answer: To immediately cut traction power to the third rail in an emergency

An ETS is a trackside device that, when activated, immediately cuts 750V DC traction power to the third rail in the affected zone.

Question 7: What does WMATA's 'Blue Light' emergency phone system do?

Allows employees to communicate with supervisors
Controls station lighting during power outages
Connects passengers directly to Metro Transit Police in an emergency (Correct answer)
Provides information about train schedules to passengers

Correct answer: Connects passengers directly to Metro Transit Police in an emergency

WMATA's Blue Light emergency phones are located throughout stations and connect callers directly to Metro Transit Police for immediate emergency assistance.

Question 8: How should a WMATA bus operator handle a passenger dispute on the bus?

Physically intervene
Eject both passengers immediately
Ignore it and continue the route
Stop the bus and call Control Center for assistance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop the bus and call Control Center for assistance

Operators must not physically intervene; they should safely stop the bus and contact the Control Center for Metro Transit Police.

Question 9: Railings are always present on safety walks.

False (Correct answer)
True

Correct answer: False

The statement 'Railings are always present on safety walks' is false for the WMATA Metrorail system. While safety walks (walkways) are provided for emergency egress and maintenance access, they do not universally feature railings. Railings are typically present only in specific elevated or hazardous areas, not along the entire length of all safety walks.

Question 10: What should a WMATA bus operator do if the bus breaks down in traffic?

Leave the bus and call for a taxi
Attempt to repair it themselves
Continue to the next stop
Notify Control Center, activate hazard lights, and secure the vehicle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notify Control Center, activate hazard lights, and secure the vehicle

The operator must notify Control Center, activate hazard warning lights, and secure the bus to protect passengers and traffic.

Question 11: What is WMATA's reduced fare program called for seniors and persons with disabilities?

Reduced Fare Program (Correct answer)
Senior Metro Pass
Metro Access Discount Program
ADA Rider Card

Correct answer: Reduced Fare Program

WMATA's Reduced Fare Program provides half-price rail and bus fares for eligible seniors and persons with disabilities.

Question 12: What should a worker do if they are unsure about any part of the on-track safety briefing?

Begin work and figure it out later
Ask the RWIC for clarification before beginning work (Correct answer)
Skip the unclear part
Ask a passing train operator

Correct answer: Ask the RWIC for clarification before beginning work

Workers must seek clarification from the RWIC before starting if any briefing point is unclear.

Question 13: How long does WMATA aim to resolve a customer complaint once it is formally submitted?

7 business days (Correct answer)
60 days
30 days
Same day

Correct answer: 7 business days

WMATA's customer service standard targets resolution of formal complaints within 7 business days of receipt.

Question 14: When must a WMATA bus operator activate the wheelchair ramp?

Only when requested by a supervisor
Whenever a passenger with a mobility device needs to board or exit (Correct answer)
Only at designated accessible stops
Only during off-peak hours

Correct answer: Whenever a passenger with a mobility device needs to board or exit

ADA requires operators to deploy the ramp whenever a passenger using a mobility device needs to board or exit.

Question 15: What is WMATA's protocol when a train must be evacuated in a tunnel?

Evacuation only occurs after a 30-minute wait
The OCC coordinates power cutoff, and trained personnel guide passengers safely to exits (Correct answer)
Passengers are instructed to walk independently down the tunnel
Passengers remain on the train until rescued

Correct answer: The OCC coordinates power cutoff, and trained personnel guide passengers safely to exits

The OCC must coordinate with power control to cut rail power, and trained personnel guide passengers safely along designated evacuation paths in tunnel emergencies.

Question 16: 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 (Correct answer)
Keep passengers calm and wait for the OCC to call
Ventilate the car by opening emergency windows
Identify the chemical before taking action

Correct answer: Move the train to the nearest station, notify the OCC, and begin passenger evacuation

In a chemical emergency, the operator must move the train to the nearest station if safe to do so, notify the OCC, and begin passenger evacuation with emergency response coordination.

