5 Things You May Not Have Considered While Riding the DC Metro

5 Things You May Not Have Considered While Riding the DC Metro
By: Kaitlyn Holmecki

Hello, fellow WAIPers. So, as many of you know the Metro system is an integral part of any, quality, DC experience. To many, it may seem like a trivial matter, and to those living in Washington, it is most likely just seen as a necessary evil that accompanies their daily commute. I, on the other hand, find the Metro system to be an exciting addition to the DC experience. I know that this must sound strange to most people, but I find the Metro system to be fascinating. There is something about the efficiency of an underground rail system that I find intriguing and makes me wonder why so many cities lack this time-saving feature.

I first experienced a rail system, like the Metro, while living in Atlanta. That rail system is known as the MARTA, which stands for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. It is a much smaller version of the Metro, which connects the north, south, east and west side of Atlanta to one point in the center of the city. It wasn’t until I traveled to London and experienced their Underground that I found my appreciation for mass transit. Perhaps it is because I have always lived in the suburbs and therefore have never had the pleasure of regularly using a subway system, or maybe it’s because I am more of an analytical person, so I find satisfaction in the increased efficiency of an underground mass transit system. Either way, I love that I get to use the Metro every day and I hope that you all appreciate it even more after reading this post. So without further ado, here are five observations that I made while riding the metro that you may find interesting.      

1. Don't Be That Person!

We were told from the beginning that DC is a fast-paced city that requires you to be alert in order to keep up with everyone. I found this to be no truer than when riding the Metro. For example, DO NOT stand on the left side of the escalators. We have all seen the people who forget this rule. These individuals either have a long line of pissed off people filed behind them or they have people passive-aggressively push past them on the right side, attempting to silently signal to them to MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! As you can probably tell I am the type of person that does not appreciate being held up unnecessarily. So next time that you ride the Metro remember this warning. (Note: This rule applies to driving as well, even if there are numerous people out there that think it’s cool to do 70 mph in the left lane of a four-lane highway.)

Me when people don't move!

2. Perhaps We Were Wrong About DCers

I have found that the idea that people in DC and those from the east coast are not as nice as people from the Midwest, to be a commonly shared idea among WAIPers at first. I can neither confirm nor deny this, but I can say that I have been witness to several instances when people on the metro, during rush hour when an open seat is practically unheard of, have given up their seat for someone who was in need of a seat. Now you could certainly argue that this does not mean that east coasters are actually nice. I mean there is a sign that points out that it is the law to give up your seat to those who are handicapped or elderly. However, I would argue that being courteous to those who are in need is one of the unspoken DC Metro rules that every commuter feels obligated to follow, no matter who they are.

So you are telling me that some people don't like the Metro?

3. I Hope That You Put on Deodorant Today!

Even though we live in America, and unlike most other countries we expect our personal space to be respected on a regular basis, personal bubbles aren’t really a thing during rush hour on the Metro. Now, DC rush hour is nothing compared to a place like Tokyo (If you haven’t seen the videos of people being packed into subway trains, you definitely should look it up) however, if you are one of many trying to squeeze into a train car in the morning before the doors close then expect to have someone breathing down your neck. Please understand that dillydallying is not tolerated when entering or exiting the metro; you either need to keep up or get out of the way. Because if it comes down to shoving their way into the car or getting eaten by the doors, people will always choose the latter.   

Poll: Professional people shovers for the DC Metro. Yes or No?

4. “PIVOT!”

I have also been pleasantly surprised by the unspoken cooperation that seems to exist among complete strangers while riding the metro. As everyone who has ever ridden the Metro will understand when the train reaches a stop there is the inevitable shift of people. Those who are getting off will slowly move towards the exit while the riders who intend to continue down the line will position themselves around those who are leaving. Then the doors open, allowing people to leave, and creating a window of opportunity for those who are already on the train to find a new position before all the free space is filled with more commuters. Though this may seem like a ridiculous thing to think about, of course, people are going to move, I have an appreciation for this adult version of musical chairs. I think that it speaks to the civility of humanity, that thousands of strangers can work together to accomplish a common goal. Because, no matter who you are, no one wants to be stuck waiting for the Metro at 9:00 am on a Monday morning because too many people are trying to shove through the door at once. 

Friends. Enough said.

5. “Okay, Single File Everyone!”

Think back to your time in Kindergarten and those early years of elementary school. Remember when it was time to leave the classroom, whether you were going to lunch, recess or even just the bathroom, and everyone had to line up in front of the door in a single file line before being permitted to exit the room? Well, surprise! You get to use those single filing skills regularly when using the Metro. There are three major points during a regular commute when an individual will need to remember how to organize in a single file line. One, as mentioned previously, while ascending or descending the escalator. Whether you are walking or standing, making sure to stay as close to the side as possible is crucial when everyone and their brother is rushing around you. Second, while waiting for the train doors to open before boarding a train. Now you may notice that many people often forget how a single file line works at this point in your commute, but most people understand that you supposed to choose one side of the doors to stand at while you wait for the people who are exiting the car to file out. These lines tend to be angled, to allow those in the back of the line to see when everyone has finished getting off the train and when it is time for them to board. The third time occurs when you swipe in and out of a Metro station. For perspective imagine that 50 people get off the same train at Federal Triangle, at the same time, take the same exit and there are only three turnstiles to service them all. Now, there is going to be traffic. So, it is at this point that everyone picks a lane and waits their turn to swipe through. Think of it like waiting in line to check out at the grocery store, some lines move faster than others, and you can usually count on at least one person to wait until the last second to find their card. So, what is the moral of this story? Well, just like in Kindergarten, everyone wants to be the line leader.        

Look at how well behaved the caribou are!!!