Metro has hired two high-powered PR firms to help the transit agency repair its tattered image in the aftermath of a deadly January 12 smoke incident. Metro officials refused to say how much they are paying the firms, but Metro spokeswoman Morgan Dye tersely stated that it will be funded by Metro’s insurance carrier. The two firms, hired by Metro are: O’Neill and Associates, whose roster includes the former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board, and Hill + Knowlton Strategies, which has previously done work for the transit agency. Metro is also is dealing with the botched search for a new chief executive. Both firms have expertise in crisis communications, and they will guide Metro as the agency faces public hearings held by the National Transportation Safety Board June 23 and June 24. The NTSB continues to investigate the incident at L’Enfant Plaza. Metro’s interim general manager said the companies will also help develop a plan to better manage Metro’s overall reputation.
