862-5000 changes to 311 for Metro information
For further information, contact:
Molly Sudderth, 862-6030
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2007
Metro is changing the number of its information line to 311 to make it easier for citizens to find out about city services.
The 311 phone number replaces the previous Metro Information phone number, 862-5000, so citizens can use a shorter, easier to remember number to contact Metro. The calls will continue to be handled by the Metro Call Center, which began in 2002 and handles about 225,000 calls per year.
“By changing our number to 311 we’ll make it easier for people to remember how to get in touch with Metro and get the information they need,” Mayor Bill Purcell said. “The switch to 311 has been very successful in other cities around the state and the country.”
Other Tennessee cities with 311 service include Knoxville and Chattanooga. New York City began its service in 2003. Similar switches to three digit phone numbers for information include the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s 511 line and the 211 phone number for social service agencies in Middle Tennessee.
The 311 number will also replace the 880-1000 line for the Curby recycling program. The Metro Call Center handles the calls for trash collection, recycling and brush pickup services.
The Call Center operates Monday through Friday 7 am to 7 pm.
Persons using a cell phone may not be able to call 311. They can continue to use the 862-5000 phone number for information. People calling from outside Nashville must still dial the 615-862-5000 number for Metro information.
911 Emergency calls will continue to be handled by the E-911 Center. For Non-emergency assistance calls should continue to be made to 862-8600.