Question 17: WMATA's Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure is used to:

Safely de-energize equipment before maintenance to prevent accidental startup (Correct answer)
Lock operator cabs during non-operational hours
Lock fare gates when stations are closed
Secure train cars overnight at yards

Correct answer: Safely de-energize equipment before maintenance to prevent accidental startup

LOTO procedures ensure that hazardous energy is safely controlled before maintenance work begins, protecting workers from accidental equipment energization.

Question 18: What action should a Station Manager take if an escalator becomes inoperable?

Ignore it until maintenance arrives
Shut down the station
Call 911 immediately
Notify Rail Operations Control Center and post signage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notify Rail Operations Control Center and post signage

The Station Manager must notify the Rail Operations Control Center and place appropriate out-of-service signage on the escalator.

Question 19: 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 (Correct answer)
Only at night
At every bus stop
During rush hour

Correct answer: When stopped for an emergency, breakdown, or loading passengers in hazardous conditions

Hazard lights are required during emergency stops, breakdowns, or when loading passengers under hazardous road conditions.

Question 20: Which federal agency oversees safety compliance for WMATA rail operations?

OSHA
Department of Homeland Security
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has regulatory oversight of safety compliance for WMATA and other public transit agencies.

Question 21: Which system do WMATA Station Managers use to communicate with train operators?

Email
Cell phone
Public Address (PA) system
Rail Operations Control Center radio (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Rail Operations Control Center radio

Station Managers communicate with train operators and Rail Operations through the ROCC radio system.

Question 22: Before pulling a WMATA bus out of the garage, what must the operator complete?

Route memorization test
Passenger count
Pre-trip inspection (Correct answer)
Fuel check only

Correct answer: Pre-trip inspection

WMATA bus operators must complete a full pre-trip inspection before taking a bus into revenue service.

Question 23: What is WMATA's policy regarding customer feedback on system cleanliness?

Only collected monthly
Only accepted in writing
Not accepted from the general public
Accepted at any time through the website, app, or phone and logged for follow-up (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Accepted at any time through the website, app, or phone and logged for follow-up

WMATA accepts customer feedback on cleanliness at any time through multiple channels including online, app, and phone, and logs it for action.

Question 24: Which of the following WMATA RWP Cardinal rules applies? <br><br> At no time shall workers or equipment be cleared from any track.

RWPCR 6 (Correct answer)
RWPCR 3
RWPCR 5
RWPCR 4

Correct answer: RWPCR 6

This statement is a direct quote of WMATA RWP Cardinal Rule 6. This rule emphasizes that workers or equipment must never be cleared from any track without proper authorization from the Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) or a designated authority. This ensures that all track movements and clearances are controlled and coordinated to maintain safety.

Question 25: Which WMATA department is primarily responsible for investigating serious accidents?

Human Resources
ROCC
Office of Safety (Correct answer)
Legal Department

Correct answer: Office of Safety

WMATA's Office of Safety leads accident investigations, coordinating with other departments and regulatory agencies as required.

Question 26: Who has authority to close a WMATA station during an emergency?

Station Manager only
Metro Transit Police only
Any station employee
ROCC or Station Manager per ROCC direction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: ROCC or Station Manager per ROCC direction

Station closure authority rests with the ROCC or the Station Manager acting under ROCC direction.

Question 27: What is the SmarTrip card minimum reload amount at a WMATA fare machine?

$1.00
$5.00 (Correct answer)
$20.00
$10.00

Correct answer: $5.00

The minimum reload amount for a SmarTrip card at a WMATA fare machine is $5.00.

Question 28: What is the WMATA protocol for evacuating passengers from a stalled train in a tunnel?

Passengers exit through emergency roof hatches
Passengers stay on the train until power is restored
Passengers wait for a rescue bus
Passengers are escorted by WMATA staff along the walkway to the nearest station (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Passengers are escorted by WMATA staff along the walkway to the nearest station

WMATA's tunnel evacuation protocol involves staff guiding passengers along the trackway walkway to the nearest accessible station.

Question 29: Which of the following colored lines best describes the following: Bethesda to Dupont Circle?

Blue Line
Red Line (Correct answer)
Silver Line
Orange Line

Correct answer: Red Line

The stations Bethesda and Dupont Circle are both located on the WMATA Red Line. This segment is a significant portion of the Red Line's route through Washington D.C. Therefore, 'Red Line' is the correct colored line for this description.

