Riding the Metro in the DC area during prime tourist months is often a gigantic effing hassle (fortunately, I no longer work in the District). I appreciate all the money that tourists bring into the city, but I have to wonder at the capacity of some their brethren for common sense.
How hard is standing on the right if you aren't walking up or down the escalators? Jack and Jill Tourista, you don't have to walk the escalators. Really, you don't. I understand that you are on vacation and trying to have a good time with your family. Please, just stop blocking the left side so that those of us with schedules to keep can get where we are going on time. That would just be super, and thanks for your support.
How hard is it to quickly find a seat or to get out of the way for those of us who do want to sit? Rushing the train cars to get in first and then camping out in the first three feet inside the doors is completely unacceptable, yet tourists do it daily and act surprised when people get curt and pushy in response.
Milling around aimlessly all over the platform while blocking the way for the rest of who are actually interested in getting somewhere in a timely manner is an easy way to make new and vocal 'friends.' If you don't know where you are going, that is understandable. The Metro system can seem a bit daunting if you've never encountered such an animal before out in the rural areas and suburbs from which you may reside, so I don't begrudge your disorientation or confusion. However, please trust me on this and try a crazy concept like moving the left or right so that those of us who do know where we are going can get on with our lives while you work out the map or ask for directions. Helpful hint: if you know where you are going, most regular train commuters can (and usually will) quickly tell you how to navigate the system and get where you are going. I've done so countless times myself. There is really no reason to block the platform and wander around in circles. Honest – give it a try.
Further, is it really impossible to move towards the middle of the train rather than blocking the door? I'm not telling you to get completely squashed together with 150 people in a 10 foot area. However, you and your two kids don't require 20 feet all to yourselves. Just don't crowd up to the guy talking to his hand or arguing with an invisible friend. No one, not even lifelong area residents, gets close to him…
Also, why is it so inconceivable to move out of the way while standing on the platform to let riders exit the train before charging the doors???!!! You'll get your chance to get on if you let us off first. If not, you risk getting jostled harshly or even trampled while we exit the train cars to get to work.
So we can pay our bills. And then vacation in your town.
🙂
Metro Morons (part one) is here.