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3/14/2019
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) issued a request for proposals (RFP) yesterday seeking providers of discounted on-demand transportation for workers during hours when Metrorail is closed, according to a WMATA press release.
Under a one-year pilot program, which could being as soon as this summer, WMATA would subsidize trips taken with taxi or ride-hailing companies between midnight and 4 a.m. by eligible employees, primarily those who work in the hospitality and health-care industries.
WMATA would pay the first $3 of the fare, up to a maximum of 10 trips per week per registered rider. The budget for the one-year pilot will be capped at $1 million.
The program is intended to benefit overnight workers affected by changes in WMATA’s operating hours to support improved maintenance, WMATA officials said in a press release.
"The system is safer and more reliable today as a result of the robust preventive maintenance work we are doing during those critical overnight hours," said WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld. “At the same time, we understand that Metro is a vital link for many late-night workers.”
Responses from prospective vendors are due April 10. The pilot results will be reviewed to determine whether to extend the program beyond one year.