Mike Rupert, The Examiner
2006-05-03 09:00:00.0
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WASHINGTON -

Metro officials are considering allowing retail establishments — similar to the kiosks at shopping malls — inside subway stations and parking garages to sell merchandise to riders.

The five-year pilot program would allow retailers to set up shop at 12 Metrorail stations, four in each jurisdiction, and officials are leaving open the possibility that food and beverage sales could be allowed.

The proposal, expected to be voted on at a Metro board of directors committee hearing on Thursday, is a sign that the typically conservative leadership is easing restrictions on the tightly regulated transit system.

Several high-profile arrests of riders eating french fries and candy bars in recent years have split opinions over the allowing of food.

The proposal makes it clear that the sale of food and beverages is not permitted, but asks potential retailers to indicate how sales revenue would change if food were allowed. If food would generate significantly higher revenue, transit officials said, they might rethink their stance.

Metro interim General Manager Dan Tangherlini said he doesn’t believe food and beverages would be allowed on trains, but items could be sold to riders leaving the system.

One reason for easing restrictions is the amount of money these retailers could bring in for the cash-strapped agency. Metro officials had projected the 36 ATMs installed last year would bring in $360,000 in additional revenues. The number is now likely to reach more than $1 million for fiscal 2006, officials said.

Most of the sites selected for the pilot program are in “free” areas of stations, with the exception of Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown and College Park, where retailers would be inside the fare gates. Proposals are expected to be reviewed this fall, officials said.

One reason food and beverages have been prohibited on railcars is the potential for dirty carpeted floors. In addition, trash could be an invitation to rodents and the cost of cleaning trains and stations might rise, officials said.

Tangherlini said he is considering getting rid of the carpet in railcars, which could cut cleaning and maintenance costs, and is working on a proposal to test the idea in the near future.

mrupert@dcexaminer.com