Question 30: WMATA's Hazardous Materials (HazMat) response plan is activated when:

A chemical spill or release of hazardous substances occurs in the system (Correct answer)
Maintenance crews use cleaning products in stations
Graffiti paint is discovered on rail cars
A passenger carries a large bag onto a train

Correct answer: A chemical spill or release of hazardous substances occurs in the system

WMATA's HazMat response plan is activated when hazardous substances are spilled or released in or near transit facilities, requiring specialized emergency response.

Question 31: What is WMATA's 'Safety Culture' initiative aimed at?

Improving on-time train performance
Cutting costs in safety department operations
Reducing customer complaints
Building an environment where employees prioritize and report safety without fear (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Building an environment where employees prioritize and report safety without fear

WMATA's Safety Culture initiative promotes an environment where all employees are empowered to prioritize safety and report concerns without fear of retaliation.

Question 32: Which WMATA program trains employees to identify and respond to safety hazards?

Safety Training and Education Program (Correct answer)
Skills Development Initiative
Customer Service Academy
Employee Assistance Program

Correct answer: Safety Training and Education Program

WMATA's Safety Training and Education Program provides employees with the knowledge to identify hazards and respond appropriately.

Question 33: Which line letter and color corresponds to the following description: D&G Junction to Largo Town Center?

Line G, Blue/Silver Line (Correct answer)
Line C, Yellow Line
Line J, Blue Line
Line D, Blue Line

Correct answer: Line G, Blue/Silver Line

The route from D&G Junction to Largo Town Center is served by the WMATA Blue and Silver Lines. These lines share a common segment and are collectively designated as Line G. Therefore, 'Line G, Blue/Silver Line' accurately describes this part of the Metro system.

Question 34: What does the acronym 'ROCC' stand for in WMATA operations?

Rapid Operations Communications Center
Rail Operations Control Center (Correct answer)
Regional Operations Coordination Center
Rail Operations Command Center

Correct answer: Rail Operations Control Center

ROCC stands for Rail Operations Control Center, the nerve center that manages all rail system operations and emergencies.

Question 35: What is WMATA's policy on cell phone use by bus operators while driving?

Strictly prohibited while vehicle is in motion (Correct answer)
Allowed at red lights
Allowed with a hands-free device
Allowed for emergency calls only

Correct answer: Strictly prohibited while vehicle is in motion

WMATA strictly prohibits bus operators from using cell phones in any manner while the vehicle is in motion.

Question 36: Which of the following is a component of WMATA's 'Family Assistance Plan' following a mass casualty incident?

Posting informational flyers at station entrances
Issuing refunds to passengers disrupted by the incident
Establishing a family assistance center to support victims and their families (Correct answer)
Providing discounted fares to affected families only

Correct answer: Establishing a family assistance center to support victims and their families

WMATA's Family Assistance Plan includes establishing a family assistance center to provide information, support services, and coordination for victims and their families following mass casualty incidents.

Question 37: Which line letter and color corresponds to the following description: Van Dorn to Franconia -Springfield?

Line J, Blue Line (Correct answer)
Line L, Yellow Line
Line D, Blue Line
Line G, Blue/Silver Line

Correct answer: Line J, Blue Line

The route from Van Dorn to Franconia-Springfield is served by the WMATA Blue Line. This line is officially designated as Line J within the WMATA system. Therefore, 'Line J, Blue Line' correctly identifies this specific segment of the Metro network.

Question 38: When a passenger activates an emergency intercom on a Metrorail car, who receives the call?

Metro Transit Police directly
The train operator only
The train operator and the OCC simultaneously (Correct answer)
The nearest station manager

Correct answer: The train operator and the OCC simultaneously

Emergency intercom activations on Metrorail cars are received simultaneously by the train operator and the OCC, enabling coordinated and immediate response.

Question 39: How should a WMATA bus operator respond to a passenger medical emergency?

Ask other passengers for help
Pull over safely, call Control Center, and render first aid if trained (Correct answer)
Wait for a supervisor to arrive
Continue to the nearest hospital

Correct answer: Pull over safely, call Control Center, and render first aid if trained

The operator must safely pull over, notify Control Center, and provide trained first aid assistance until EMS arrives.

