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The Metro rider's guide to rush hour
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Oh, the D.C. Metro. Indisputably convenient and remarkably clean, the subway system of the nation's capital takes an average of 798,456 passengers all over the tri-state area every weekday. With this many people, it is easy to get lost, confused, or minorly injured in the shuffle to and from cars from station to station, especially during rush hour. As a newly-christened rush hour Metro rider, I have come to learn--sometimes the hard way--the tips and tricks for being as least annoying as possible to my fellow riders.
It all starts when you slide or scan your Metro card into the turnstile machine, which will allow you to pass through those little orange doors and enter Metro's underground wonderland. Well, if you can manage to make it that far. Everyone has had at least one frustrating encounter with these machines, which for some reason, at some point, won't accept your card or won't let you get through. Lines tend to form behind you during rush hour, and of course it's not preferable to lose your place in them. But trust this frequent Metro passenger that it is best not to halt traffic while repeatedly trying to make your card work to no avail. I, too, was shocked that the card reader is usually set in its ways, and punching the machine does not convince it to let you through (in fact, this tactic results in greater pain for you than it, unfortunately). So, if the turnstile machine is giving you sass, don't resort to trying over and over again, or violence. Take a deep breath and walk over to the customer service stand so you can explain your situation. If your card is truly faulty, you might even get to go through the separate entry gate, or as I like to call it, the awesome VIP entrance.
Once you get to the platform, the Metro system is kind enough to tell you via electronic sign when the next few trains will be arriving. However, the consequence of this courtesy is sometimes that when the next train is only moments away, passengers will congregate to the platform's edge, about doorway-width apart. This is obviously in anticipation for boarding the train as quickly as possible. But when you're at one of the busier stops during rush hour, this backfires, only hurting passengers trying to leave the train, and ultimately you. Because the trains are constantly following each other, each is on a time crunch in order to go to the next destination. Not to mention, train doors will NOT stay open just because one of your body parts is there, so trying to squeeze inside at the last second is not the best option. I've noticed that at busy stops, such as Metro Center, seasoned Metro riders won't completely block the doors, but instead will allow an Olsen twin-sized space to part the crowd for the passengers to exit through. This is where everyone loses, because the train doors typically will not stay open long enough for all passengers to first squeeze through that space to leave, and then for new passengers to board in their usual mosh-pit-like manner. I've watched doors shut before anyone even gets a chance to board the train, because it took so long for passengers to get off. It's a sad sight to see, and will only lead to more disgrunt among the already disgruntled.
That being said, the same don't-panic rule applies if you run to catch your next train, only to find that it's already packed full. Use your judgment to see if there is actually any more room for you, and you won't be forced to sprawl yourself against the doors--any pressure on the doors and they can't stay closed, thus holding up the train for everybody. On a similar note, if you're riding a train and come to a busy stop, please get as close to the center of the cars as possible. There is often a herd of passengers closer to the doors, with space left in the middle, making it impossible for anyone to board. The train operator will remind everyone of this as well. Although it's sometimes hard to hear them over the commotion, we must do our best to follow their instructions, as they are there for everyone's safety.
So maybe you beat the odds and made it on your train, congratulations! I hope you like being extra-cozy and the view of the backs of heads, because that's what you're getting on the Metro during rush hour. This isn't always a bad thing, after all, being fenced inside your space by other passengers means you might not even have to hold onto a bar in order to stay upright on the jolty ride. If it is not quite this crowded and you are still not fortunate enough to get a bar to hold onto, please, don't seek physical support by grabbing onto other people. Eight-thirty in the morning is too early to cop a feel, accidentally or otherwise. And as we all know, D.C. is boiling hot in the summer, and the temperature combined with a cramped Metro train isn't pretty--be sure to swipe on some Speedstick in the morning before raising your arm up to reach the bars on the ceiling.
Much of the art of Metro riding simply requires common courtesy, as you can tell. And patience, and probably some antibacterial hand wipes. Once you're armed with these essentials, hold on tight and you'll be on your way to discovering your inner inconspicuous Metro rider.
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