tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.comments2023-10-08T08:33:55.549-04:00Unsuck DC MetroUnsuck DC Metrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02752056661298716293noreply@blogger.comBlogger5893125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-12016614419423537812013-03-24T20:31:58.969-04:002013-03-24T20:31:58.969-04:00I have been a DC resident for many years and have ...I have been a DC resident for many years and have been dismayed by Metro's decline, but as they say, credit where credit is due. I was having trouble adding credit to my Smartrip the other evening at Farragut West, as the machine rejected various cards that I tried. I was admittedly quite drunk, which may have had something to do with it. A Metro employee saw me having difficulty, offered to assist me, and sorted out the problem in the most friendly manner you could imagine. I can only imagine how many annoying drunks they have to deal with, so I give a lot of credit to this guy for helping me. CShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16220983657533729032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-23004831056495616012012-12-20T15:51:44.273-05:002012-12-20T15:51:44.273-05:00At my home station.
Train stops then lurches forwa...At my home station.<br />Train stops then lurches forward.<br />Banged my head on pole.Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06786385327237115597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-70116909743102707012012-09-11T16:11:40.627-04:002012-09-11T16:11:40.627-04:00Now here are my two DON'Ts...
-Don't eat...Now here are my two DON'Ts... <br /><br />-Don't eat or drink on the train. Just don't do it. Carrying the stuff is acceptable, but REFRAIN from opening it on the trains. I've been a stickler for this ever since some girl spilled her mocha latte all over me when the train jerked to a stop at New York Ave station on a crowded morning. I don't care how hungry you are. I know where the intercom buttons are and, if I'm lucky, you'll turn out just like that stupid ten-year-old girl in Tenleytown who legit got arrested because she just couldn't wait to eat her french fries. <br /><br />-DON'T grope anyone on the metro. I feel as though I don't need to really explain this one. People don't like being touched against their will. Some of us carry knives. <br /><br />Many of these key points are repetitive, but I do hope someone takes something of value away from what I've written. T.K.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-67396526698338393972012-09-11T16:11:35.258-04:002012-09-11T16:11:35.258-04:00I absolutely love this thread. Here are some of th...I absolutely love this thread. Here are some of the things I do on the metro...<br /><br />-When appropriate, one shot of whiskey (rum will do in a pinch) prior to leaving my apartment and boarding the train. If I'm out somewhere and I can't wait until I get home, there are numerous strategically placed bars in and around DC. Any one of them will do in a pinch. I've found it makes the ride slightly more relaxing.<br /><br />-Headphones prior to entering the station, just a smidge above zero volume. It's possible for me to listen to music and not be completely solipsistic. Plus, it helps me avoid small talk. Which leads me to my next point...<br /><br />-I try not to speak as little as possible while riding metro but, when I am engaged in conversation, I'm calm and respectful. I do let people know when I see them committing a flagrant violation of "metr-etiquette" (left-side escalator occupiers or door crowders, for example) but I never blow up on them. Constructive criticism, I call it. I've observed that if you act civil toward people, there's a 50/50 chance that they'll follow suit. Some don't; after all, some people are just douches.<br /><br />-Speaking of douches, I don't act like one when I'm in the presence of tourists. Sometimes they make it hard, but I've actually brightened the days of a few families roaming around looking hopelessly lost. I wasn't born/raised in DC, but I've been living here for about a decade now and I know the area pretty well, especially what does/doesn't fly on the metro. As previously mentioned, some people are stubborn and unflappable but others may genuinely not know that their behavior is frowned upon. <br /><br />-I rarely sit. I usually gravitate toward the first car (the "suicide train," as my mother termed it when visiting after the '09 crash) and when there are a fair amount of open seats, I'll use them. If it's busy, though, I generally stand. I'm fairly young, able-bodied and I've been living here long enough to have my "metro legs," so to speak. I think I can handle 35 minutes of standing. I move as close as possible to the CENTER OF THE CAR because people are going to want to get off and on the train. You have to let them, even if you're standing in close proximity to the door. There is no rule that states you cannot get off the train, stand on the platform, then get back on when you aren't in anyone's way.