The Metro Board of Directors is seeking applicants to serve on its Riders’ Advisory Council (RAC) to provide input on service, policies and other initiatives that assists Metro’s Board of Directors in its decision-making.
Per WMATA: Over the past year, Metro’s RAC has helped the Board navigate major decisions that will impact the system for decades to come. Members provided valuable feedback and engagement on the Better Bus Network, the L’Enfant Wayfinding pilot, and the planning and implementation of shuttle service during last year’s Red Line summer shutdown.
Metro customers across the region are encouraged to apply to fill four vacancies on the 15-member advisory council.
In the coming year, RAC members will be an important part of the discussion as Metro prepares for the future. Some Metro initiatives members are expected to be engaged on include the implementation of the Better Bus Network this summer, the rollout of Metro’s “Tap. Ride. Go.” open fare payments, and communications and technology improvements such as the MetroPulse app.
“Ensuring customer perspectives are included in our decision-making is essential,” said Metro Board Chair Valerie Santos. “The Riders’ Advisory Council provides an important voice that reflects various experiences that can help ground our conversations to advise the Board and Metro staff.
Formed in 2005, the RAC advises the Board on Metro service and policies and includes a mix of customers that use Metrorail, Metrobus or MetroAccess from across the region. Members must live within the Metro service area.
RAC members serve on a voluntary basis and meet monthly. Open positions include an at-large member, and representatives from DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Metro’s Board is seeking a dynamic group of applicants that exemplify the broad range of Metro customers – those who commute, take essential trips, or travel off-peak and weekends.
In addition to advising the Board, RAC members are expected to connect with neighborhood groups, local businesses, and other organizations to gather feedback. This allows the RAC to consider the experiences of others, in addition to personal experiences, and to identify broader trends in making recommendations.
Individuals interested in Metro’s continuous improvement may submit their applications online; or to get an application in an accessible format, call 202-962-2511 (TTY 202-962-2033). The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Friday, March 14. All applications will be reviewed, and final candidates will be asked to interview with Board member(s) and/or staff. Members will be appointed by the Board at the March 27 meeting.
Due to the limited number of vacancies, not every applicant can be accepted. Anyone who is not selected is still welcome to attend and participate in meetings which are open to the public. Applications will be kept on file for one year and reviewed when eligible vacancies arise. Additional information about the RAC is available at wmata.com/RAC.