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Capital Metro seeks rail ambassadors

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Thursday, 19 March 2009

Breaking news update - March 20, 2009: At 2:01 p.m. March 20, Capital Metro announced the March 28 MetroRail grand opening celebrations for the commuter rail service from Leander to downtown Austin are cancelled and train service will be delayed indefinitely.

The Federal Railroad Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation today notified Capital Metro of additional alleged violations committed by employees of rail contractor Veolia Transportation.

Earlier this month, Capital Metro announced the March 30 opening of the MetroRail would be delayed to allow for more training of Veolia employees after two train operators allegedly entered sections of track without authorization. At that time, Capital Metro representatives said March 28 grand opening celebrations would continue as planned.

In a statement to media March 20, Capital Metro president and CEO Fred Gilliam said he has called for Veolia to replace its safety director.

In the meantime, rail experts from Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will assist Capital Metro in preparing the MetroRail for operation.

Gilliam will present the status of the MetroRail and an action plan by May 15.

“Capital Metro is deeply disappointed over this delay, but under no circumstances will we jeopardize safety by rushing this process,” he said.

Capital Metro is looking for more people to serve as MetroRail Ambassadors to help riders understand how to use the new train, distribute transit information and answer or refer questions.

Ambassadors will be at each MetroRail station March 28-April 10 and will serve in shifts, the first from 5:30-9 a.m. and the second from 3:30-7 p.m. In return for their service, ambassadors will receive a free MetroRail pass good for one month.

Potential ambassadors must attend a training session. In Leander, training is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon March 21 at H-E-B Plus!, 651 N. US 183, Leander. Another training is scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 24 at the Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin.

To become a MetroRail Ambassador, call 294-7446 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Volunteers are also needed for Capital Metro’s grand opening celebration, 4-7 p.m. March 28 at the Leander Station, 800 N. US 183, Leander. Sign up by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by March 25.

For more information about the MetroRail, visit http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail.shtml.