DC Metro delayed after emergency stop pulled
- Thread starter CHamilton
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Ryan
Court Jester
Follow up story: "Selfish jacka$$ beaten by angry commuters".
Ryan
Court Jester
OK, real follow up story in the Post. An eyewitness claims that the guy was a tourist (surprise) with two kids. Guy and kid 1 got on the train, kid 2 stayed on the platform. So he did the logical thing and pulled the handle.
Yes, there is more to the story than a man pulling the emergency handle because "he missed his stop". Washington Post: The man who caused Metro train to stop actually had a pretty good reason to.
However, even with a 5 year kid left on the platform, he really did not need to pull the handle. Parents and kids frequently get separated at the platform and other adults & the station manager and/or Metro Police will take care of the child until the parent(s) can either loop back or work out arrangements with the next station manager. The odds that a stranger at a busy station will snatch the kid and run is extremely remote. Even more remote is getting away with the child, given the numerous video cameras in the stations.
But a tourist or new user of the Metro system is not going to understand that and panic. DC gets a lot of tourists and visitors for whom the Metro system is their first encounter with a Metro or subway transit system. I see lots of confused tourists and sometimes try to help out. But many are not prepared for the fast stop, doors open (after up to 5 long seconds), get on or off quickly, then bang the doors close and off the train goes.
Perhaps better signs at the key entry stations into the system (DCA, Union Station, end of the line stations with parking garages) listing basic safety tips and guidelines such as stay together, hold your kids hands, and escalator etiquette would help.
Good analysis of the situation afigg!
Of course since its DC Metro none of your good suggestions stand a chance!
Of course since its DC Metro none of your good suggestions stand a chance!
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