Unsuck DC Metro: Should the Bottled Water Ban be Ditched for Good?

@katmoo14 · 713 weeks ago

I’ve seen more damage done to the carpet in a train by a WMATA employee who forgot to close a door all the way as he was moving from car to car...and then the rain came and it all came in the car.

Guest · 663 weeks ago

Also, there shouldn't be carpet in the cars. That's common sense.

Kara · 713 weeks ago

Exactly. There is more rain on an outdoor platform during a shower than from all of the water people would drink. I am guessing it is because they want a 'no tolerance' policy on eating and drinking, so do not want to even open the doors to it (pun halfway intended). Of course, when you even have metro employees flagrantly violating it we pretty much know the ban is a joke anyway. In that light, saying 'no food but water is ok' makes them look like compromising instead of admitting they had lost.

governmentbasement 70p · 713 weeks ago

water has the possibility to actually clean Metro, so therefore its not allowed.

Personally, I'm afraid of the trash that will come with the water bottles, reusable bottles I believe are acceptable. If not they should be,

WTF · 713 weeks ago

No problem at all until you sit in a puddle.

anonymouse · 713 weeks ago

I would simply allow for use of sealed reusable plastic drink containers with straws. Those are the least likely to spill, and they're the least likely to become litter.

nyc > dc · 713 weeks ago

What the hell, water is banned? Everywhere I've ever been, like schools, that were very strict about not allowing eating/drinking, water has pretty much ALWAYS been the exception. I wouldn't have even known water is banned on the Metro if not for this post.

I have a steel water bottle that I keep attached to my backpack. The worst that can happen is I spill some. Apparently drinking from it makes me a criminal...wow.

7 replies · active 663 weeks ago

UnSuck Fan · 713 weeks ago

From what I heard somewhere a long time ago, it was because they don't want us accidentally spilling water on those slippery tiles.

Name · 663 weeks ago

Yeah, but those tiles get horribly slippery, all over, in inclement weather. I can't understand why they installed them. If someone just spills a bit of water, there's a puddle you can avoid. When it's raining or snowing, sometimes the whole platform is slippery.

Mike · 713 weeks ago

I've frequently taken a Nalgene bottle full of water on the Metro, and drank from it.

I no longer ride Metro, but if I did I would still take water with me.

If someone told me to stop, I would tell them to go to Hades.

RGG · 713 weeks ago

Actually, depending on who told you to stop, you could go to "jail." Crazy, huh?

Mike · 713 weeks ago

It is indeed crazy.

WTF · 713 weeks ago

It's a-holes like you, not the rest of the water drinkers, who end up in jail for offending a pig. I hope you like it there.

RGG · 713 weeks ago

Calling the cop a pig....just might do it, too. If i were to guess.....

Anonymous · 713 weeks ago

Phoenix allows bottled water on their rail transit system.

broadsofthebeltway 0p · 713 weeks ago

I didn't know this was a Metro rule. Ugh. Although, I imagine it must be terribly easy to subvert. I bring water on the Metro all the time.

1 reply · active 713 weeks ago

RGG · 713 weeks ago

It isn't illegal to "bring" water, or any other drink...or food onto the system. The "consuming" of it is what's illegal.

Orange line rider · 713 weeks ago

I didn't know Metro lifted the rule. Did Metro advise patrons only through Twitter, and then only those who follow Metro?

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@FixWMATA · 713 weeks ago

They announced it at 5:15 PM Friday on Twitter and then the news media picked it up and ran with it. If you were already in the system at that time chances are good that you had no idea.

Orange line rider · 713 weeks ago

Thank you for your comment. I was already aboard the train at that point so I missed the announcement.

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ANON · 713 weeks ago

watch the news moron

MadAsHeck · 713 weeks ago

I think you mean "watch the news, moron."

If you say "watch the news moron," then you are saying that he should watch the moron who is on the news. For example, if I were suggesting someone watch Bill O'Reilly, I might say "watch the news moron."