Question 40: When must WMATA report a safety incident to the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission?

After completing an internal investigation
For significant safety events as defined by WMSC reporting thresholds (Correct answer)
Only if a passenger files a formal complaint
Only for incidents involving fatalities

Correct answer: For significant safety events as defined by WMSC reporting thresholds

WMATA is required to report safety events meeting WMSC-defined reporting thresholds, ensuring the oversight body can monitor and investigate significant incidents.

Question 41: What is the significance of WMATA's 'Track Intrusion Alarm' (TIA) system?

It detects unauthorized entry onto tracks and alerts the OCC to stop trains (Correct answer)
It monitors station lighting levels
It logs fare evasion at platform edges
It tracks train speed on curves

Correct answer: It detects unauthorized entry onto tracks and alerts the OCC to stop trains

The Track Intrusion Alarm detects when a person or object enters the track area and immediately alerts the OCC to halt nearby train movements, preventing collisions.

Question 42: What is the WMATA Lost and Found policy regarding items left on trains or stations?

Items are given to station staff
Items are held for 30 days at the Metro Lost and Found office (Correct answer)
Items are discarded after 24 hours
Items are turned over to Metro Transit Police immediately

Correct answer: Items are held for 30 days at the Metro Lost and Found office

WMATA holds lost items for 30 days at the Lost and Found office located at Metro Center.

Question 43: Which of the following colored lines and track numbers best describe the following: Shady Grove to Glenmont?

Red Line, Track 2
Green Line, Track 2
Yellow Line, Track 1
Green Line, Track 1 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Green Line, Track 1

The route from Shady Grove to Glenmont is served by the WMATA Red Line. While the option 'Green Line, Track 1' represents a valid WMATA track designation (the inbound track of the Green Line), it does not correspond to the specified route. This indicates a potential discrepancy between the question's route description and the designated correct answer.

Question 44: What role does WMATA's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) play during a major incident?

It manages media relations independently of operations
It provides financial authorization for emergency spending only
It handles routine customer service during incidents
It coordinates agency-wide emergency response and communication with external agencies (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It coordinates agency-wide emergency response and communication with external agencies

The EOC serves as WMATA's central hub for coordinating agency-wide emergency response and maintaining communication with external agencies during major incidents.

Question 45: What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for WMATA employees working in the rail yard?

No PPE required
Only a hard hat
Goggles and gloves only
High-visibility vest and hard-toed shoes at minimum (Correct answer)

Correct answer: High-visibility vest and hard-toed shoes at minimum

At minimum, WMATA requires employees in rail yard areas to wear a high-visibility vest and hard-toed footwear.

Question 46: A 'consist' in rail terminology refers to:

The schedule of a line
The fare structure
The makeup of cars forming a train (Correct answer)
A type of signal

Correct answer: The makeup of cars forming a train

A consist is the specific set and arrangement of cars that make up a train.

Question 47: What does WMATA's 'Bus Bridge' emergency protocol involve?

A dedicated express bus route
A bus-to-rail transfer payment system
Building a physical bridge for buses
Deploying buses to transport passengers between stations during rail disruptions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Deploying buses to transport passengers between stations during rail disruptions

A Bus Bridge deploys WMATA buses to carry passengers between affected rail stations when train service is disrupted.

Question 48: What does WMATA's Safety Management System (SMS) primarily provide?

A structured framework for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating safety risks (Correct answer)
A schedule management tool for operators
A system for collecting employee feedback only
A financial reporting system for safety expenditures

Correct answer: A structured framework for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating safety risks

WMATA's Safety Management System provides a structured framework for proactively identifying, analyzing, and mitigating safety risks across all transit operations.

Question 49: What is the role of Metro Transit Police during a WMATA emergency?

To operate trains in an emergency
To support evacuation, crowd control, and security during the incident (Correct answer)
To communicate with media
Only to direct traffic outside

Correct answer: To support evacuation, crowd control, and security during the incident

Metro Transit Police assist with evacuation, crowd management, and security operations as part of the unified emergency response.

