WMATA WMATA Bus Operations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum allowable standing load for a standard 40-foot WMATA bus?
- No standing is permitted
- Up to the posted load limit (Correct answer)
- 10 standees only
- 20 standees only
Correct answer: Up to the posted load limit
WMATA buses must not carry passengers beyond the posted load limit displayed in the vehicle.
Question 2: 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 3: How are WMATA bus routes identified?
- By color only
- By a combination of number and letter codes (Correct answer)
- By street name only
- By GPS coordinates
Correct answer: By a combination of number and letter codes
WMATA bus routes are identified by alphanumeric codes (e.g., 16A, 79, S1) displayed on destination signs.
Question 4: What is the correct action if a WMATA bus operator observes a safety hazard at a bus stop?
- Skip the stop
- Report to Control Center and document the hazard (Correct answer)
- Fix the hazard independently
- Wait until end of shift to report
Correct answer: Report to Control Center and document the hazard
Operators must report observed safety hazards at bus stops to the Control Center and document them in the incident report.
Question 5: Which WMATA system allows bus operators to communicate with dispatchers?
- SmarTrip terminal
- Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) radio system (Correct answer)
- Personal cell phone
- Onboard passenger intercom
Correct answer: Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) radio system
WMATA buses are equipped with an AVL-integrated radio system that connects operators directly to dispatchers.
Question 6: What must a WMATA bus operator do after a collision, regardless of severity?
- Continue the route if no injuries
- Immediately notify Control Center and remain at the scene (Correct answer)
- File a report at end of shift
- Exchange information with other driver and leave
Correct answer: Immediately notify Control Center and remain at the scene
All collisions, no matter how minor, require immediate notification of Control Center and the operator must remain at the scene.
WMATA WMATA Bus Operations 2
What is the maximum allowable standing load for a standard 40-foot WMATA bus?