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» Safety, Security and Policing the Metro System (3/18/05) from noon to 1 p.m.

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Welcome to the chat

Author

Message

Polly Hanson

Happy Friday everyone. Welcome to the chat!

You may have read or seen in the news this morning that the Metro Board yesterday approved the purchase of additional bomb containment trash cans for us to put in the stations. That’s great news because it will help to keep the rail system clean.

As you may recall, after Sept 11, 2001, we took the trash cans out of the stations and only installed new bomb containment ones near the fare vending machines (before you enter the faregates). Now we’ll be putting these strong, reinforced cans back inside the stations because Metro listens to its customers. A news release with more details is on our web site at http://www.wmata.com/about/MET_NEWS/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=718.

Some more good safety news that also came out of yesterday’s Metro Board meeting was the purchase of cameras for 125 Metrobuses. We already have 100 of our buses equipped with cameras, and all future deliveries of new buses will also have cameras. To read more about that visit http://www.wmata.com/about/MET_NEWS/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=719.

If you have questions about dealing with crowds after the baseball games and Cherry Blossom Festival, I'm happy to take those.

Enough from me. Now let's hear from you!

Rowdy Passengers

Author	Message
whiteoakmd	Chief Hanson, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. My concern is with passengers who do not know how to converse in a manner that is socially acceptable. These passengers' idea of a normal conversation is to employ the use of shouting, screaming, yelling, and the excessive use of foul language (and I'm not just referring to the school crowd). These passengers disturb the peace and make riding the Metro (bus and rail) a downright miserable experience. So what is a passenger suppose to do when he/she comes accross such a crowd? Would it be permissable to press the red emergency button to alert the operator? Is a bus driver required to radio in for help when other passengers start to voice their concerns? Any advice you can offer on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Polly Hanson	Hi. Well, there is that little document that has the First Amendment on it that we kind of have to pay attention to, because being loud may be rude, but it's not against the law. We've got a few new public service posters out there that take a humorous look at transit appropriate behavior, and loud conversation is the focus of one of them. Post columnists Ron Shaffer (Dr. Gridlock) and John Kelly also are out there telling people what types of behavior bothers and irks their fellow commuters, so tune into their columns and chats too. Yes, you can notifiy the train operator on the intercom or contact the bus operator if you witness a crime. Information that we'll need to respond is a description of the individual, what they are doing and your location. A bus operator also can radio for assistance if it's needed.

Parking Security

Author	Message
bshep	On saturday night I went in to Dc from Springfield VA; when i returned to my car late Saturday night/Sunday Morning my back left passenger window had been broken out and a few things had been stolen from my car. Now to be honest I understand for the most part you are not resposible for lost articles I know all that legal stuff but there was also glass on the ground basically all over the place so this is not just a one time problem. When I called to report the problem I asked the security offical if you all had any video surveillance and I was told no that you do not I was wonering then what you are doing to stop this problem or even worse bigger problems. What if I had returned while they were in the act of breaking into my car and was beaten or even worse rapped and you all have no security measures in place. What would you all have done then? Also I would like to know an advantage now of taking the metro because I used to take it in to DC because it was safer and I had a safe place to park my car and now that is not true. I understand that I am just one customer and only losing one customer is not anything you all care about but I would like anwsers on what security measures you all have in place for problems like this and much bigger ones.
Polly Hanson	Hi. You're right, our parking facilities do not have cameras. You'll find that's typical for most public parking facilities. Cameras may help with apprehension, but they are not likely to help with prevention, so let's talk about some prevention tips. I recommend that if you are able to walk out to your car with another person, cell phone in hand (in the event that you want to call if you see something suspicious); key in hand so you can get into your car quickly (and use it to defend yourself); keep your valuables out of sight; layer your use of anti-theft devices (alarms, steering wheel locks, window etching); report any suspicioius behavior to a Metro employee or the Metro Transit Police (202-962-2121). We do have the garage emergency telephone system, which you can use to let us know if you spot suspicious behavior. And our parking facilities are staffed by parking customer assistant representatives. February of this year compared to February of last year, we experienced a 58 percent reduction in car theft and related crimes. I hope that helps.

Concerned about lack of space due to car seat removal plan

Author	Message
PublicTransUser1...	I wondered if Metro has considered the fact that people become more tense the tighter they are squeezed into the rail cars. I am especially worried about the high school and middle school children who ride the metro. Sometimes they can be very unruly and even downright rude when the rail cars become too crowded. I have also been concerned that the jostling of passengers against one another due to the movement of the train could lead to loud confrontations and even break out into fist fights. I bring this up because at the end of most people's days, they just seem to run out of patience. I also want to add that having a Metro line supervisor is a very good idea, and I hope that he or she will be able to address these concerns, if or when they become apparent.PTU1980
Polly Hanson	Hi. Good observation. As we are going to begin the first phase of the pilot project for interior seat configuration, we are going to install cameras on a select number of railcars to observe customer behavior before any changes are made.