Guest · 713 weeks ago

Which one? Keith Olbermann? Rachel Mancow?

Anon-K · 713 weeks ago

Mancow, really, that's here name? It remindes me of Man-bear-pig...

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Guest · 713 weeks ago

First they came for the bottled water,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a bottled water drinker...

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EJT · 713 weeks ago

Perhaps they could get the air conditioning working in the stations and in the cars if they want to ban water? I spent 40 minutes Saturday waiting for a single-tracked red line train in the stifling heat of the Chinatown station, only to end up boarding a hot car. Thank goodness I had a water bottle with me.

Although, I've never had any Metro staff or police harass me for drinking out of my water bottle in the station or on the train. As I understand it, the rationale behind the food and drink ban is to keep the trains and station clean and minimize vermin. Water wouldn't attract vermin or make a mess, so that reasoning doesn't apply. They should lift the ban.

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WTF · 713 weeks ago

If someone leaves a puddle behind on the seat, you don't consider that a mess?

How dirty are you?

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Red Line Slow · 713 weeks ago

I laughed when I saw this. As if we were all being good little sheep and not drinking water in un-airconditioned cars when it was only 95 degrees out? Thanks for your permission to drink water, Metro. Maybe if you could get trains to come on time (according to the PIDS) or more frequently than every 30 minutes on weekends, and if you could get Farragut North to feel less like a sauna, and air conditioning working in every car, then there wouldn't be as much of a need for water...

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Katie · 713 weeks ago

Science tells us when it's 100+degrees outside and 80% humidity, we should make sure to stay hydrated. Metro is too good for science though.

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LoTechNo · 713 weeks ago

How about water fountains? Put them inside the fare gates on a out of the way wall.

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Guest · 713 weeks ago

Then they would have to hire outside contractors to fix the water fountains every time they broke down.

caitlyn · 713 weeks ago

that sounds disgusting.

Guest · 713 weeks ago

yep. water fountains would = sinks/toilets for homeless

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RGG · 713 weeks ago

Where does Metro get its "almighty powers?" Since when can Metro just decide to suspend local laws? The drinking/eating prohibitions aren't simply "rules" that Metro implemented. They are criminal codes in the surrounding jurisdictions. If you get cited for eating/drinking in Metro you have to address it through the court of the jurisdiction you were in at the time. Cited at Crystal City? Arlington County court is where you'll end up. Largo Town Center and you'll be in Prince George's County Court. All fines are paid to those jurisdictions, too -- not to Metro. The laws state "consuming" the beverage is illegal. They don't state certain liquids are acceptable and certain ones are not. What's an MTPD officer supposed to do when two people are seated aboard a train next to each other and one is drinking bottled water while the other is drinking bottled juice? Make up some nonsense about how only "water" is legal? That's a lie! More stupid "Metro-ism" at work.

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Anonymous · 713 weeks ago

Plenty of laws in this country go unenforced. In fact, many would argue Metro doesn't really enforce this law.

Metro can just tell their police force to not cite those drinking water.

Easy.

RGG · 713 weeks ago

But that's not how this story came about. It was "Metro suspending the rule." How can Metro just "suspend" a law? If they asked their PD to go easy on people over water, then state it as such. I know that they normally do, anyways.

Metro police don't write many people up for it anymore anyways---the side of public opinion just didn't go their way when an occasional miscreant had the cuffs slapped on--but what does an officer do when the water drinker is sitting next to the Slurpee drinker? If the law isn't changed to allow for certain beverages than that leaves officers in a bad situation. You can't "pick and choose." Change the law, Metro!!

WTF · 713 weeks ago

Does Metro really cite anyone for this? Other than the self-absorbed pricks who get in fights with the cops over it?

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RGG · 713 weeks ago

All these negatives for telling you people the TRUTH.....It AIN"T UP TO METRO to tell you when you can/can't obey THE LAW! Not a mere rule...A LAW!!

