WMATA Employment Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the SmarTrip card minimum reload amount at a WMATA fare machine?

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

Correct answer: $5.00

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

Question 2: What does WMATA's Safety Management System (SMS) primarily provide?

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

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

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)
Resolves all findings informally without documentation

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 4: Fare evasion on WMATA can result in which consequence for the offender?

Automatic suspension of riding privileges for 30 days
A verbal warning for all first-time offenders only
Mandatory community service hours
A civil citation with a monetary fine (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A civil citation with a monetary fine

Fare evasion on WMATA is a civil infraction that can result in a civil citation and monetary fine issued by Metro Transit Police.

Question 5: 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 6: A 'consist' in rail terminology refers to:

The makeup of cars forming a train (Correct answer)
The fare structure
The schedule of a line
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 7: Which WMATA document outlines station safety inspection procedures?

Safety Manual
Customer Service Guide
WMATA Operating Manual
Station Operations Handbook (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Station Operations Handbook

The Station Operations Handbook outlines all required inspection checklists and procedures for station staff.

Question 8: What must a WMATA bus operator do after a collision, regardless of severity?

Immediately notify Control Center and remain at the scene (Correct answer)
File a report at end of shift
Continue the route if no injuries
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.

Question 9: What does WMATA's 'Fatigue Management Program' address?

Overtime pay calculations
Risks from employee fatigue on safety-sensitive duties and procedures to mitigate them (Correct answer)
Break room facilities
Employee wellness benefits

Correct answer: Risks from employee fatigue on safety-sensitive duties and procedures to mitigate them

WMATA's Fatigue Management Program identifies risks from worker fatigue in safety-sensitive roles and establishes work-hour and scheduling controls.

Question 10: Under foul time authority, when may a roadway worker occupy the track?

Only during daylight hours
Only after receiving permission from the controller and within the granted time limits (Correct answer)
Whenever the RWIC verbally approves
Anytime the track looks clear

Correct answer: Only after receiving permission from the controller and within the granted time limits

Foul time allows track occupancy only after the controller grants it and within the specified limits.

Question 11: What is WMATA's Safety Management System (SMS) designed to do?

Proactively identify and mitigate safety risks before incidents occur (Correct answer)
Track employee attendance
Manage customer complaints
Schedule maintenance work orders

Correct 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.

Question 12: What is the correct procedure when a passenger falls onto the tracks?

Jump down to assist
Wait for the next train to pass
Use the PA to announce a delay
Activate the Emergency Trip Station (ETS) and call ROCC (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Activate the Emergency Trip Station (ETS) and call ROCC

The immediate action is to activate the Emergency Trip Station to cut traction power and simultaneously notify ROCC.

Question 13: What is the role of Metro Transit Police during a WMATA emergency?

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

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

Shut down the station
Call 911 immediately
Ignore it until maintenance arrives
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 15: What does WMATA require employees to do before returning to work after a workplace injury?

Nothing additional is required
Obtain medical clearance and complete a return-to-work evaluation (Correct answer)
Complete additional safety training only
Submit a written apology

Correct answer: Obtain medical clearance and complete a return-to-work evaluation

WMATA requires medical clearance and a return-to-work evaluation before an injured employee can resume safety-sensitive duties.

Question 16: How often does WMATA conduct emergency evacuation drills?

Only after an actual emergency
Annually, as required by safety regulations (Correct answer)
Every 6 months
Every five years

Correct answer: Annually, as required by safety regulations

WMATA conducts mandatory annual emergency evacuation drills to maintain readiness and compliance with federal safety requirements.

Question 17: How does WMATA handle platform overcrowding during a major emergency evacuation?

Only transit police manage overcrowding with no station staff involvement
All platforms are closed and passengers are turned away
Station managers direct crowd flow, open all exits, and coordinate with police to manage passenger movement (Correct answer)
Passengers are directed back onto trains for redistribution

Correct answer: Station managers direct crowd flow, open all exits, and coordinate with police to manage passenger movement

During major evacuations, station managers direct crowd flow through all available exits while coordinating with transit police to safely manage large numbers of passengers.

