Metro Emergency Response Vehicle (MERV)

In 2005, Metro Transit acquired a large van equipped as a mobile command and communications vehicle for use during major disasters and emergencies.

The Metro Emergency Response Vehicle (MERV) was purchased with a Department of Homeland Security grant. It is designed to serve as a field incident command and communications center in the event of a major emergency or security incident.

Metro staff holds frequent drills using the MERV, and also conducts emergency exercises with local cities. This helps familiarize Metro staff and other public safety agencies with the various functions of the mobile command center.

Metro offers the use of the vehicle, if available, to neighboring transit agencies in the event of emergencies. In the fall of 2005, the Federal Emergency Management Agency asked that MERV be put on standby to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina if needed.

Exterior and interior photos (click thumbnail to enlarge):

Photos taken during disaster drill December 2005 (click thumbnail to enlarge):