Good for Metro, and the public, if they WANT to do this, but the idiots in Metro's legal counsel office need to get the LAW changed!!

guest · 713 weeks ago

Except Metro employees have apparently decided that it IS up to them when and where to enforce laws and policies. Maybe if there was even the slightest hint of consistency on our public transportation, this water situation wouldn't be quite so ridiculous.

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RGG · 713 weeks ago

There used to be "consistency" but then the people had an uproar about the "French Fry" and "Pay Day candybar" Incidents.

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dcn8v · 713 weeks ago

I think that bottled water is fine, and is easy to police. If you see someone drinking out of a clear plastic bottle, it's easy to tell that the beverage is, indeed, water. If not, it's probably some sort of clear alcohol which might disinfect things if it were spilled. Either way, it's not going to do a lot of damage and it will accommodate the needs of the human body on a hot day in a hot car. But I'm waiting for the irate post from someone who gets water spilled in their laptop bag.

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RGG · 713 weeks ago

Vodka?

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Kat · 713 weeks ago

I was laughing when the news report said that passengers would be allowed to bring one bottle onto the system. Oh, please, is this what the bag checks were really about?

pete · 713 weeks ago

6,600 citations for eating and drinking last year? That's a lie. Maybe that's the total number for fare evasion citations issued. Barely any cops issue out tickets for drinking and eating. THE headache is just not worth it from the media and patrons.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

RGG · 713 weeks ago

I'd think 6,600 citations for ANYTHING is a lie. 6,600? Really?

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Kolohe · 713 weeks ago

"Metro is too good for science though."

They ain't so good at intelligent design either.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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@Hell_on_wheelz · 713 weeks ago

*cleaning coffee from monitor & keyboard*

ROFLMAO

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@VeggieTart · 713 weeks ago

If they can't permanently lift the ban at least have a general policy that allows for bottled water during heat emergencies. Remember Code Red air quality days? Why not allow bottled water when there's Code Red or Code Orange air quality? For the record, I have a reusable water bottle that I was drinking from. They should allow those as well because I won't buy bottled water. Most of it is just awful.

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Red Line Slow · 713 weeks ago

When I read the ban lift, I thought "bottled water" would include any water in a bottle, whether it is reusable or not. If the intention was to only allow disposable bottles of water, that would make even less sense. People are a lot less likely to "litter" their reusable water bottles. Duh, Metro.

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n2deep · 713 weeks ago

i really don't think you will get a ticket for drinking water in the system under most circumstances in the summer. just don't throw the bottle on the floor afterwards and you are good to go.

pete · 713 weeks ago

according to metro's own stats the 6,600 figure is reference to ALL citations issued not just eaters not drinkers. Seemed liked they lied about enforcing the eaters and drinker policy to make a point in a TWEET. but the law is not enforced and we can all understand why..
http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/transit_police/m...

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Wouldratherdrive · 713 weeks ago

Stupid rule - carry the bottle and drink it as needed, which unless your car is unairconditioned, should be after you leave the station. Why don't they ticket the burrito and chicken wing eating teens instead of overheated tourists?

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Guest · 713 weeks ago

Devil's Advocate here:
Where do you draw the line? Water is allowed in plastic bottles, or reusable bottles, but not in cups? What about a cup with a lid and straw? Or a sippy cup? And what if I prefer sparkling water? Is my San Pellegrino taboo? What about my Smartwater? Or Propel Fitness Water? If I make unflavored popsicles or sno-cones, can I eat those on the train?
Allowing water is good in theory, but will create more problems than it solves.

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

VeggieTart · 713 weeks ago

Water. In a closeable container. If you wanna bring sparkling water on, I don't see a problem, as long as you can close the bottle. And unflavored popsicles or sno-cones? Who eats those? You're just being ridiculous.

Guest · 713 weeks ago

So when I open my bottle to take a sip, the manual-braking brings the train to a jerky stop, and I spill on your phone, or iPad, or even lap, you'll say "Oh, don't worry about it. You had it in a closeable container"?

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ANON · 713 weeks ago

Allow water and you maggots will bring everything else.

governmentbasement 70p · 713 weeks ago

Its the "Law" according to DS.

