Making my brother a "Metro Ettiquette" guide - any additions?

Submitted by LilyFlower52 t3_1103gd2 in washingtondc

Hello! Just like what the title says, I'm making an ettiquette guide for my little brother. This is what I have already"

Getting on or off

  • Flag down busses if there’s multiple lines that go to that stop, not necessary if it’s just one line.
  • When getting on the metro car let people get off first, then get on.
  • Say hello/morning & thank you when getting on/off the bus

Bus schedules & stops

  • Ignore the actual schedule, look at the online tracker (wmata.com)
  • Pull the yellow thing when you want the bus to stop, pull it after you leave the previous stop & before you actually get to your stop (drivers need notice)
  • If you want to see the order of stops go to the "Next Arrivals" part of wmata.com, there’s a list of the stops in order (just figure out what direction you're going in and what stop you passed last).

Metro schedules & stops

  • Metro times are on the little hangy things
  • Metro stations often have multiple exits, figure out what street you want to pop out on so you know what side is closest

While on the bus

  • If somebody plays music, ignore them and don’t make eye contact (even if it’s loud) (if somebody does this on the metro change train cars at the next stop, but don't be outwardly rude)
  • If there is an available seat, sit down (it’s a hazard to stand on the bus)
  • When sitting in an unoccupied row, sit in the window seat with your bag on your lap (unless the bus is really empty, then do whatever. But don’t block a needed seat).

While on the metro

  • Less of a hazard to be standing on the metro so you can stand if you want to
  • Still don’t block seats unnecessarily (makes you look like an asshole).

​

Comment if you have something to add!

64

Comments

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PatrickAplomb t1_j86pli6 wrote

Stand right, walk left

201

DUSpartan t1_j8726ao wrote

Also don't stop immediately at the bottom of the escalator (especially if in a group)

71

[deleted] t1_j88kfcm wrote

I don't live up there but I hate this everywhere in every situation. "I entered the door at the grocery store, 4 inches past the threshold is surely the place to immediately stop and start checking my list and getting my bearings"

21

Baloncesto t1_j88yxoh wrote

I hate that so much. One of my biggest peeves.

3

[deleted] t1_j88zqyi wrote

Half of em get all snippy too when you bump into them or pass "too close" for their liking 😂

1

Baloncesto t1_j88zwni wrote

I just stop and stare. Most get the idea.

1

[deleted] t1_j890iik wrote

I tend to just run into them because I never consider that somebody is going to stop inside the threshold (or on that little metal plate on the escalator, whatevers relevant)

1

HauntingHarmonie t1_j88hyjs wrote

This used to drive me nuts in Pentagon City... every dang middle school field trip!

6

teragram333 t1_j86x64r wrote

If you stand on the metro, don’t lean against a pole unless it’s not busy. That blocks valuable handholds for others standing (and is just uncomfortable).

47

squuidlees t1_j88f0l5 wrote

This! The other day, a woman nearly wrapped her entire body around the pole I was holding. Wasn’t worth saying something so I just leaned against the wall until she got off.

Edit: was a rush hour train

10

questarrr t1_j86rxps wrote

Escaleftor has been covered 😆. I might clarify for him that it isn't just letting people off metro first, but specifically to stand to the side of the door, not just back from it

40

CaptainSpeedbird1974 t1_j86wii0 wrote

Proper Bag Etiquette (there's a decent chance I'll get downvoted):

  • Having your bag on your lap is great when you're sitting next to someone, it keeps you in your own space.
  • Having a bag next to you is okay as long as you're prepared to move it so someone can sit there.
  • Don't put your bag between your legs, they invade the space of the person next to you if you do.
30

staysuperclean t1_j88cywu wrote

I’ll add: if standing on a crowded bus or train, take your backpack off and hold it in front of you.

15

Yithar t1_j8a3cbc wrote

> Don't put your bag between your legs, they invade the space of the person next to you if you do.

I'd say for a normal sized backpack, you can put it in front of your legs though. My backpack can be heavy so I don't really enjoy putting it in my lap. I'll probably only do so if it's crowded.

