Unsuck DC Metro: Food and Drink Violator or Not?

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Food and Drink Violator or Not?

Via @KaeSaid Yup, that's a transit cop with food and drink on my train. @unsuckdcmetro #wmata http://t.co/d67psd6

Yesterday, we retweeted the above image. It was retweeted several times, but it also elicited many comments that the officer is not breaking the rules because he's not actually eating or drinking. *

*Unsuck was once sternly scolded by a station manager for trying to bring pretty much the same looking food/drink combo into a station. Had to ditch the cup ("because it had a straw"), but could keep the food.

Comments (59)

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+12 Vote up Vote down

@SchuminWeb · 739 weeks ago

It's technically not a violation of the rules as I understand it, since he's not actually consuming the food on the train. I would assert that this is a "nothing to see here" moment.

And then for future overzealous station managers, I think I would have told them that unless they can produce documentation of a prohibition against carrying (not consuming) drinks with straws on Metro, that they should back off. Seriously, if you confront a station manager back, they will shrivel.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Ever Anon · 739 weeks ago

I disagree with your last comment. The station managers I've seen confronted turn into rabid cats, snarling, hissing, spitting and doing everything but being a helpful professional.

(My apologies to cats.)

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ANONYMOUS · 739 weeks ago

I've been hassled too for trying to carry a leftover box and a drink. The rule is unclear and there seem to be numerous interpretations. This guy should have put it in a bag or finished up before getting on the train.

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James Boyd · 739 weeks ago

He's doing nothing wrong if he's not eating and/or drinking.

+6 Vote up Vote down

guest · 739 weeks ago

My understanding is that you can bring groceries and the like onto Metro. After all there are people who use Metro for errands. I don't know the fine print of the rule, but this looks bad.

+8 Vote up Vote down

anon · 739 weeks ago

He got it at Stop A and is returning to Stop B to eat it. This has been happening for like thirty years on Metro.

+22 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 739 weeks ago

The placards in each train say that it is unlawful to eat or drink, not to carry food and drink regardless of whether the containers are open or closed.

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Kat · 739 weeks ago

I find nothing wrong with it. As someone who doesn’t own a car, WMATA is my primary mode of transportation and sometimes that means my husband and I have leftovers from dinner with us or we’re taking food to a friend’s and other similar situations. The rules always say that “eating, drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited;” it doesn’t say anything about carrying food on the train and bus (hello grocery shopping!). If it’s in the container and he’s not drinking his drink, he’s not breaking the rules.

-7 Vote up Vote down

Nathan · 739 weeks ago

It's a stupid rule to begin with. It's littering that should be against the rules, not eating or drinking.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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ashamed · 739 weeks ago

He is not breaking the law or any code of conduct! And anyone telling you any different is just blowing smoke.

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TFUNK · 739 weeks ago

I agree with this comment. I've been riding metro for 4 years and I've only witnessed a problem with food 4 or 5 times. It typical related to people spitting sunflower shells all over the ground or leaving empty plastic bottles. As with most rules, it is designed for selective enforcement against idiots, not individuals with commonsense and respect for others.

On the subject of littering, what about all the newspapers that cover the floor of metro everyday?

-1 Vote up Vote down

JJ · 739 weeks ago

He's got a nice wide stance there, but given the way the trains jerk, I find the liklihood of spilage here to be great. therefore, he's breaking the rules.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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topflight · 739 weeks ago

I find the likelihood of you being an idiot to also be great

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Anon · 739 weeks ago

Yea, you're not too smart are you...

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Null · 739 weeks ago

Agree it's a stupid rule to begin with, and as is obvious from this post, no one is really clear on exactly what the rule is, including Metro workers.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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ashamed · 739 weeks ago

Its not a stupid rule when enforced correctly! Unless you like sharing your commute with rats and roaches! And how do you figure from these posts that Metro workers arn't clear on the rules! Obviously the Officer knows the rules and this post is a waste of time.

+6 Vote up Vote down

Ummm · 739 weeks ago

Rats and roaches would be an improvement over the current group of riders.

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Guest · 739 weeks ago

I thought only McDonald's french fries were illegal on Metro.

3 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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guest · 739 weeks ago

Only if you're a young black girl.