@unsuckdcmetro It's actually not a policy. It's law. ^DS

1 reply · active 713 weeks ago

RGG · 713 weeks ago

It is!

Guest · 713 weeks ago

As someone who has had the displeasure of having someone else spill water in my lap while riding the Metro I can't say that I'm thrilled at the idea of allowing it to be consumed on a regular basis by passengers. Perhaps I'm just cranky but I don't like arriving to work in a soaked skirt because the train jerked and someone next to me didn't have their open container secured.

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Mr. Carlin · 713 weeks ago

Doesn't anybody remember the thousands who died of dehydration on Metro cars from 1976 until the start of the everybody-carries-bottled-water-everywhere era in the '90s?

caitlyn · 713 weeks ago

i find this to all be absolutely ridiculous. normally water isn't allowed? RIDICULOUS. giant health risk for many, not just in the heat. Considering at least half of the stations-especially the busy, big ones don't have a/c...how could they not allow water normally. even an 85 degree day its hot down there. jeez. I am sooo glad I have not been using DCmetro this summer. they just get more and more ridiculous. and i completely disagree with the no food and water rules. it should be no littering. they still have mice and cockroaches with the rules. i still have yet to see a comparable number of those in nyc and I have been riding the subway 6 days a week all summer.

can't wait to get a decent bike and be done with dc metro for the majority of the year.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

HurricaneDC 76p · 713 weeks ago

It's Metro. Their body count shows they don't give a hoot about safety.

SmartRider · 713 weeks ago

If I'm coming from playing sports, and I need to drink water, I will do so on the platform, regardless.

What, are we really expecting the station manager to get out of his little cubical, go all the way down to the platform, and tell a water drinking person to stop or throw out the bottle? Nonsense. Put things in perspective.

If I was ever confronted, I would just respond by saying I wouldn't have to drink water often if the metro cars ran more efficiently and not like twenty minutes apart, so I can get to my destination and drink water there (can also reference their hot cars, too, to drive the point home).

I will not be susceptible to dehydration, especially after running in the heat, to abide by some idiotic metro rule.

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RGG · 713 weeks ago

The station manager isn't going to likely do that. He may make an announcement but he doesn't have any law enforcement authority.

Lot's of posters on this blog have have made similar comments as yours: "I'm drinking it, no matter what." That's fine, as long as you're willing to accept the consequences: The risk of a criminal citation by police, which, if convicted after a court appearance, can get you a fine of up to about $100 and, since these are "criminal" offenses---an arrest/criminal record (no, I'm NOT joking!). All because you couldn't drink it _before_you came into the station? Or ask the station manager if you can step outside the faregates and take a drink? Is it worth it? I've tried to make this point earlier: This is NOT merely a "Metro Rule." It is a CRIMINAL OFFENSE. For Metro to basically say to everyone, "Go ahead, people. It's 'Break the Law Day'' is, in my opinion, irresponsible. I don't even know where Metro thinks it has the authority to tell its riders that they can break an Arlington County, Alexandria City, Montgomery County, etc., law! So, if the road leading into a Metro station has a 20 mph speed limit sign posted, can Metro tell everyone, "Go Ahead, let's make it 35 today? It's hot and we, at Metro, don't want you to have to sit in your cars for too long."

Metro police hardly ever write people up for this stuff, but the response of "I wouldn't have to drink water often if the metro cars ran more efficiently and not like twenty minutes apart, so I can get to my destination and drink water there (can also reference their hot cars, too, to drive the point home). " to an officer likely won't go over too well. You'd be better off to just say, "Sorry, I forgot" and leave it at that.