Question 18: Before pulling a WMATA bus out of the garage, what must the operator complete?

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

Correct answer: Pre-trip inspection

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

Question 19: How can a trainer best assess whether learning objectives were met?

Use evaluations, demonstrations, or knowledge checks (Correct answer)
Assume success after presenting
Ask if everyone is happy
Count attendance only

Correct answer: Use evaluations, demonstrations, or knowledge checks

Measurable assessments confirm that trainees actually achieved the intended outcomes.

Question 20: What paratransit service does WMATA operate for customers who are unable to use fixed-route rail and bus services?

MetroAccess (Correct answer)
Metro Flex
Metro Connect
ADA Shuttle Service

Correct answer: MetroAccess

MetroAccess is WMATA's ADA-compliant paratransit service providing origin-to-destination trips for eligible customers who cannot use Metrorail or Metrobus.

Question 21: What is the purpose of WMATA's 'Close Call' reporting program?

To evaluate operator performance on tight turns
To discipline employees who narrowly avoided accidents
To document passenger complaints about close calls only
To collect near-miss event data and improve safety before accidents occur (Correct answer)

Correct 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.

Question 22: During single-tracking operations, trains share one track by:

Stopping all service
Running side by side
Taking turns in each direction under strict control (Correct answer)
Using the third rail as a track

Correct answer: Taking turns in each direction under strict control

Single-tracking alternates train directions over one track under controller authority.

Question 23: Which of the following colored lines and track numbers best describe the following: Vienna/Fairfax GMU to New Carrolton?

Blue Line, Track 2
Yellow Line, Track 1
Orange Line, Track 1 (Correct answer)
Red Line, Track 2

Correct answer: Orange Line, Track 1

The route from Vienna/Fairfax GMU to New Carrollton is served by the WMATA Orange Line. Track 1 typically refers to the inbound track, heading towards the central part of the system. Therefore, 'Orange Line, Track 1' best describes this specific segment and direction.

Question 24: What is a WMATA 'Code Red' alert used for?

Marking high-fare periods on the SmarTrip system
Announcing peak-hour service delays
Signaling an immediate life-safety emergency requiring urgent system response (Correct answer)
Indicating maintenance work on tracks

Correct answer: Signaling an immediate life-safety emergency requiring urgent system response

A Code Red alert signals an immediate life-safety emergency, prompting urgent coordinated response from WMATA personnel and emergency services.

Question 25: WMATA's Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure is used to:

Lock fare gates when stations are closed
Lock operator cabs during non-operational hours
Safely de-energize equipment before maintenance to prevent accidental startup (Correct answer)
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 26: The 'foul time' or 'foul zone' near a track refers to the area where a worker:

Boards the train
Can safely stand during operations
Could be struck by a passing train (Correct answer)
Must store tools

Correct answer: Could be struck by a passing train

The fouling zone is the space where a person could be hit by a moving train.

Question 27: What does 'fouling the track' mean under RWP rules?

Walking along an access road
Being close enough to a track that you could be struck by a train or on-track equipment (Correct answer)
Standing in a station platform
Cleaning debris from the rails

Correct answer: Being close enough to a track that you could be struck by a train or on-track equipment

Fouling means being within the danger zone where a train or equipment could strike you.

Question 28: What is WMATA's policy on providing personal customer account information over the phone?

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

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 29: What is the primary role of a WMATA Station Manager?

Manage payroll
Repair rail equipment
Operate trains
Oversee station safety and customer service (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Oversee station safety and customer service

Station Managers are responsible for maintaining station safety and providing customer service to passengers.

Question 30: A customer reports being overcharged for a rail trip. What is the correct first step?

Immediately issue a credit
Ask the customer for their SmarTrip card number to review the transaction history (Correct answer)
Tell the customer fares are non-refundable
File a report and wait for a manager

Correct answer: Ask the customer for their SmarTrip card number to review the transaction history

The first step is to review the customer's transaction history using their SmarTrip card number in the customer information system.

Question 31: When is a WMATA bus operator required to use four-way hazard lights?

