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While this makes sense in theory, and I'd be all for it (personally), it's going to create a lot of unhappy riders.

While waiting for the Orange line to VA this morning, I heard so many confused passengers asking about where trains was headed.

Person: "Is this train going to Federal Triangle?"
WMATA Person: "Yes, it is headed east toward Virginia."
Other Person, who overheard conversation: "Wait does, that mean it's going to Farragut West too?"
Me: (slaps forehead)

Five minutes later when the train actually arrives.
Another person down the platform asking me: "Do you know if this train stops to Federal Triangle?"
Me: "Yes. It does."
Evesdropper asks me: "Wait, I thought it was going to Ballston"
Me: "Yes, it's going Ballston by way of Federal Triangle. It's the same direction." Me thinking: "doofus."

If regular riders can't even understand the concept of East-West, how do you expect them to get the idea of pulling a U-turn on the Red Line without getting frustrated, angry riders? It's not patronizing, but realistic. Some people are just plain geographically challenged...and I don't think Metro will want to put up with all those disgruntled people.

by SDJ on Feb 12, 2010 2:30 pm • link • report