Metro's Saunas

Has anyone else noticed a high number of cars on the Red Line that are without a functioning cooling system? I was on another one today, and I knew before I stepped into the car that it was going to be a sauna, what with the haze visible through the windows and the number of seats vacant at 8:50 AM at Van Ness. Nevertheless, I got on, because I wanted a seat, dammit. And I think the car in front of it had the same problem.

I'm glad I only have two more weeks or riding the Red Line regularly, although I never thought I'd say that I'm looking forward to the Orange Line. I think the bus and I are going to be good friends.

Huh

Explain why I'd want to take this itinerary, WMATA:

ILU, Red Line

Someone committed suicide by standing on the tracks on the red line this afternoon, raising the question, "WTF?" I have to think that his rationale for this last action was to kill himself AND fuck up everyone's commute home. Selfish bastard. At least you could have done it this morning, when I have a copy of the Express with the crossword and sudoku to kill time with (extra sudoku if it's Friday! You couldn't have done it on a Friday?) and the prospect of a shorter day at work. Messing with the evening rush, dude, not cool.

And, oh yeah, RIP.

Metroooo

The air hasn't been working too well at Metro Center lately, so it feels as though you really are descending into the bowels of hell. Adding to the atmosphere has been a delightful collection of events, including a maintanence man boarding the car, entering the conductor's booth, and asking, "What's wrong with the train?" right before we start heading to Dupont Circle.

But the most jaw-dropping moment came late last week, while exiting the train at Metro Center. A mom had her two young kids with her, and held their hands as they made their way through the crowds on the platform. Another woman came running towards them, trying to catch the train. She had to sidestep the three of them, and, as she missed the train by seconds, yelled, "They're walking IN A LINE, HOLDING HANDS! Come on!"

Yes, because how ridiculous is it for a mother to hold her 4-year-old's hand while in a crowded place? I think that Metro etiquette campaign needs to address more than just giving up your seat.

A thought

When Metro starts distributing the special farecards for the Inauguration, they should think about putting signs up that say DON'T PUT EXACT CHANGE ON THE CARD. Or else I foresee many angry tourists.

Beautiful

This sign is currently posted outside the 13th street entrance to Metro Center:



Now I understand why it takes them so long to resolve actual problems, if they can leave this sign up for over a week.

An endearing moment

There was a delay on the red line Friday evening (shocking!) and the platform at Metro Center was a tad crowded by the time I got there. The conductor of the first train pulled the old "Please don't crowd the train, there's another one right behind this one." When, of course, no train arrived in the next five minutes, the gentleman next to me exclaimed, "That guy said there was another train right behind it!" and looked at me in disbelief. I gently informed him that this is fairly typical for DC, and, distraught, he looked at the empty tracks and said, "He lied to me!"

It took all of my self-control not to say, "You're new to the area, aren't you, sir?"

$1.35 per block

I'm going to a metro stop today that I've never been to before, so I went to the WMATA website to figure out how long it would take. I put in the Friendship Heights station as the starting point, and this was the first portion of the itinerary I was given:

BUS:
DEPARTS FROM: NW Wisconsin and NW Western AV
AT: 4:45 PM

ARRIVES: Friendship Heights Station
AT: 4:45 PM

For non-metro area people, the Friendship Heights stop is located at NW Wisconsin and NW Western Avenues. I know you need to raise revenues, Metro, but there must be better ways.