Beginning March 1, Metro’s Lost and Found will only accept lost wallets and electronics

Photo by Jordan Barab

From WMATA:

“Amid ongoing pandemic-related budget constraints, Metro today announced upcoming changes to its lost and found procedures to reduce administrative costs so the agency can continue to prioritize its core mission: providing safe and reliable transportation for the region.

Beginning March 1, Metro’s lost and found department will work to reunite customers with lost wallets and electronics (such as phones, tablets, and laptops) only. All other items lost in the system will be disposed of, donated to charity, destroyed, or auctioned.

While Metro was able to halt service cuts and layoffs thanks to the latest federal Covid relief funding, the federal funding will not close Metro’s entire projected budget gap for the next fiscal year. The change in lost and found procedures is one of several administrative actions Metro is taking to lessen the gap, including limiting the use of contractors, deferring some capital program expenses, and shrinking its workforce by attrition.

Also on March 1, in-person pickup for lost items, which has been suspended during the pandemic, will resume at Metro’s lost and found facility located at 6500 Belcrest Rd., Hyattsville, Md. Customers may still opt to have their item returned via mail if they cover the cost of mailing. Face coverings are required in all Metro facilities, and customers visiting the lost and found office are asked to adhere to posted social distancing signage.

Any item reported lost between now and February 28, 2021 will be handled using the current process and held for 30 days as Metro staff work to reunite customers with their lost items. Lost items may be reported online here or by calling 202-962-1195.”