Only at night
At every bus stop
During rush hour
When stopped for an emergency, breakdown, or loading passengers in hazardous conditions (Correct answer)

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 32: What must a WMATA bus operator do if a passenger refuses to pay the fare?

Call 911 immediately
Forcibly remove the passenger
Stop the bus until the fare is paid
Allow the passenger to ride and report to Control Center (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Allow the passenger to ride and report to Control Center

Operators should not physically confront passengers over fares; they allow boarding and report the situation to Control Center.

Question 33: What is the correct action if a WMATA bus operator observes a safety hazard at a bus stop?

Fix the hazard independently
Wait until end of shift to report
Report to Control Center and document the hazard (Correct answer)
Skip the stop

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 34: Why is documentation of training completion important?

It slows the program
It only benefits the trainer
It is unnecessary paperwork
It provides records of compliance and qualification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It provides records of compliance and qualification

Documentation verifies that trainees met requirements and supports regulatory compliance.

Question 35: What is WMATA's protocol for buses operating during a snow emergency?

Normal operations continue
Only run limited routes without notice
Suspend all service immediately
Follow Snow Emergency Route procedures and use chains if required (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Follow Snow Emergency Route procedures and use chains if required

During snow emergencies, WMATA buses follow Snow Emergency Route protocols and may use tire chains as required by conditions.

Question 36: What type of hazard does WMATA's third-rail protection program address?

Electrical shock risk from the 750-volt DC powered third rail (Correct answer)
Fire risk from overheated braking systems
Derailment risk on curved tracks
Flooding risk in underground stations

Correct 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.

Question 37: What must occur before WMATA resumes normal train operations after a major emergency?

Only verbal clearance from the OCC controller on duty
Completion of media briefings by WMATA leadership
A formal all-clear from incident command and safety inspection of affected areas (Correct answer)
Passenger notification via the WMATA app only

Correct answer: A formal all-clear from incident command and safety inspection of affected areas

Normal operations can only resume after incident command issues a formal all-clear and safety inspections confirm affected areas are safe for train movement.

Question 38: How are WMATA bus routes identified?

By GPS coordinates
By a combination of number and letter codes (Correct answer)
By street name only
By color only

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 39: What is the WMATA policy regarding unattended bags in a station?

Leave them in lost and found
Remove the bag yourself
Announce on PA and wait 15 minutes
Report to ROCC and Metro Transit Police immediately (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Report to ROCC and Metro Transit Police immediately

Unattended bags are treated as a potential security threat and must be reported immediately to ROCC and Metro Transit Police.

Question 40: What log must WMATA Station Managers maintain throughout their shift?

Passenger count log
Employee time log
Station log documenting events and incidents (Correct answer)
Equipment purchase log

Correct answer: Station log documenting events and incidents

Station Managers are required to maintain a shift station log documenting all notable events, incidents, and equipment issues.

Question 41: On rail systems, a 'dead man' control or alerter requires the operator to:

Manually open the doors
Sound the horn at every station
Periodically respond to prove they are alert (Correct answer)
Pay a toll

Correct answer: Periodically respond to prove they are alert

An alerter forces periodic operator response and stops the train if there is none.

Question 42: 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)
1 hour
4 hours

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 43: What is the WMATA standard greeting when answering a customer service call?

Metro transit, what do you need?
Thank you for calling Metro, this is [name], how may I assist you? (Correct answer)
WMATA, hold please.
Hello, how can I help?

Correct answer: Thank you for calling Metro, this is [name], how may I assist you?

WMATA customer service staff are required to identify themselves and greet callers with a professional, welcoming phrase.

Question 44: What is the purpose of WMATA's 'Continuity of Operations Plan' (COOP)?

To manage employee vacation scheduling during peak periods
To plan new rail line construction timelines
To document passenger complaint resolution procedures
To ensure essential transit functions continue during and after major disruptions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To ensure essential transit functions continue during and after major disruptions

WMATA's COOP ensures that critical transit functions can be maintained or quickly restored during and after major disruptions such as disasters, attacks, or system failures.