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sad · 739 weeks ago

Wow really ...young black girl what a very intelligent thing to say.....i've seen all kinds of people written and have even been told the rule myself by an officer...i understand its to prevent rodent infestation and filth......i have been to ny, philly, and there systems are dirty so thank about that......not following the little rules leads to not following bigger rules.....two days ago i saw someone eating sunflower seeds on the train and SPITTING the shells on the floor ..but u all are worried about an officer carrying food....hmmmmm.

-3 Vote up Vote down

@kara_h · 739 weeks ago

As to your second phrase: umm, you do know who they yelled at for eating fries, right?

+11 Vote up Vote down

VeggieTart · 739 weeks ago

And he could be off-duty as he carries his meal. As long as he's not eating or drinking, I have no problem with people carrying food.

+2 Vote up Vote down

Anon · 739 weeks ago

This must be his food remains because usually the carryout places place the food container in a bag.

I don't see any posted rules for what can and cannot be brought into the station. Actions which are on the law books and illegal should be posted perhaps in the stations themselves. Also a clear message to the riders before entering the train.

The rules seem pretty lax system wide.

I don't see having a drink with a straw is drinking but I do see riders with hand held coffee mugs in the morning with hot coffee steaming.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Kolohe · 739 weeks ago

Plastic bags now cost extra in DC.

+6 Vote up Vote down

vanceastro 111p · 739 weeks ago

From the website:

"Metrobus Rules and Manners - General

Don't

Eat, drink, smoke or litter on Metro vehicles or in the stations. Metro Transit Police issue citations or make arrests to enforce the law. Help keep the system clean."

Still doesn't look good and I'm certain that there's many a Metro employee who would not hesitate to scold a passenger doing the exact same thing.

1 reply · active 739 weeks ago

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dunker · 739 weeks ago

Your a idiot. It says EATING AND DRINKING not CARRYING. Must be that DC education you got there.

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James · 739 weeks ago

I think the eating and drinking rule is ridiculous but if it's not really enforced strictly and it keeps the majority of people from trashing the train, I'm ok with that.

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One take · 739 weeks ago

I’d rather see a police officer carrying food then no police officer. To continue, other commuters with food and drink are not my concern either, as long as they don’t spill their lattes or what not on me; I’d rather watch out for some K Street attorney carrying his trenti cup o’ joe than a handful of thugs looking for their communities only definition of ‘respect’.

+4 Vote up Vote down

@deafinthecity · 739 weeks ago

That's why you always bring a bag to put your food and drink in.

3 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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karizma5 · 739 weeks ago

Most people don't get bags now, since you have to pay 5 cents!

-1 Vote up Vote down

@VeggieTart · 739 weeks ago

Which is why I always carry reusable bags in my purse. I suppose guys could carry in their pockets.

+2 Vote up Vote down

Ummm · 739 weeks ago

Bag tax.

+9 Vote up Vote down

More is More · 739 weeks ago

While I agree that the rule, as stated, is open to interpretation, I think holding these items openly as this officer is doing, could easily result in accidental spillage. We all know how unskilled many of these train drivers are and I could easily imagine a hard braking and then this officer's drink and french fries flying everywhere!

So while the officer isn't "technically' breaking any rules, he's not setting a good example either. Carrying the food in a bag would have been more appropriate.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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dunker · 739 weeks ago

OK then METRO should ban all food and drink from any metro train or bus. Lets see how those that rely on metro to get their errands done feel. Officer is doing nothing wrong.

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BDK · 739 weeks ago

OK - I'm someone who gets pissed when people eat & drink on the Metro. But this is just a guy transporting his lunch or dinner and there's nothing wrong with that, nor does it "look bad to the average rider." If anything, it demonstrates someone following the rules. I'm sorry if you got hassled by an overzealous Metro employee, but this is just much ado about absolutely nothing!

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dan · 739 weeks ago

If some people are scolded for bringing drinks with straws onto the Metro (and others are not), it that either:

1) It is unlawful, as per WMATA rules, to bring such beverages on the Metro, in which case the police officer (and all violators) are breaking said law even it they aren't actively drinking anything

2) It is not unlawful, so long as you're not drinking out of it (but some station managers and WMATA personnel are not aware of this 'loophole')

So, which is it?

Any WMATA law experts in the house?

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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ashamed · 739 weeks ago

The station Manager who tells you you can't bring a drink in the Metro or says to remove a straw is over stepping his athority! Politely tell them its not against any Law/Ordinance or Polocy to do any such thing!

