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Chaos this morning. PIDS on both sides of the platform announced a Blue Line leaving in minutes. But there were two trains. One Yellow, one Blue. Other than on the train itself, nothing indicated in the station which one was which. Luckily, there were WMATA dude in yellow vests directing passengers.

After the Blue Line left, the Yellow Line dropped it signage on the side, leaving an open train, and nothing anywhere in the station indicating where that train would go, other than the two dudes. The PIDS on both sides updated to another Blue Line leaving in 7 minutes. But that train had not come in yet. Very confusing.

Come on WMATA, how hard is it to indicate what train you have on a platform?

Also, why can't you activate the side-signage on trains properly? Yesterday, a Yellow Line came in. So far, this week, all Yellow Lines have turned around as Yellow Lines. However, while the driver walks to the other end of the train, the side-signage goes dark. Many Blue Liners waited on the platform. Others got in. When the driver got to the front, side-signage showed it was a Yellow Line to Greenbelt. Blue Liners stayed on the platform. The train filled up. Then the side-signage changed to Blue to Largo, about 30 seconds before the doors closed and the train left. No announcements. Nothing on the PIDS. A few Blue Liners were paying attention, ran in for standing space, but many were left at the station. I assume some Yellow Liners were surprised to end up at Arlington Cemetery. Not good WMATA!

Other than that, my Blue Line was not overcrowded. Upon leaving the train I found out why: It was an 8 car train! Thanks WMATA, that helps!

by Jasper on Jun 28, 2012 9:26 am • link • report