The Sound of Silence

IF YOU'VE GOTTEN this far through this newspaper's A section, you may have noticed that we have nothing against advertising. So, far be it from us to sniff at Metro's effort to squeeze income from McDonald's or any other business that cares to advertise in tunnels, stations, rail cars or buses draped in sales pitches. But television on Metro trains and buses? Let's take a deep breath.

As it happens, the rationale for installing TVs where riders can see them is as simple as Willie Sutton's rationale for robbing banks: That's where the money is. Whatever additional revenue Metro may be able to generate through advertising -- and certainly the cash-strapped system badly needs it -- most of it will come from television. Metro is planning a pilot program of TVs in its buses and trains, possibly as soon as this year. And while there are plenty of uncertainties at this juncture concerning the specific programming and technology that will eventually be used, it's a safe bet there will be TV monitors showing, and selling, something before long.

But please: No sound. Metro is by no means perfect, but it does offer, at least on its better days, some peace and quiet to commuters preparing for work or winding down at the end of the day. Recognizing that it provides such a sanctuary, the system's policy is to require anyone listening to a tape, CD or the radio to use earphones. If TVs on trains and buses are the inevitable wave of the future, fine; but let riders read closed captions if they want to tune in, and snooze or read if they don't.