Caitlyn · 713 weeks ago

That's not the point at all. the point is, it shouldn't be a law at all in the first place. It is a health risk no mater what the temperature. Sometimes people have to drink water to take a pill or maybe they were doing sports in the winter, or say-choking. should they get a $100 fine for drinking water because they were choking? no. It's not reasonable to ask to step outside the fare gates to take a sip of water. Do you really think that's going to happen smoothly...and then you'd end up missing the only train coming for another twenty minutes. Yeah sure, drink water before you go down there, but if you end up waiting for a train 20 minutes in an un-airconditioned station, chances are you're going to want more water, unless you'd rather pass out or get a headache from the heat and dehydration.

yeah most people would say they didn't know. it doesn't say specifically no water, and in almost everywhere else in the world that doesn't allow food or drinks like museums(somewhere that actually deserves a no food or drink rule), theaters, etc , allow bottled water regardless.

my same argument goes for food. Some people have low blood sugar issues and there should be no ban on food, just fines for littering. you don't have a choice once you're in there and find out the train's not coming for 20 minutes except to waste your money and pay a second time.

anyway, just my two cents. I've ridden many public transportation systems and never seen a problem related to food or drink consumption.

WTF · 713 weeks ago

Do you seriously believe that anyone is going to get a $100 fine for taking a pill? (Assuming they don't go all ape-shit on anyone who confronts them about it?)

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RGG · 713 weeks ago

"That's not the point at all'

A criminal offense and an arrest record should make a pretty good point, I'd think!!

Caitlyn ..... What I'm saying is that IF you REALLY NEED that drink of water there are consequences to bear. As it is NOW, you would be committing a CRIMINAL OFFENSE by drinking water in the system. If Metro wants to change that, then they need to petition the local jurisdictions to CHANGE THE LAW! If someone is 'choking," then that can be his/her defense in court. It doesn't make you "not guilty" of the crime, though.

Pill popping, health risk, sports, etc., don't matter. You're BREAKING THE LAW! How can the police, as it is now, tell one person drinking coffee they are in violation while the person sitting next to them is guzzling a half gallon of Poland Spring water? And if you get a citation? Well, I've spelled out the facts above.

I've seen people approach the station managers many times and ask if they could step out to take a drink with a pill. I've seen them ask if they could step out and take a drink while waiting for a train. It wasn't a problem. He/she let them step out through the Emergency Gate and come back in.

This stuff was enacted when Metro was "new" in an effort to keep it from turning into a messy rat trap. With ridership as high as it is now, it certainly has that potential. Especially with "The Express" and "The Examiner" all over the place.

anon · 713 weeks ago

Or - and bear with me here, because this might confuse and frighten you - you could drink your water before you enter the Metro system.

Caitlyn · 713 weeks ago

again, when i wait in those freaking stations for twenty minutes-for the second time cause I have a transfer. and it's not a.c'd i'm gonna drink my water. I don't care if I'm breaking the law. I don't want to pass out on the platform or into the tracks. I think, honestly, at this point though. I'd rather walk home in the snow, barefoot, then ride on this stupid system. it's beyond controlling.

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RGG · 713 weeks ago

That's fine..... But when you get a citation for it don't complain to the officer--he didn't break the A/C or delay the trains. And you chose not to walk to the nearest exit and ask if you can walk out to take a drink.

And when a future employer asks you, after a background check, the circumstances of your "arrest" for "Drinking in a Metro Station" make sure you tell him, "I don't care if I'm breaking the law," because that's exactly what's going to happen to you if you receive a citation. It has the same effect as an actual "physical" arrest on your record.

Hopefully the officer will go easy on you and write you up a "warning" instead....but it all depends on the ol' 'tude....!!

Caitlyn · 712 weeks ago

you know, it just occurred to me that eating and drinking is not permitted in the entire metro system, including outside the turnstiles and all the escalators. Guess you are breaking the law too. you're such a rebel I guess. how does it feel?

someg · 712 weeks ago

I love the authoritarian nature of the water ban, as interpreted by RGG.
NO water for you! OR you will have a CRIMINAL RECORD!!!

Man, and I thought that it was bad enough that all Metro stations look like scenes out of A Clockwork Orange and the thing was 75% broken.

Now , do we need a Water Ban Stasi and associated snitches?. Is this East Germany?

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago