Emergency Preparedness

Safer Metro

Our Safety Initiatives

At Metro, your safety is our highest priority. We've taken several proactive steps to enhance security and improve emergency preparedness throughout the entire transit system. These efforts include:

  • Increasing the presence of Metro Transit Police officers and K-9 units systemwide
  • Utilizing a network of more than 30,000 security cameras on buses, trains, and in stations
  • Upgrading station lighting for improved visibility and safety
  • Displaying more prominent and accessible safety information for riders
  • Assisting customers facing mental or physical challenges are Crisis Intervention Specialists who help by connecting them with the right resources
  • Training our first responders on how to mitigate Metro emergencies

As our commitment to safety continues to evolve, customers can expect to see even more improvements throughout the system. Together, these enhancements are helping to ensure a safer, more prepared transit experience for everyone.

Know Your Risks | Metro's Safety and Security Metrobus and Metrorail

When you ride Metro, you can count on safety being one of our core values. We're constantly working to keep our stations, railcars, and buses clean, reliable, and well-maintained, while taking proactive steps to prevent and deter crime throughout the system.

Be Prepared | Metro's Service

To ensure safe and reliable service, Metro has comprehensive plans in place to manage service interruptions. We're prepared to respond quickly across the system-from stations and rail yards to parking garages and bus facilities-so you can keep moving, no matter the conditions.

Stay Connected and Informed | Metro's Alerts

The Metro Safety Community Toolkit provides additional recent and ongoing safety efforts with social media language and creative assets. Stay connected via the following socials:

Customer Service | Chat

  • Contact our Customer Care team via chat or phone at 202-GO-METRO (202-466-3876, TTY 202-962-2033), M-F, 7 am-8 pm; Sat-Sun, 8 am-8 pm. Automated information is available 24/7.
  • Visit wmata.com/contact for more details.



Metro Citizen Corp

Previously, this group worked with the Metro Transit Police Department to provide CERT members with a training program that taught them how to react to emergencies ranging from rail safety to identification of terrorist activity. The members were instructed how to help themselves and their fellow passengers while they wait for firefighters and police to arrive.

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

Helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Offers detailed information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on preparing for terrorist incidents. Included are brochures, checklists, public service announcements, and links to additional information.

Ready.gov

Offers detailed information regarding emergency preparedness for natural disasters.

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Homeland Security & Public Safety

Offers information on local governments' cooperation on homeland security and includes links to the Regional Emergency Coordination Plan developed for the National Capital Area.

District of Columbia Home Guide to Emergency Preparedness

Offers Washington, DC residents' guidance to prepare their homes and families for most local emergency situations.

Maryland Emergency Management Agency

Offers residents a list of the local Maryland emergency management offices for all counties in Maryland.

Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Offers information for Virginia residents to increase their knowledge and preparedness for terrorism.