<br /><br />-In reference to my previous point, one caveat does exist that I feel requires a separate discussion. If you're one of those people who hops on a crowded train and proceeds to steal the spot occupied by a person considerate enough to temporarily step off the train to let others pass, please die. Better yet, take a cab. I avoid sardine trains at all costs, except when they fill up in between my point A and my point B. The only thing worse than seeing a train packed to the gills is seeing six people roll up to the doors and expect a space to magically appear for them. You are not going to get stranded on the platform like that creepy guy in "Ghost." It might take a while, but another train will come for you. (Except if it's the last train of the night, but I've never seen one of those be as crowded as a peak-hours train. Maybe it's like that on Nats/Caps nights. I don't know)T.K.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-9898560887050561462012-09-03T13:24:38.430-04:002012-09-03T13:24:38.430-04:00Lean how to duck. That thing goes two ways. Not ...Lean how to duck. That thing goes two ways. Not many people have respect for law enforcement or any authority because this is America. This attitude puts law enforcers is particular danger and lessens their ability to protect me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-89704409552359960352012-07-20T03:47:08.206-04:002012-07-20T03:47:08.206-04:00@ Jack.
You wrote: "If using a Smartrip car...@ Jack. <br /><br />You wrote: "If using a Smartrip card, you do not have to wait for the little orange-person-blocking-thingees to close again before using your card. Just place your card against the reader as soon as the previous person is through, make sure the card registered by reading the display, and you're good to go!"<br /><br />If only this were true. Ever since the orange person-blockers clamped down on my thigh because I swiped my SmartTrip before they'd finished closing after the person ahead of me, I always, always wait. <br /><br />Perhaps the machine that assaulted me was defective, but I'm not taking any chances (I had the bruises to show for it for 3 months. Those things are $#%ing powerful). I don't care how many extra seconds it takes; I now wait for them to close completely.10-year D.C. residentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-12445644519276760332012-07-19T12:41:37.146-04:002012-07-19T12:41:37.146-04:00Say excuse me, may i sit down, while your moving t...Say excuse me, may i sit down, while your moving their bag. And sit down!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-75276562739334896712012-07-19T12:39:06.801-04:002012-07-19T12:39:06.801-04:00say excuse me and sit down. stop being punks and h...say excuse me and sit down. stop being punks and have a seat.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-58151493341102660882012-07-19T12:38:08.348-04:002012-07-19T12:38:08.348-04:00Why is everyone scared to speak up, and ask them t...Why is everyone scared to speak up, and ask them to move over, move your bag, whatever it takes. I say excuse me then "squeeze" in taking alittle of "their" space.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-21199869228593762252012-05-30T03:34:39.773-04:002012-05-30T03:34:39.773-04:00If you see someone doing something that annoys you...If you see someone doing something that annoys you, let them know in a loud and boisterous voice with lots of harumphing. <br /><br />Remember that because you live, work and commute here you are more important than any tourist that is bringing money into your city and you should treat them like dirt.<br /><br />Or remember that because you are on vacation, you are more important than the people who work here, and they only exist to make your vacation more enjoyable.<br /><br />Or we could all have patience and get along with each other, which honestly to me seems much more enjoyable and efficient to all.Joenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-12842889699796018972012-05-15T11:51:58.762-04:002012-05-15T11:51:58.762-04:00I have not had any problems with METRO recently bu...I have not had any problems with METRO recently but heard they are having major delays on the weekends. I wanted to ride downtown on the METRO, but they can forget getting my business. Why does this sytem continue to be so unreliable? Also, the tourists depend strongly on the system. I wonder what would happen if everyone who rode the metro went on strike for one day? I also feel a commputer bus line from Montgomery County would be very beneficial since the red line seems to have the majority of problems.