Metro recently released a Facebook page in an effort to connect to more customers and provide a new outlet for feedback.
The page includes general information on Metro, events and discussion board topics. There are also RSS feeds on the page that show real-time information on Metrorail track-work and Metrobus delays.
The Facebook page allows users to attend events, such as track maintenance and board meetings. In addition, there are discussion board topics, where members can comment on a variety of issues. Recent topics have included, "New Ways for Metro to Earn Money" and "Board Members Not Riding Metro." Users have utilized these forums to share their opinions and views.
Steven Taubenkibel, Public Affairs Specialist for WMATA, said that the page is "A way for Facebook users to communicate about how they feel about Metro on an informal level."
Taubenkibel explained that Metro has a history of listening to the ideas and views of its customers and bringing those ideas back to the board. This recently occurred when one customer suggested during an online forum that Metro raise revenue by charging for parking on the weekends. Many at WMATA, Washington Metro Area Transportation Authority, support the idea, which is now being discussed by the Metro Board, said Taubenkibel.
Many AU students have joined the Facebook page and have used it to learn more about what metro is doing and express their opinions about changes and improvements.
Kristi-Anne Caisse, a junior in the School of International Service, said she likes that Metro is reaching out to customers in different ways.
"I will use it to check if there are delays or track work before I go out," she said.
According to the Washington Post, Metro publicly announced the Facebook page last week in the midst of discussions over reductions in services and budget cuts. Metro hopes the Facebook page will provide customers with opportunities to make suggestions on ways to meet their financial challenges.
Metro hopes to continue to reach out to customers through methods like Facebook and plans to add more features to their Facebook page, according to Taubenkibel.
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