Lunch links: The boss fixes it

by Steven Yates • January 10, 2012 12:08 pm

Photo by HerrVebah on Flickr.

Caught by the boss: A Metro employee was caught eating in a station by General Manager Richard Sarles. Sarles sent a message in a newsletter telling employees to be more professional. (Examiner)

Hundreds of parts replaced: WMATA replaced 290 brake parts in response to two incidents where friction rings fell off the train. Investigators don't have a cause yet, so they switched out any part that showed wear. (Examiner)

Smells fishy: The fishy smell some Metro riders reported last week isn't fish, it's sewer gas escaping from floor drains. Metro can fix the problem by adding water, but the tracks have to be shut down. (Examiner)

Hangout with Sarles and reporters: Greater Greater Washington's David Alpert and Michael Perkins, along with Ben Ross of ACT, will be joining Richard Sarles and Post reporters for a Google+ Hangout at 1. (Post)

Real-time info real helpful: The new experimental real-time transit screen at Java House developed by our own Eric Fidler, Andy Chosak, and David Alpert is a hit, with customers and employees already relying on it. (WAMU)

Bus to Mark Center working: The Department of Defense is using buses in an attempt to offset the traffic increase to the Mark Center as a result of the BRAC realignment, and it seems to be working. (WTOP)

DOT fixes disaster damage, spares HSR: The US DOT was able to fund nearly $1.6 billion in disaster repairs without raiding high-speed rail funds, much to the chagrin of some House Republicans. (Streetsblog)

And...: The Silver Line is 60% complete. (Patch) ... The Purple Line gets an informational video. (DCist) ... A collection of transportation infographics. (delicious)

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5 comments

Tags: appearances, Arlington, BRAC, Congress, data openness, food, high-speed rail, links, Mark Center, Maryland, Metro, Metro safety, Purple Line, Republicans, retail, Richard Sarles, Silver Line, USDOT, Virginia, WMATA

Steven Yates grew up in Indiana before moving to DC in 2002 to attend college at American University. He currently lives in Southwest DC.

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Mark Center buses working: WTOP commentators dismiss findings as part of socialist plot

by Adam L on Jan 10, 2012 12:32 pm

Regarding eating in station. That's nothing, I saw a bus operator smoking in a Not In Service bus this morning. Don't believe that is according to policy. Reported the details to WMATA.

by Rider on Jan 10, 2012 12:47 pm

Eating in the station? I see employees doing so often I honestly thought they were allowed. I regularly notice them make runs and bring back food from McDonald's. Are they not supposed to?

P.S. - A couple nights ago I got on a Metro rail car and I was confused for a second. It really looked like a dining car had been attached to the train. I counted no less that 8 individuals eating. Some actually had large plates of food balanced on their laps.

by JeffB on Jan 10, 2012 2:05 pm

Whats wrong with an employee eating?

Riders cant eat because sadly, many are slobs who drop packaging and food. The policy is implemented because its the easiest way to keep things clean.

Employees obviously would not be littering.

by JJJJJ on Jan 10, 2012 4:07 pm

Obvously!

Just like they wouldn't park their personal vehicles illegally outside Metro station entrances, nor would they ever tolerate patrons' urinating onto the tracks in their Metro stations.

by Victor on Jan 11, 2012 11:13 am