Cheverly residents send out opposition emails to WMATA

I received the following comments, sent to WMATA today. Thank you to ALL who sent in their comments!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ray
Date: Tue, Apr 6, 2010 at 9:17 AM
Subject: Proposed closing of Cheverly Metro station
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com




To Whom It May Concern-

I speak for myself and my neighbors when I say I am absolutely opposed to closing the Cheverly Metro station at any time except when the entire Metro train system is closed.

Not only is Metro a link for area residents attending sporting and cultural events in the DC metro area during the weekend, it is also a key link to Prince George's County Hospital Center, which, as you know, does not close on weekends.

Metro keeps traffic off local roads, decreases pollution, links citizens to key services and supports area entertainment and tourism-oriented businesses. The second and third order negative effects of Metro closure far outweigh the budgetary pittance that will be "saved".


Ray
Cheverly, MD



---------- Forwarded message ----------
from David
to public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
date Thurs, Apr 1, 2010

Thank you WMATA for this opportunity to voice my concerns over the
potential weekend closure of the Orange Line stations and other
service cuts to the eastern side of the city. The orange line is a
vital link between our community and the rest of metropolitan
Washington DC. Many people in our community, my wife and I included,
have chosen to live here specifically because we have a metro station
close by. We have few entertainment or shopping options in the area
and closing the weekend service would essentially isolate many
residents.

I believe that there are many opportunities to reduce redundant
services on the bus and rail lines that would save money or decrease
personnel at certain locations and times for additional savings.
Considering how packed the trains are during the morning and evening
rush, there is obvious potential for additional rate increases during
peak hours. This has the potential to increase revenues and also make
the commute a bit more enjoyable and less cramped by spreading out the
morning and evening rush.

I have completed the online survey and hope that you will be able to
come to some conclusions that help make metro not only viable but
safer and more reliable without reducing a much needed service to the
community.

Thank you,
David
Cheverly resident


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Daphne
Date: Mon, Mar 29, 2010 at 7:31 PM
Subject: Do not close Cheverly metro station on weekends
To: public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com


I am a native Washingtonian and have ridden metro my entire life--riding it almost daily since 1989. I rode the red line daily to high school, and I rode the red, blue, and orange lines over the summers during college. I commuted via the bus and rail system throughout my professional career; I used metro when I returned to graduate school, and now commute on metro again.

When I purchased a home, I made sure I was within walking distance to a metro station so I could continue to use public transportation to my place of employment. As a Cheverly resident, I am outraged that WMATA 's proposed budget completely closes our Cheverly Metro on weekends. All three proposed weekend closures take place either in Southeast Washington or Prince George's County, causing these areas to suffer a disproportionate burden. Furthermore, it is in these communities that residents rely on public transportation the most, both for its timeliness and also its cost effectiveness. This would have a devastating impact on Cheverly and the surrounding areas.

I understand the need to both generate new funds and use existing funds economically. There must be a compromise, however, between bringing Metro's financial house into order and denying access to a segment of the population.

Daphne
Cheverly, MD