Question 50: Before any work begins, the RWIC must conduct what with the work group?

A vehicle inspection only
A radio test only
A job safety briefing covering the on-track safety plan (Correct answer)
A lunch break

Correct answer: A job safety briefing covering the on-track safety plan

A job safety briefing must be held to communicate the on-track safety procedures to all workers.

Question 51: Which of the following WMATA RWP Cardinal rules applies? <br><br> Before entering the Authority Roadway, all employees, regardless of rank or position, must be RWP trained and qualified.

RWPCR 4
RWPCR 1 (Correct answer)
RWPCR 2
RWPCR 3

Correct answer: RWPCR 1

This statement is a direct quote of WMATA RWP Cardinal Rule 1. This rule establishes the fundamental requirement that all personnel must be properly trained and qualified in Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) before they are permitted to enter the Authority Roadway, ensuring basic safety competency.

Question 52: If a fire or smoke condition occurs in a tunnel, the ventilation fans are typically used to:

Charge backup batteries
Cool the third rail
Speed up the trains
Direct smoke away from the evacuation path (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Direct smoke away from the evacuation path

Tunnel ventilation fans push smoke away from the route passengers use to escape.

Question 53: What is WMATA's policy on providing personal customer account information over the phone?

Share freely to save time
Verify identity with security questions before releasing any account information (Correct answer)
Only share if the customer provides their employee ID
Refer all account questions to the website

Correct answer: Verify identity with security questions before releasing any account information

WMATA requires identity verification through security questions before any account information can be shared with a customer.

Question 54: During which weekday hours are WMATA Metrorail peak fares applied?

7:00 AM–9:00 AM and 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
All hours Monday through Friday
5:00 AM–9:30 AM and 3:00 PM–7:00 PM (Correct answer)
6:00 AM–10:00 AM and 4:00 PM–8:00 PM

Correct answer: 5:00 AM–9:30 AM and 3:00 PM–7:00 PM

WMATA Metrorail applies peak fares on weekdays from 5:00 AM to 9:30 AM and again from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Question 55: How should a Station Manager handle a medical emergency on the platform?

Wait for another employee to assist
Call 911 only
Close the station immediately
Notify ROCC, call 911, and administer first aid if trained (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notify ROCC, call 911, and administer first aid if trained

Station Managers must notify ROCC, call 911, and provide first aid within their training level until EMS arrives.

Question 56: Under WMATA's transfer discount policy, customers who pay with a SmarTrip card on Metrobus may receive a fare discount when transferring to Metrorail within how many hours?

30 minutes
2 hours (Correct answer)
4 hours
1 hour

Correct answer: 2 hours

WMATA SmarTrip cardholders who ride Metrobus and then board Metrorail within 2 hours receive a transfer discount on the rail fare.

Question 57: Which line letter and color corresponds to the following description: Gallery Place to Georgia Ave-Petworth?

Line L, Yellow Line
Line J, Blue Line
Line G, Blue/Silver Line
Line E, Green/Yellow Line (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Line E, Green/Yellow Line

The route from Gallery Place to Georgia Ave-Petworth is served by the WMATA Green and Yellow Lines. These lines share a common segment through these stations and are collectively designated as Line E. Therefore, 'Line E, Green/Yellow Line' correctly identifies this section of the Metro network.

Question 58: During a power outage in a Metrorail station, what backup lighting system activates?

Passengers are expected to use flashlights
Emergency backup lighting powered by battery or generator systems (Correct answer)
Only exit signs remain lit during outages
Station lighting remains off until power is restored

Correct answer: Emergency backup lighting powered by battery or generator systems

WMATA stations are equipped with emergency backup lighting systems powered by batteries or generators that activate automatically during power outages.

WMATA Employment Assessment

The WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) employment assessment evaluates candidates for transit positions including bus operators, rail operators, station managers, and maintenance technicians. The assessment battery includes the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test, personality questionnaires, situational judgment tests, and job-specific knowledge evaluations covering safety procedures, emergency protocols, customer service, and transit operations.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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wmata.com — Eligibility, fees, retake policy, score release, score validity · verified Oct 2026