Mixed Deck — All WMATA Topics Flashcards

What is the purpose of WMATA's Passenger Bill of Rights?

Answer: To set customer service standards and expectations for WMATA passengers

WMATA's Passenger Bill of Rights defines the service quality standards and treatment passengers can expect from WMATA.

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

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.

On the mainline, there are no road crossings.

Answer: True

The statement 'On the mainline, there are no road crossings' is true for the WMATA Metrorail system. The Metrorail operates on a grade-separated right-of-way, meaning its tracks are either elevated, underground, or in open cuts, never intersecting with public roads at the same level. This design enhances safety and operational efficiency.

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

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.

What type of fare payment system does WMATA primarily use for Metrorail?

Answer: SmarTrip contactless smart card

SmarTrip is WMATA's reloadable contactless smart card used across Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metro-operated parking.

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

Answer: Ask the RWIC for clarification before beginning work

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

Before a tunnel evacuation, what must ROCC confirm to ensure passenger safety?

Answer: Traction power is de-energized and locked out in the affected zone

ROCC must confirm that traction power is de-energized and locked out before any personnel or passengers walk on the trackway.

What is WMATA's Safety Management System (SMS) designed to do?

Answer: Proactively identify and mitigate safety risks before incidents occur

WMATA's SMS is a proactive framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating safety hazards before they result in incidents.

Which passengers qualify for reduced fares on WMATA Metrorail?

Answer: Senior citizens 65 and older, people with qualifying disabilities, and children under 5 riding free with a paying adult

WMATA's reduced fare program covers seniors 65+, customers with qualifying disabilities, and children under 5 who ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

During a medical emergency on a WMATA train, what information should the operator provide to ROCC?

Answer: Train number, location, nature of emergency, and number of people affected

Operators must provide train number, precise location, nature of the emergency, and number of passengers involved to ROCC.

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

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.

What is the correct way for WMATA staff to address a customer who is visibly upset?

Answer: Remain calm, speak slowly, and use de-escalation techniques

WMATA staff are trained to remain calm and use de-escalation techniques to help diffuse tense customer interactions.

What type of hazard does WMATA's third-rail protection program address?

Answer: Electrical shock risk from the 750-volt DC powered third rail

The third rail on Metrorail carries 750 volts of direct current, posing a lethal electrical shock hazard that requires strict protection protocols for all workers.

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

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.

What is the purpose of WMATA's 'Close Call' reporting program?

Answer: To collect near-miss event data and improve safety before accidents occur

WMATA's Close Call program collects near-miss event reports to analyze contributing factors and improve safety systems before those conditions lead to actual accidents.

When is a WMATA bus operator required to use four-way hazard lights?

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.

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

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.

What does WMATA's System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) document?

Answer: The agency's comprehensive approach to managing system safety

The SSPP documents WMATA's full system safety program, including hazard management, safety assurance, and safety promotion.

What does WMATA's 'Operator Rulebook' govern?

Answer: Conduct, procedures, and safe operation standards for bus operators

The Operator Rulebook contains all conduct, operating procedures, and safety standards that bus operators must follow.

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

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.