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-76650529114627267872012-05-11T08:44:44.202-04:002012-05-11T08:44:44.202-04:00I just moved to DC from NYC and am completely shoc...I just moved to DC from NYC and am completely shocked at the rediculous restrictions on the metro cards and at the fact that nearly every card I have bought has demagnetized. I have tried keeping them away from my phone and other cards and it still happens with every card. Also when I first got to DC I decided to try a one day pass since I would be going all around the city for interviews. When I went to use my pass I was informed that I cannot use it before 9:30am! What is the point in that, who does not have to ride the metro before 9:30am if they are going to work? I paid for the entire day shouldnt I get to use it for 24 hours!! I never thought I would say this but I miss the New York City Metro where lines didnt back up to pay an exit fare, trips were one price no matter what time of day or how far you ride and you could buy daily and monthly passes that didnt screw you over. Whats with the extra price gouging during rush hour, it should cost me the same price to go the same distance on the metro no matter what time of day I rise!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-41970906586890048132012-04-25T23:58:03.768-04:002012-04-25T23:58:03.768-04:00i hate when these touristis are just acting like c...i hate when these touristis are just acting like cattle on the metro deaf dumb and blind lol there like cock roaches everywhere and just are a nusense to the folks in dcAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18331456962544562262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-57042302175198415692012-03-26T08:05:13.324-04:002012-03-26T08:05:13.324-04:00My first time on the metro at Metro Center and wen...My first time on the metro at Metro Center and went below and waited and a very pretty woman walked and waited against the railing same way as me looking as the other trians pass and people getting off waiting for ours.<br /><br />So I look over and say "Hi." <br />She totally spazzes out and yells "HOLYSH*T" OMFG get the hell away from me F*CK!"<br /><br />I shrugged and this nice old lady smiled at me and said "Hello."<br /><br />At least some people are still human.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-25469015785669362992012-03-15T14:28:23.150-04:002012-03-15T14:28:23.150-04:00Metro actually has a schedule?Metro actually has a schedule?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-32238390829207054092012-03-15T00:12:01.428-04:002012-03-15T00:12:01.428-04:00I was on a crowded Shady Grove bound red line trai...I was on a crowded Shady Grove bound red line train tonight. When the train stopped at Metro Center the doors were not open long enough to let people out including a woman with a stroller who got stuck in the closing doors. There was not any time for people on the platform to enter the train. This made the woman with the stroller and other young children scream curse words and make a huge scene. The combination of Metro's poor operations and the ridiculous behavior of their riders is often enough incentive for me to deal with traffic and find a place to park in the city.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-74861202688247578832012-03-07T02:54:48.500-05:002012-03-07T02:54:48.500-05:009. People with rollerbags.
10. People with roller...9. People with rollerbags.<br /><br />10. People with rollerbags who won't pick them up for the tricky spots (steps, tight spaces)<br /><br />11. People with rollerbags who hold hem next to, and not in front of themselves on escalators.<br /><br />12. People who hold conversations from a couple of seats away, allowing people to fill in, instead of moving closer to talk, and then talking over the poor saps who had to take a seat between.<br /><br />13. Low class people who yell at their kids instead of quietly threatening them with a firm arm hold and a well whispered "just wait until we get home!"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-66386901053480805602012-03-07T02:46:59.578-05:002012-03-07T02:46:59.578-05:001. Men who think because the other person seated o...1. Men who think because the other person seated on the bench is a woman, then he is entitled to her leg space by spreading his legs wide open.<br /><br />2. Newly embarked passengers who sit directly in front of you in a nearly empty car.<br /><br />3. People who face right into you instead of the oblique empty space between other passengers.<br /><br />4. Putting head oil on the windows by sleeping.<br /><br />5. Watching someone put their head into someone else's head oil.<br /><br />6. Loud men either on phones or with travel companions talking business as if the metro cars are their personal offices.<br /><br />7. Idiots with loud mp3 players.