The other day I was watching a local news program and was interested by an interview with one of Metro's spokespersons. In addition to a lot of the fluff that television reporters can ask there came a question of expansion and funding. The spokesperson for Metro listed off a number of things that Metro needs and included "streetcars." This kind of took me back a little because, even though I knew that Metro had included streetcars or trolleys on a number of its wish lists, I don't know that I've heard them mentioned in a public forum. Cool. Now where do they go and can local planners get it right the first time?
One of my real concerns about adding trolleys to the current transit system is that they will be added in sort of a current needs or even a knee jerk method. There are certain areas of the city that are very hot right now--U Street and the South Capitol Street corridor--but are they the right places for this type of rail system?
I have spent time in New Orleans and have ridden on those famous street cars/trolleys. They are as much commuter devices as they are a tourism attraction, depending on the neighborhoods served. Can planners in Washington make the distinction? The chance of installing and then ripping up and relocating trolley lines is slim. Make no mistake; I am a big fan of this form of transportation, especially in a city like Washington that grew up with trolley lines. I just hope that planners get it right...the first time.
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I have been a fan of the carpeting on Metro's trains. I've always thought that it was one of the classy things that made our system different from the stainless steel boxes in so many other cities. The carpeting made things more hushed and, for the most part, demanded the same of the passengers. No, it didn't always work and it couldn't always drown out the loud headphones and conversations, but it did make things better.
Now, after 30 years, Metro wants to make a change in the flooring. Some of the people speaking for the system are honest and admit that the reason for the change is to save money, that the new flooring will last 25 years without replacement. Some add that a reason for the change is "the health of the passengers." Mold has been raised as an issue at Metro for a long time and they are finally acknowledging it. Just don't tell us that that is the reason for saving all this money...err, uh, replacing the carpeting with synthetic flooring.
Some of the flooring being tested right now looks like it came straight from a fire sale at St. Elizabeth's; it's very sterile and industrial and will likely make for a lot of very angry passengers. My favorite is that black flooring with flecks of gray. It has a nice contrast to the seating and sort of looks like the floor at a bar I used to frequent. Hopefully it doesn't smell as bad.
Anyway, Metro wants your input if you happen to ride on one of the test cars containing the new flooring. Hopefully you'll get to see several before you make up your mind. It's kind of like picking new drapes except that more people will be affected.
Steve Eldridge is a long-time reporter, observer and commentator on the Washington region's transportation issues. You can contact him directly by writing to: Steve@SprawlandCrawl.com. Unless otherwise requested, letters or portions of letters can be used within future columns. Letter writers will be identified by their first name and city/neighborhood.
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