Food sales possible in Metro

UPDATE 5/28/09: The Metro Board voted to table this proposed plan citing an anticipated increase in trash and that it might potentially encourage people to eat on trains where food and drink is prohibited. It was the second time in three years the board has rejected a plan to incorporate food sales in rail stations. Other proposals are expected, potentially in June, with more of an emphasis on books and DVD sales rather than food.

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Metrorail stations proposed for inclusion in Retail Program

District of Columbia:

Anacostia (sidewalk)

Fort Totten (sidewalk and paid area of station)

Gallery Place-Chinatown (paid and free area of station)

Metro Center (paid area of station)

Virginia:

King Street (free area of mezzanine)

Rosslyn (free area of mezzanine)

Vienna/Fairfax-GMU (paid area of station and short term parking)

West Falls Church-VT/UVA (sidewalk)

Maryland:

Branch Avenue (sidewalk and Kiss & Ride)

Glenmont (sidewalk)

New Carrollton (sidewalk)

Shady Grove (sidewalk)

*Stations were chosen based on ridership and space      Graphic Courtesy of Metro

Metro officials are considering the installation of a number of kiosks in high trafficked metro stations, according to a press release from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Potential products and services include prepackaged food and beverage, dry cleaning, and newsstands.

Officials presented the idea before the Rider's Advisory Council last night.

A similar plan was brought before the council three years ago but without the option for proposals from food or beverage distributors. The agency received a mere three offers, but for varying reasons were not implemented. 

The sale of tobacco and alcohol would still be prohibited, however, as the D.C. Metro system bans food and drink, the sale of any prepackaged food is a big step forward. The public transportation systems in Atlanta, San Francisco, and Chicago allow the sale of prepackaged foods, according to Nat Bottigheimer, assistant general manager of planning and joint development.

If the proposal is approved the agency will begin soliciting proposals in June, with a Metro board review over the summer, and possible implementation by the fall