<br /><br />8. Men who stop the orderly loading of a car to allow a lady to take precedence, especially when she wasn't expecting it and messes up her coordinated participation in loading and takes a second to realize he's letting her go first. Hey, douchebag, there are ladies *behind* you, too, who you made stop in their tracks because now everyone has to wait. How about we all just get on quickly, instead?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-36108570001644039722012-02-09T23:24:22.705-05:002012-02-09T23:24:22.705-05:00All of you are CryBabies! Get a Car and Drive it!!...All of you are CryBabies! Get a Car and Drive it!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-71021869220750213562012-02-07T13:24:48.180-05:002012-02-07T13:24:48.180-05:00west hyattsville metro station had one placed in b...west hyattsville metro station had one placed in between the park & ride and kiss & ride lots sometime in the last 4-6 weeks. I've never seen this one in its fully erected state, but I'm wondering if they anticipate a need in the near future?<br /><br />Glad I'm not the only person who's seen one of these near their metro stop. I only bothered to figure out what this tower was after hearing about a similar effort at Zucotti park to spy on Occupy protestorsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-32640587217155765792012-01-30T17:28:18.859-05:002012-01-30T17:28:18.859-05:00Looks like "princess" hater loves to hea...Looks like "princess" hater loves to hear his own voice - in many different formats I see but always the same sentiment. My you sure are a prolific poster aren't you? He is obviously thinking he is superior to anyone and everyone else on metro who isn't as thin and fashionable as he is. To hate women that much tells the world a lot. You need counseling and quick.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-67192495045161013442012-01-25T20:55:36.360-05:002012-01-25T20:55:36.360-05:00Please forgive the thread necromancy, but as a fai...Please forgive the thread necromancy, but as a fairly recent citizen of DC, I can't help but add my own two cents to this delightful thread. I read every comment, afraid that I might be guilty of some breach of etiquette, but happily I am guilty of none of these things.<br /><br />Since very few people will actually get up for handicapped / elderly / pregnant people, I've figured out that, because I get on at a terminating station, I can "park" those choice sideways seats myself for someone else who really needs them. Invariably, at least once a week I get to make sure that those people have a comfortable ride. Not only do you get the satisfaction of doing a good deed, but it's also a great way for a non-DC-native like myself to meet friendly people. I've made at least three new friends in the last year by just showing some simple courtesy to strangers.<br /><br />Great post, great website, and thank you to the polite Metro commuters who make DC a great place to live!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-53757300934540602842012-01-18T16:16:26.080-05:002012-01-18T16:16:26.080-05:00Is anyone other than me having problems with their...Is anyone other than me having problems with their smartbenefits disappearing off their card a week into January?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-60909114991298222752012-01-13T09:35:05.030-05:002012-01-13T09:35:05.030-05:00Good luck whenyou lose your SMARTRIP card. I have ...Good luck whenyou lose your SMARTRIP card. I have registered a complaint about this to the Metro email; however they didn't response to my most recent concern. I lost my SmarTrip card on Monday and the SmarTrip card machine at Twinbrook has not been working for months. I was told that both Giant and CVS sell these cards, so I went to my neighborhood Giant, but they did not receive a delivery as they should every Friday. (Some bank delivers these cards). I spoke to the manager who told me he called them early last week and would call to expedit the request. He called another Giant for me and they were sold out. I called the Giant in Wheaton, MD and they did not have any - no reason given. I also called a CVS and they had none. The next morning, I bought a SmarTrip card from the Grosvenor station. Also, does anyone notice that the escalators are never out of service at the Grosvenor station for very long, but in DC they are out for months. I know that the escalator at the Federal Center metro stop has been out of service since before Thanksgiving. and the other escaltor is not running so commuters need to share one escaltor for entering and exiting the metro.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8689506078297112665.post-56488821924920829472011-12-26T17:38:39.822-05:002011-12-26T17:38:39.822-05:00Girls who get on the train and there cat stink pla...Girls who get on the train and there cat stink playing musical chairs on the train..... stop movingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com