Zero Tolerance

Author	Message
skcomm	Hi, I'm old enough to have ridden Metro back when it was brand new, and, on the basis of how riders behave now, I wish we could go back to those days. (Maybe I'm just feeling older...) I felt better about Metro when riders were publicly scolded for eating, drinking, littering, and smoking. It seems to me that many riders feel they can flaunt the rules. Just this morning I saw TWO people smoking in the mezzanine! I don't expect the police to be everywhere, and I know there are more serious crimes in places like parking lots, but is there a way to get back to the "zero tolerance" policy?
Polly Hanson	Hi. We've just launched a new campaign that uses humor to educate and communicate to people that you can't eat or drink in the system. Tourist season is coming and we do tend to see an uptick in eating and drinking in the system when tourists come to town. Our regular customers can be very helpful in reminding the tourists that it's unlawful to eat or drink in the system. Feel free to point out to a station manager if someone is eating or drinking in the station.

More police patrols

Author	Message
otter	Why aren't there more officers patrolling on the trains. On one occaision I saw teenagers smoking cigarettes and marijuana inside the last trail car. Another time I saw some boys poking the seats with a knife. This kind of environment doesn't make me feel safe when riding Metro.
Polly Hanson	Hi. Please let us know where and when you see that happen so we can get officers on the scene as quickly as possible. Or, if it's something you see regularly, let us know and we'll put you in touch with the district commander. Some of our officers ride the trains wearing their uniforms and others in street clothes. Another thing you can do is get off the train when it pulls into a station and get back on in an adjacent railcar. Then, use the intercom in the car to notify the train operator. Give the railcar number, and description of the person(s). The train operator will call us and we'll dispatch someone. Or, call us at 202-962-2121. Everything north of Metro Center is District I and you can call 202-962-2696. Everything south of therre is 202-636-7118.

Metrocheks on E-bay

Author	Message
otter	Did you know that people are selling Metrocheks on EBay??? I've seen multiple listings on the site.
Polly Hanson	Hi. We've actually contacted ebay and asked them not to post these sales because we know that it violates an agreement that employees sign to get this benefit. employers do post reminders at workplaces and information that outlines that theses sales are inappropriate is printed on the back of the card.

Metro emergency training classes

Author	Message
otter	Where can I get information on Metro emergency preparedness training. I am CERT certified in PG County and want to take the Metro training and cannot find any info on your Web site.
Polly Hanson	Captain Jeff Delinski is our coordinator. His email is jdelinski@wmata.com or call 202-962-2411.

Now it's my turn to talk about crowds for baseball games and...

Author

Message

Polly Hanson

Spring is around the corner and so are the Nationals baseball games and Cherry Blossom season so let's talk about appropriate transit behavior and having a plan.

We recognize that there are a lot of tourists and visitors who bring money into our economy, so be nice to them! Help someone if you see they're having difficulty trying to figure out which side of a platform to stand on. Or help someone purchase a farecard.

For yourself, if you're going to a Nationals game, or to see the cherry blossoms, get enough fare on your farecard so that you don't have to go back to the fare machine for the ride home. And don't forget that SmarTrip card if you've parked in one of the lots.

You can anticipate crowds so if you have the flexibility to alter your travel schedule by adjusting your hours by a little, perhaps leaving for work earlier or going home a little later, it might help you out.

Offensive riders on the 90 buses

Author	Message
Metro customer	I ride the 90 bus routes and am appalled at the foul language and behavior of kids riding those routes. What is Metro doing to control such behaviour?
Polly Hanson	We have a bus squad and they ride the buses and follow up with complaints like you described. We also recommend that you call the local school because the District of Columbia subsidizes the transportation of students on our Metrobuses and on Metrorail. Let the school administrators know that their students might need a refresher in appropriate behavior. We also go out to schools to talk to parents at PTA meetings and go to community meetings to discuss these issues.

Bus operator safety

Author

Message

Polly Hanson

Speaking of buses (from a previous poster), our bus operators have expressed that they feel a lack of respect from the communities that they serve.

This includes kids who throw rocks and people who refuse to pay their fares.

Bus operators provide a really important service to the communities in which they live. In addition to providing transportation, they distribute school supplies, host things like "The Boo Bus" in neighborhoods, and distribute food during the holiday season.

We've increased our visibility. We are making more contact with operators. If our request for additional personnel is approved, we'll add to the ranks of the officers on buses.

I've recently been out there riding and have been well received by both bus operators and passengers. People appreciate our being out there and are happy with the service they receive, but if kids throw rocks and break windows the bus has to be taken out of service and that impacts everyone. There is a cost associated and it is a disservice to the community when that happens.

If you can give us some information on these crimes, please do, 202-962-2121.

Bicycle Theft

Author

Message

Polly Hanson

Eventually it's going to get warm, folks, and so people are going to take their bicycles to Metro. We want your bicycles to be there when you get back. We've seen a slight increase in thefts, and we don't want you to be next!

