Inauguration Day for disabled and elderly

January 14, 10:31 AMDC Transportation ExaminerKatherine M. Hill

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the DC Transportation Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Getting around WMATA with disabilities has long been documented as incredibly difficult. Getting around for the elderly has likewise seen a shift of focus this week. Any rider with any needs should expect difficulties for Inauguration Day travel.

This general idea and sentiment should be a no brainer. (It's why I'm staying away from the festivities.) Not in the sense that the elderly and disabled shouldn't attend the festivities but in that Metro is sometimes unfriendly to anyone who isn't a 4 a.m., 4 hours of sleep gym-goer.

The events are not planned for the ease and convenience of elderly, frail, or disabled people. The entire week isn't planned for commuters or residents, so it's a given I think, that the Inauguration will be taxing on anyone else. And I think it really says something that The Washington Post's transportation doesn't want elderly or disabled people to go. Platforms will be crowded, crowds will jostle aggressively, seats will be taken, riders will be stressed.

My advice? Expect difficulty, frustration and delays. Make sure your station is accessible, and plot your route in advance. (It should have been planned by now.) Everyone should consider the walking distance from Metro (stations and bus stops) to the the Inauguration and gauge if this is doable and enjoyable. If this will wear heavily on you reconsider how important attending the Inauguration is to you. This sentiment is more for people who don't like transit (or look down upon public transit), don't like to walk, are bringing children, intend on pushing Volvo-sized strollers, or are unprepared for the cold.

I'm going to plead with every rider to be considerate during travel for Inauguration week. I know trains are crowded and seats are sparse but if you don't need the seats by the doors, don't take them. And when a young, seemingly able bodied rider takes the seat, refrain from thinking bitterly that the seat was yours. (Because, at the very least, I look fine, but thinking of standing on the train makes me nauseous.) You never really know who is boarding behind you and it will mean so much to those who do (or at least to me). And if residents can muster the patients to deal with the influx that will be great, too. (I know it will be hard.)

Most residents are leaving town. I'm drinking cocoa and channel surfing between the boring moments, and I couldn't be happier. 

Special Report: Inauguration Day 2009

• Neighborhood Inaugural Ball project
• Examiner.com Inauguration Roundup
• Examiner Coverage: Inauguration Day 2009
• The Obama Administration at a glance
• Elections 2008 Examiner Coverage