5

sweetbirthdaybb t1_j87qt36 wrote

  1. if you’re standing in a metro car during rush hour, move to the center of the car so that other commuters have space to get on and off and stand.

  2. if you are carrying a backpack or shoulder bag while standing in a packed car, be mindful of who is around you. ideally, flip a backpack to the front of your body to avoid bumping people with it or invading personal space (i can’t count the number of times i have been elbowed or smacked in the face by some oblivious person’s bag during rush hour).

  3. if you are not boarding a train, move back from the edge of the platform to allow other commuters to get on and off their trains with ease.

EDIT: 4. be courteous and appreciative not just towards bus staff, but to all metro and wmata workers! they quite literally put their lives on the line for commuters in doing (often) very thankless work.

27

BabyUKnowWhereUAre t1_j88kixh wrote

If a train is so crowded that you really have no choice but to stand right in front of the door, and you’re not exiting at the next stop, go ahead and step off the train at that stop, then stand on the platform just to the side of the door so the doorway is clear for exiting passengers. When the doorway is completely clear, 2 passengers can enter/exit at a time. When someone is standing in front of the door, it’s only one.

14

wraithsrock t1_j8aeesi wrote

Even better for #2, take your bag off your shoulder and hold it down by your feet when it’s crowded, it makes a huge difference spacing wise

6

toorigged2fail t1_j86ubyd wrote

Don't eat on the metro. Bottled drinks with caps are fine; not fountain sodas. (Stepping in or having to put your bag down on a sticky floor is gross)

26

Confident_Low_3900 t1_j8ay4ek wrote

Eating on the train is fine just don’t make a mess

−3

toorigged2fail t1_j8bzktp wrote

Very few people set out to make a mess.... It's a train that moves and stops unexpectedly. Don't eat on the train. It's also against the rules.

(Also no need to dox and shame like someone did a few months ago)

4

Confident_Low_3900 t1_j8c24kq wrote

What I mean my make a mess is leaving your trash behind. I eat in the train when I’m hungry and have food it’s not a big deal nothing is going to happen

−4

romanceordelusion t1_j87wi1q wrote

Get off in the back of the bus, especially if other folks are boarding, as they can only pay at the front. Exceptions are if you’re super close to the front and no one is boarding.

When a bus arrives, peer into the window and confirm no one is getting off before you start boarding.

if you choose to sit in a handicap spot on a bus or one of the seats near the door on the metro, be aware and prepared to cede your seat to someone older or someone with a cart or a lot of bags. You don’t need to ask if they want it, get up and nod to them. They can take it or not.

The term Metro is reserved for the train. theres no special term for taking the bus so your guide is a public transit guide :)

21

KittyLikesTuna t1_j88qfc5 wrote

Well, the buses are called Metrobus, so maybe it still counts?

8

romanceordelusion t1_j89fgbr wrote

I don’t think it matters ultimately but no one says I’m going to catch the metrobús :)

4

q3srabr4fdzfk5mu t1_j86w7vf wrote

Let people who actually need the elevator take priority (I live near Woodley so see this issue too often)

14

annang t1_j89v9yg wrote

Corollary: if you see someone on the elevator, assume they actually need it, because invisible disabilities are a thing that exists.

9

dobie_dobes t1_j87lcsj wrote

Don’t overspread your legs (aka “manspreading”) to the point that someone can’t sit next to you if they need to.

14

Dresden0913 t1_j8851le wrote

  • If you have time/are able to, keep a look out for parents with strollers when elevators are unavailable. Far too many times I've seen someone weighing relative safety options when trying to get a baby around the city and it is SO EASY to offer to help carry the stroller down some stairs.

  • If you wear a backpack during rush hour, holding it down by your side instead of on your back (or wearing on your front, though I find that awkward) avoids bumping!

  • Metro elevators will always smell bad. Be aware.

  • The circulator is a set of useful bus lines but technically NOT part of the WMATA network. Tracking arrivals won't show up in Next us but the Smart trip does work for payment

14

Smarkie t1_j86pryq wrote

On the escalator: Stand on the right, walk on the left.

