When Will Metro Take Security Seriously?

The July 23 article "Metro's Response to Alert Delayed; Riders Say Backpack Slow to Be Removed" reminded me why I don't ride Metro.

In September 2003 I was the first to board an empty Metrobus at the Ballston station. I noticed a large backpack under a seat and pointed it out to the driver. The driver said something to the effect of, "Someone must have left it." No kidding.

I got off the bus and watched in disbelief as the driver retrieved the backpack and brought it to the front of the bus. Other passengers stayed aboard, and the bus proceeded on its route.

While waiting for another bus, I tried to call Metro security to discuss the incident and to inquire about its policies. I was told that the security office was closed.

Judging from this latest story, it sounds as though the security office still hasn't opened.

COLETTE DESMARAIS

Falls Church

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The article on Metro security reminded me of an incident last summer on the Orange Line. A group of teenage girls boarded my train and started harassing an older boy who had an iPod. Harassment led to physical assault, and passengers attempted to intervene. The girls grabbed the iPod and fled at the Minnesota Avenue station.