.jpg)
Trying to use the spring loaded handles are
as much a strain as reaching the ceiling.
Credit to Katherine M. Hill
Metro's new handles area a pain. Installed [again?] in August the handles are an awkward and uncomfortable strain on passengers.
The handles, steril metal and spring loaded, are Metro's way of opening cars to carrying more people. In exchange for the new handles, center poles have been removed.
When WMATA tested spring loaded handles in 2007, officials said they would take comfort in heigh into account. Hopefully they will be mindful again. From the press release:
When pivoted down, the handles are eight inches lower than the existing ceiling-mounted grab bars. This new feature allows shorter customers to have an easier time holding onto an overhead mounted hand rail.
(When Metro tested handles again in August but the straps were met with great disdain, and with great reason: do you want that swinging in your face?)
While I admire Metro's attempts to alleviate strain during peak hours, the handles, well...they suck.
Okay, fine. The handles are also damaging my pride. I want to think that I'm kind of tall (or "tallish") but at 5'7, I have to stand on my toes like a ballerina and stretch to reach a handle. And I know how that sounds, but desperately grasping for something out of reach for an extended period of time actually puts strain on your body. And it hurts.
I've noticed many riders don't both anymore, crowding around the poles that remain in place. Naturally, this creates a bigger problem: this morning's commuters gathered near the doors where there were handrails, clogging the entry and exit way. And since I couldn't reach the handles either, I was forced to begrudgingly add to the problem. The shame!
Metro says it installed cameras to monitor passengers to determine the effectiveness of the handles. Maybe the handles worked as well on camera as they do on theory, but I see nothing but an awkward struggle.
Given the options (spring loaded, swinging strap, or the original plan) and the problems, what are we to do? Can six foot tall passengers rally to our aide? Should we swallow our angst in favor of riding the car without falling over? Is there another, as of yet untested option?
Don't forget: weekends are Metro's favorite maintenance time; expect delays on the Red and Orange lines. Yet Metro promises sports fans that travel will be easier. And though most of us will not have Monday off as a holiday, Metro has planned for holiday service. That's hours 5 a.m.-midnight and no peak service. Take a deep breath it might be okay.
Metro tests overhead handles (press release),
Metro's weekend delay press release; Metro's sports weekend press release; Metro's Columbus Day press release
Rolling Carbon: calculate your carbon footprint with this NYC-centric site (see my answer here). The data from city to city is likely different, but it's a good place to start; Carpool Calculator, submitted by Brian at Ride Search, from the comments. ("Calculating the Commute")
Chicago has a pink line; I change my number one choice for the next proposed route to plaid; DCist nicely points out that a brown line is going to be a bigger inconvenience to riders than a relief. ("Monday parking ire plus preparing for the week")
Comments
A couple of points:
1) If seats face the aisle, it's easier to put the handles lower. That's what they do in New York.
2) The other handles (the hanging plastic ones in particular) are really easy to hit accidently if you are over 6 feet.
True, but then Metro would have to pour money into moving the seats. And Metro can't really afford that. Also, it would take decades to get it done, given how long it's taken to get new cars and install the handles.
I can see bumping them, but since they're spring loaded and fairly stationary, do they swing with movement and hit tall people or do you mean people bonking their heads? Because OUCH.
Right now it's difficult to hit them because they are spring loaded and in the up position. I've hit the vinyl straps by accident once. I'd hate to have to hit the metal ones. If you lower the metal ones, the chances of people hitting them are greater. I think the easier solution is to remove more seats and put in more floor mounted poles. That would naturally offend some people. I think the problem with this issue is that there are no win-win solutions. No matter what you do, you will be offending some of Metro's riding constituency.
Seven days late: You're definitely right that no matter what, not everyone will be pleased. I would hate for everyone around the city to bonk their heads, which is weird to admit because I hate the height so much. I would prefer the poles come back, and I agree that it would help, but I don't think it would please Metro since that's what they're trying to get rid of. I have a hard time seeing what the big deal is for riders though, other than germs (which is a problem with the handles, too).
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!