Question 45: On the mainline, there are no road crossings.

False
True (Correct answer)

Correct 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.

Question 46: What is the minimum number of designated lookouts required when watchman/lookout protection is used for a work group?

One lookout per worker
Exactly three lookouts
No lookout is needed
At least one dedicated lookout (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At least one dedicated lookout

Watchman/lookout protection requires at least one dedicated lookout whose sole duty is to warn of approaching trains.

Question 47: Which WMATA emergency plan addresses mass casualty incidents?

Station Evacuation Checklist
Continuity of Operations Plan
Mass Casualty Incident Protocol within the Emergency Management Plan (Correct answer)
Fire Safety Handbook

Correct answer: Mass Casualty Incident Protocol within the Emergency Management Plan

WMATA's Emergency Management Plan contains the Mass Casualty Incident Protocol outlining coordinated responses with regional agencies.

Question 48: What is the WMATA policy for employees during an active security threat in a station?

Continue normal duties
Confront the threat directly
Follow the Run-Hide-Fight protocol and notify ROCC (Correct answer)
Wait for further instructions before taking any action

Correct answer: Follow the Run-Hide-Fight protocol and notify ROCC

WMATA adopts the federal Run-Hide-Fight protocol for active security threats, and employees must notify ROCC as soon as it is safe to do so.

Question 49: 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 50: Which document governs WMATA's response to major emergencies such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters?

WMATA's Emergency Management Plan (Correct answer)
The FTA Annual Safety Report
The Metrorail Operating Rules only
The WMATA Employee Handbook

Correct answer: WMATA's Emergency Management Plan

WMATA's Emergency Management Plan outlines protocols for responding to major emergencies including terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other catastrophic events.

Question 51: Which statement about WMATA SmarTrip cards is accurate?

SmarTrip cards expire after one year of inactivity
SmarTrip cards are single-use and must be replaced after each trip
SmarTrip cards are only valid on Metrorail and cannot be used on Metrobus
SmarTrip cards can be used on Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metro-operated parking facilities (Correct answer)

Correct answer: SmarTrip cards can be used on Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metro-operated parking facilities

SmarTrip cards are accepted across all WMATA services including Metrorail, Metrobus, and Metro-operated parking garages and lots.

Question 52: During a medical emergency on a WMATA train, what information should the operator provide to ROCC?

Train number, location, nature of emergency, and number of people affected (Correct answer)
Only the passenger's name
Only the train number
Just the station name

Correct 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.

Question 53: How long must WMATA employees report work-related injuries after they occur?

At the next scheduled performance review
Within one week
Immediately or as soon as practicable (Correct answer)
Within 72 hours

Correct answer: Immediately or as soon as practicable

WMATA requires employees to report work-related injuries immediately or as soon as reasonably possible to ensure prompt medical attention and proper documentation.

Question 54: When must WMATA report a safety incident to the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission?

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

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 55: How should WMATA employees handle a request for a SmarTrip card refund?

Issue cash on the spot
Deny all refund requests
Direct the customer to the online refund portal or customer service center (Correct answer)
Accept the card and mail a check

Correct answer: Direct the customer to the online refund portal or customer service center

SmarTrip refund requests are processed through the online refund portal or at a WMATA customer service center.

Question 56: What is WMATA's protocol when a train must be evacuated in a tunnel?

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

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 57: How must WMATA staff handle a customer who appears to be intoxicated at a station?

Ignore them unless they are causing a disturbance
Remove them from the station immediately
Notify Metro Transit Police and monitor the situation (Correct answer)
Offer them water and a seat

Correct answer: Notify Metro Transit Police and monitor the situation

WMATA staff should notify Metro Transit Police to assess and handle intoxicated individuals in the station.

Question 58: Why should a trainer evaluate their own performance after a session?

To assign blame
To identify what worked and improve future sessions (Correct answer)
Only supervisors should evaluate
It is unnecessary

Correct answer: To identify what worked and improve future sessions

Self-evaluation helps trainers refine methods and continuously improve training quality.

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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