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Vortex2121 t1_j88rugv wrote

  • If walking at metro station with a group don't all line up and take up the whole platform (someone wants to get around you).
  • If you get motion sickness make sure you are sitting on the metro with the seats facing the way you are going.
  • If you see someone not pay for bus or metro, don't say anything, don't stare. Just mind your business.
  • Let those in wheelchairs get on bus first since the bus will likely have to lower the ramp and stuff.
  • When waiting for bus or metro don't stand too close to anyone else if it can be helped.
8

SamHinkieKnew t1_j86ycx0 wrote

If you use your phone to pay for metro/metrobus, put your phone’s camera lens (i.e. the top of the phone) over the sensor to submit payment.

7

SperryGary t1_j88l3dk wrote

Don’t hop turnstiles.

7

Lazy-Jacket t1_j88karb wrote

No one talks on metro. It’s not like Chicago.

6

SadieRadler t1_j8enl6i wrote

this, I hate when tourists start conversations with me on the metro

1

Smile_Anyway_9988 t1_j88rwnm wrote

  1. When sitting on the inside seat and you have to get off, gently tap or make eye contact with the person sitting next to you and say "please excuse me. I am getting off at the next stop, thank you."

It is a total asshole move to simply stand up or give a demanding energy glare for them to get up for you.

  1. Also, if you are healthy enough with no mobility, knee or back issues offer your seat up on a crowded bus/ train to the elderly, pregnant, or physically struggling.

  2. If someone is already sitting in a two seater space with their child, ask the parent if your child can share the space with them. I think it is so rude to make assumptions and decisively invade people's personal space by inserting your kid between them.

  3. Be aware of your surroundings when you walk on the platform by not making sudden stops. If you need to organize yourself pull over to a well lite corner or bench.

  4. If there is a problem on the train. De- esculate the issue as soon as possible by getting to a safe place and hitting the call center button on the next train car to report the incident to the operator or get off and report it to the station manager.

  5. If you or anyone falls/ gets hurt, or has a complaint write down the bus number, time, and approximate location and call (202) 637-7000. Thanks. 😊

6

EmGusk t1_j88o1pq wrote

Take your backpack off on a crowded train and put it by your feet. You may not even know it’s smacking a shorter person in the face!

3

Baloncesto t1_j88z7qx wrote

If you're in a full bus, and you're standing in the aisles, move back. It's very annoying when some asshole decides to block the whole bus by not moving back

3

KittyLikesTuna t1_j88qpde wrote

I like to use the Transit app to plan trips and monitor incoming buses and trains, but it's more of a suggestion than a requirement.

2

ClownFetish1776 t1_j8a8urm wrote

You can bring your non-service dog on Metrorail, but it must be in a carrier.

2

professorbaleen t1_j87juo8 wrote

When using the escalators stand on the right side to allow people in a rush to walk on the left.

1

howlin_hank t1_j88joo6 wrote

This is such wholesome content. Agree with everything and thank you!!!

1

fronthacker t1_j88y83f wrote

A healthy fear for your safety

1

P0LLYP0CKET t1_j88zxuf wrote

To the right on the escalator so people walking down can pass on the left.

1

Exciting-Rub-6006 t1_j89a0aj wrote

Don’t sit near the metro doors and if you do, make sure you don’t have bags or your cell phone easy to grab.

Kids will grab your shit at stops and run out as the door closes

1

Yithar t1_j8a2u0s wrote

I would add that you can transport your bicycle on the Metro but not when trains are crowded. I would say non-peak hours are best. Also, the first and last cars tend to be least crowded so they are the best for transporting a bicycle.

This is more of a tip, but I detail here how I secure my belongings to my body. At this point, I have a good waist bag so I just attach it to the zippers on the waist bag.

Also, if you see a crime taking place, you can text MyMTPD (696873).

1

LanEvo7685 t1_j8dmpu7 wrote

Read the room, self reflect, repeat

1

OnlyHunan t1_j8cp9d6 wrote

On escalators, remember it's stand right, sit left.

0

DoinThangs1 t1_j88axv4 wrote

Don't look at people for more than 1.5 seconds. Any longer than that, that's disrespect, and you're liable for a beating.

−7