Metro Food Vendors A Half-Baked Idea?
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The travelers I hear from are a diverse group. Collectively, they take every side of an issue. So it's noteworthy that on one particular topic, I never hear anything that sounds like: "What's all the fuss about people eating and drinking on Metro?"
Among my readers, there's nothing debatable about the need to enforce Metro's ban on conspicuous consumption. Now, the Metro staff has a plan that would open stations to vendors selling food and drink packaged for opening elsewhere.
I'm not yet reassured that riders could resist unveiling their purchases during a long train ride home. Unless the food packages release a puff of pink dye that stains and shames the traveling gourmand, what guarantees can be offered to passengers who didn't sign up for the dining car?
I do think Metro has been trying to keep the transit system free of foodies. In 2008, transit police issued 584 written warnings and 52 citations for eating or drinking. This year, Metro spokesman Steven Taubenkibel said, officers have issued 104 written warnings and 14 citations. You'll say you've seen more eaters than that, but the statistics aren't a full measure. It's more likely an officer will just talk to the offender.
Back in December, new warning signs about prohibited items were placed in the stations. And there are more announcements on the platforms and trains.
That's what I perceive. But some riders think the doc is incurably optimistic on this.
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
If Metro is telling you [Dr. Gridlock, May 7] they have "more signs than ever on the trains and in the stations," I say, huh? They're not in trains I ride from Shady Grove, nor in the station, nor do I hear many announcements. I heard one about a week ago. I have normal vision, so I'll look more carefully for the signs, but I'd bet a roundtrip fare from Shady Grove to Union Station they're exaggerating.
Last night I boarded a car at Union Station that was littered with candy and gum wrappers. Clearly some school kids had an after school sugar-eating orgy. So much for following the rules!
-- R.J. Nicholson, Gaithersburg
