Riders’ Advisory Council

The next WMATA Riders’ Advisory Council meeting is on:

Full Meeting:Wednesday, June 5th 2013 at 6:30 PM

The official WMATA webpage for the RAC can be found HERE.

The RAC meets at WMATA HQ on the lobby level in the conference room. WMATA HQ is at 600 5th Street NW, Washington DC 20001

WMATA HQ is just 1 block east of Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red, Yellow and Green lines) (Verizon Center) and 1 block west of Judiciary Square (Red Line).

When you enter the building you’ll be required to pass through a metal detector – the security guards are very friendly. Tell them you’re there for the Riders’ Advisory Council Meeting. The room is accessible to wheelchairs and there are no stairs involved.

The meeting room is ahead on the left. Across the hall (to the right of the main entrance) is a break room (vending) and restrooms.

What to expect:

There will be a large circle of tables in the room. The 21 member council will sit around these tables with the chairperson and co-chairs sitting along the end opposite of the main doors.

Off to the side will be a WMATA representative (usually John) who will be taking notes, operating presentations, and timing public speakers.

The public is welcome to attend and should sit in the “gallery” – which means any other chairs around the room, not at a table. If you wish to speak to the RAC you should find the signup sheet before the meeting starts, it’s usually on the table as you enter the room.

The meeting will start, usually promptly at 6:30, with a call to order by the chairperson. The first item on the agenda is almost always public comment. If you signed up to speak you’ll be called by name, asked to sit at the table opposite of the chairperson (closest to the doors as you entered the room) and be allowed 2 minutes to address the council. There’s a microphone on the table – make sure you push the button to turn it on – this allows the room to hear you clearly and also makes sure you’re heard on the meeting recording and live webcast.

After the public comment period there is very little opportunity for the public to have input for the rest of the meeting. After presentations there will be a short comment period, time permitting, where you can make comment on (not ask questions) what was just presented. So, sit back and enjoy, take notes, live-tweet, whatever.

A note: there are no power outlets available anywhere in the room for the public and there’s no wifi. If you bring electronics make sure they’re on silent and fully charged.

If I’m at the meeting please feel free to introduce yourself and come sit next to me!

The RAC is your “representative” of riders to the WMATA board and management. They’re all customers of WMATA – none are allowed to be employees. WMATA takes their word about rider issues – NOT YOURS. It’s your responsibility to attend these meetings and voice your opinion if you feel the RAC is failing to represent you.

In general (with very few exceptions) the members of the RAC have not made themselves available to you by releasing their contact information. If you wish to contact a member of the RAC they have but 1 email address:

raccomments@wmata.com

Here is a list of RAC members that are on Twitter:

Carl Seip (At-Large) - @RAC_Carl
Francis DeBernardo (MD) – @FDeBernardo
Italo Cruz (DC) – @ItaloBCruz
Thais Austin (DC) – @thaisaustin

(if I’m missing anyone please let me know!)