D.C. Metro Etiquette

D.C. Metro Capitol South Stop

By Elisabeth Grant

The only thing D.C. metro commuters like to complain about more than the metro itself are the other people who ride it. Both tourists and regular riders alike often exhibit bad metro behavior, to the chagrin of those around them. Metro is integral to working and playing in the city, and this post is here to help you navigate the unspoken social rules of the D.C. metro so we can all have a more pleasant ride. While riders can’t control train delays or temperature settings, they can contribute to a better atmosphere through behavior.

For Tourists
Wohoo! You’re in the nation’s capital. You have your whole day planned: hit the Zoo, stop by Air and Space, get that photo-op at the Washington Monument. And you can get to it all by metro, it’s gonna be great. Now, to make your D.C. metro experience (and the experiences of your fellow riders) even better follow the tips below:

1. Stand on the right when standing on escalators. Daily commuters want to be able to pass on the left to get to work, catch their bus, or just escape their commute as quickly as possible. If you don’t want to walk up the escalators that’s totally fine, just move to the right so that others may pass you.

2. Have your fare card ready. When both entering and exiting the metro system you’ll need a fare card (either a paper pass or a plastic “smart trip“). Make sure when you approach the turnstile you have your pass out and ready to go. That way everyone can zip through a little faster.

3. Keep moving or get out of the way. Once you get to the bottom of an escalator keep walking, either to a place on the platform, or out of the flow of traffic so you can get oriented. Anytime you need to stop and get your bearings or look at your map try to move out of the way as much as possible. Sitting down on a bench or leaning up against a wall will help keep you from getting run over.

4. Allow people to exit the train before you board. The train has just pulled up and the doors open. When this happens stand to the side so that those who are getting off the train can do so. Don’t worry, the train operator watches and allows enough time for people to both exit and enter the train.

5. Use your indoor voice. Regular metro riders mostly ride in silence. They’re often decompressing before or after work, doing some reading, or just minding their own business. While you don’t necessarily have to join in on the mime fest, regulars appreciate it if you talk quietly (both on the phone and with your group) while traveling.

For Locals
Hang on there locals, you complain about the tourists but you’re not always perfect metro riders either. From those who leave their manners at the metro door to others who make themselves way too at home on their commute, here are some tips to be better riders.

1. Be polite. The tourists don’t know the rules (unless they’ve read this post), so don’t get too mad at them when they don’t follow them. Politely asking someone to move to the right on the escalator is a reasonable request, and most people will politely oblige. Barking orders at tourists is both rude and unnecessary. And be polite to your fellow regular riders as well. Throwing elbows and glaring at people ruins everyone’s commute. Being nice is contagious, and it makes you feel good. Offering someone your seat, giving a friendly smile, and letting someone get on the train before you are simple ways to create a more friendly atmosphere.

2. Groom yourself at home. You’d think this would be commonsense, but clipping your nails and cutting your hair (Seriously! The Unsuck DC Metro blog has photographic proof!) on the metro is both gross and weird. Save the grooming till you get home.

3. Mind your scent. Also on the personal hygiene topic, please be mindful of how you smell. Following this tip will help you in many areas of your life, from the office, to air travel, to dating. In an enclosed space like a cramped metro car, smells (both good and bad) are accentuated. So go easy on that perfume or cologne, and if you can’t remember the last time you showered, it’s probably time.

4. Share the space. While we’d all like two seats to ourselves while riding the metro, this is just not possible during rush hour. Your fellow passengers appreciate a seat much more than your bag does, so set your backpack in your lap. Also, be aware of when you’re blocking access to space in the car. Either move to the middle of the train, or make sure other riders can easily pass.

5. Pick up after yourself. Everyone has encountered piles of papers, random trash, and discarded sunflower seed shells on the metro. Now that metro has trashcans on the platforms there’s no longer an excuse for being such a slob.

Many of the improvements metro needs are completely out of riders’ control, but we can all have a better ride if we follow the above tips.