As is frequently the case over the past couple of decades the internet and the cyber world have created a number of new verbs, adjectives and nouns. Words like "texting" and "hyperlink" and "clicking" and "email" and "friending" and the rest of this special lexicon are part of a somewhat specialized world. Now, it's possible for those on the social networking site Facebook to have a relationship with Metro or its overview agency, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority or WMATA. It's really just sort of a hip(per) way for Metro passengers to communicate with the agency. These are the passengers that may not listen to or watch the news and may not read the newspaper to get the latest on what's going on at the agency.
The page is overseen by Metro passengers representing various stations and lines. It contains things like an overview of the company and a weird but interesting video that tries to make a case for why the funding subsidies from the local member jurisdictions need to be increased. Members are invited to make suggestions and to file complaints. Many of the recent postings deal with service cuts and funding. A recent post said: "Metro needs to extend its hrs on weekdays!! I understand staying open 24hrs is impossible due to needing time for maintenance (Metro was not built with a 3rd track like the NYC Subway). They complain about not having enough money well extending there hrs on weeknights (as they do on Fri-Saturday night until 2-3 am) will only increase ridership thus giving the system more money plus it helps out people who may be out late on a weeknight past midnight when the system closes now on weeknights!!"
This group seems to attract a broad membership with a lot of issues and ideas. I hope that the folks at Metro pay attention. I would note that a number of current and former Metro employees are members of the group so, if they check their Facebook accounts, they should be able to get a real sense of what this particular ridership group is thinking. They might also be able to pick some interesting ideas on ways to make the system more efficient. By the way, at least according to many of the posts on this group site, this audience does not seem to object to being exposed to more advertising on the platforms and on the trains and buses if it will help mitigate the fiscal crisis.
If you're not a fan of Metro or if you take a more jaundiced view of the agency then there is another Facebook page that might be more your brand of vodka. The group "Dear Metro, Stop Making Me Hate You" is, as the name suggests, a little angrier. The mission statement of the group though offers an olive branch: "It's time that Metro stops taking loyal riders for granted. This group allows fellow Metro riders to vent, cojole, complain and keep tabs on Metro. Hopefully, Metro cares about what we think. We really want to love you again."
The type of complaints that are common to this group are like this filed the other day [typos and grammar not corrected]: "I was waiting at crouded gallery place again for the red line, and when the train arrived and the doors open, they stayed open for two seconds not even allowing passengers to get off let alone get on. But the messed up part about it was there was no WARNING of the doors closeing, no chime, no voice saying step back, it just closed on people ugh."
I would note that more than a few of the members of this group offer suggestions that are well considered and actually worthwhile. It's not just about bashing the system but trying to point out shortcomings that can be improved without breaking the back any more than it already is.
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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