+1 Vote up Vote down

Anon · 739 weeks ago

It is a violation of law to CONSUME food or drink anywhere throughout Metro in a metro station or in an elevator or escalator. It is not illegal to carry it.

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· 739 weeks ago

Don't do what Donnie Don't Does

+1 Vote up Vote down

F'n JD · 739 weeks ago

He needs energy to not do his job.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Anony · 739 weeks ago

You're ignorant

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anon · 739 weeks ago

Seriously? This is silly. I mean, there are bigger issues with the transit police - he's not eating or drinking at the moment, leave him be.

That said, I'm furious with the transit police generally - totally nonresponsive in person and even if you submit a complaint through the online forum, they will never respond to you. They just ignore you. So why would they care even if we all agreed that this is bad form? Why bother.

+8 Vote up Vote down

Rusty · 739 weeks ago

I think this post is the complete opposite of a waste of time. It's an interesting discussion (for the most part) of a nebulous rule none of us seems to really understand. Here's an example of someone who's on the line, apparently.

keep it up

+6 Vote up Vote down

Calm Truth · 739 weeks ago

What about those station managers eating in the booths? That's within the "Metro System", which is clearly a violation. This guy is saving 5 cents by not using a plastic bag.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Guest · 739 weeks ago

And saving the environment! That's supposed to be part of the purpose of the Bag Tax - so we wouldn't want to miss that! He's also saving the environment by not using a plastic bag.

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guest · 739 weeks ago

Not just Metro http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/queens...
Not just Metro 2: http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/internet/c...

Those beautiful and misunderstood children.

-2 Vote up Vote down

MetroRyder · 739 weeks ago

If there were booze in that cup and he were driving, it would be considered an open container, there fore he's breaking the rules. Take the straw out and I'd be ok with it.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Cop · 739 weeks ago

Did you even read that before you posted it. The logic you're trying to use just gave me a headache. You linked drinking alcohol and driving, to carrying a cup on a metro train. But I guess its my fault for trying to figure out an idiot

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dunker · 739 weeks ago

lol.....wow you make no sense at all RYDER. Try again.

+1 Vote up Vote down

Anon · 739 weeks ago

Nothing's wrong as long as he didn't eat/drink on the train. Look how many restaurants are located near Metro stations (think Crystal/Pentagon City stops for example). Many people commute there and sometimes pick dinner up before going home-big deal! It's not against the rule to carry the food and drink; just to take it out of it's container and consume it while on the train. People are so unbelievably uptight and ready to attack all things Metro on this blog! It's a little nutty!! :-D

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Cop · 739 weeks ago

He isn't eating or drink, so he is fine. Anyone can carry food on the metro. If you get a ticket for just carrying food or drink, take it to court and fight. it. That officer messed up. Like everyone else, he may have a misunderstanding of the law. And how does this look bad to the public? He is an officer, but he is also human. We have to eat too. If he would have stayed in the restaurant and finished his meal, you would be complaining that you saw a metro officer eating in a restaurant and not riding the train. Oh well, some people just need to complain about something.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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dunker · 739 weeks ago

AMEN

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Undecided · 739 weeks ago

He's not breaking the rules, "technically", but when the metro jerks like it always does and he loses his wide stance, the food goes on the floor and everyone's unhappy. Is a bag really too much to ask?

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guest · 739 weeks ago

Clearly the Police officer is not doing nothing wrong by carrying his food and drink on the train. The only crime he committed was not offering the person(kaesaid) who took this picture some food. Maybe she was hurgry at the time of the picture I dont know. There are more important topics to talk about than this. Come on people lets find better topics.

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Sam · 739 weeks ago

The rule is "No eating or drinking", not "No food or drinks". Many of the rules are written in verb form. "No spitting" or "No smoking". That doesn't mean that you can't have saliva in your mouth or cigarettes in your pocket.

-1 Vote up Vote down

guest · 739 weeks ago

Will everyone please understand,,,,they are not rules.....they are laws,,,,,,,a rule is something if you break you wont get a fine or go to jail for it,,,where a law is you could get a fine or go to jail......

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Guest · 738 weeks ago

He's not breaking the rules. Nothing to see here.

I know this is a little late ... but I'll just add this: I've had metro station managers tell me to bend the straw over and tuck it into the cup when carrying onto metro before. And I'm ok with that - if it shows them that I'm not going to be drinking it, doesn't bother me any. Looks like the straw could even be tucked in partially from this pic.