Many stations have free bicycle racks which are available on a first-come, first-use basis. Secure your bicycle with a medium-sized, standard key style padlock.

Many stations also have bicycle lockers which you can rent for $70 a year plus a key deopisit. To rent a locker, call 202-962-1116.

Follow-up to Rock Throwing

Author	Message
Reader	I am a District resident who is a daily rider of Metrobus. It is very disturbing that some individuals are throwing rocks and other objects at Metrobuses in D.C. Can you tell us how many people have been arrested in the past year for this sort of crime? Also, how are the U.S. Attorney's office and D.C. Superior Court handling these cases? What sort of sentences are being meted out?
Polly Hanson	Like I said, we agree! I recently wrote to the head of the Metropolitan Police's Youth Services Division to suggest/encourage/recommend that there be strong consequences to juveniles who throw things (we call them missiles) at Metrobuses. Bus crime is down for 2005, and we recently caught some juveniles who were throwing snowballs at our buses, which might not sound serious but is a very dangerous thing to do.

Extremely rude transit officer

Author	Message
Metro customer	I am a regular commuter on Metro Rail. This evening, at approximately 6:30PM, I experienced the worst encountered ever during my 12 years of riding Metro. When I approached the gate to exit the Suitland station, I could not find my SmarTrip card. Knowing that I had just added money to my SmarTrip card at Union Station and had used it to enter the platform, I was confused as to where it could have gone. After searching unsuccessfully, I approached the Metro manager's office. A transit officer was in the office. He told me to go out through the emergency exit and he said that I would need to buy a new SmarTrip card. I walked through the emergency gate and continued to look for my SmarTrip card. As I began to leave the area, the officer yelled "Miss, where are you going? Didn't I tell you to purchase a Smart card" I turned around and we approached each other. He continued to raise his voice and tell me that I MUST purchase another SmarTrip card. I was completely confused as to why I HAD to purchase another SmarTrip card. The officer continued to yell and tried to intimidate and embarrass me. This type of situation not only gives the Transit Police a poor image, it also affects how customers view Metro.
Polly Hanson	Thank you for your message. We've got your information and we will follow up and initiate an investigation.

Citizens arrest on Metrobus and danger or crime reports

Author	Message
dccruiser	I will like to know Metro's position on customers effecting a citizen's arrest when there is unruly behavior in a Metrobus and there are no Metro police officials around to treat such event. Furthermore, what is the clear channel of communication for riders who may want to report operators who spend most of their time discussing private issues on cell phones while driving the bus. Can customers also report Station managers who flirt openly at the stations with some other customers. It could be a major security hole if a manager is distracted while crime is committed. Thanks, dccruiser
Polly Hanson	Citizens arrests are regulated by statute in each jurisdiction, so before you embark on a citizens arrest, you have to be sure you're following the law and not breaking it. Of course, there are several ways to contact us to report something. If you've got a cell phone, call 202-962-2121. Or, if you can alert a bus operator, he/she can contact us too. If you think a station manager's behavior or a bus operator's behavior (cell phone useage) is inappropriate, call 202-637-1328.

Checking Trains

Author	Message
dpete47	Here is an idea, when a train reaches the end of the line, have the operator make a quick sweep of the train (taking no more than 30 sec.) to make sure nothing was left behind or something that is not supposed to be on train before turning around to go back in service.
Polly Hanson	Brilliant idea! We do that! Bus operators are supposed to walk to the back of the bus and conduct a visual inspection at the end of the line. Train operators also walk through the trains at the end of the line (but it takes more than 30 seconds).

Pickpocketing

Author	Message
frequentdcvisito...	With spring break coming up for my college kids next week, we are planning to visit D.C. to do some sightseeing. Is it true pickpockting is more of a problem in the Metro system in the spring?
Polly Hanson	Pickpockets like crowds and use them as cover. So, special events like cherry blossoms, baseball games, the circus, and even a regular rush hour provides opportunities. If you've got a wallet, carry it in your front pocket. If you've got a pocketbook, bury your wallet in the bottom, make sure the clasp is closed and don't just throw it over your shoulder, but keep it tucked under your arm. But if you see someone who you think is getting ready to pick someone's pocket, shout out, "Watch your wallet" because pickpockets tend to be nonviolent and don't want to get caught, so they'll move on.

Unsafe bus drivers

Author	Message
otter	What do you do about bus drivers that drive recklessly? My bus was nearly in 2 accidents on Eye street the day. He cut cars off while driving. He crossed 3 lanes of traffic with no regard to the othter traffic. This driver was very dangerous and should not be on the road.
Polly Hanson	We want to know. Call us and let us know. You can just have to give us the information. We want to know the bus route number that's posted on the outside of the bus. We want to know the bus number, also on the outside (and inside) of the bus, the location, and the time of day. We'll find the bus and the driver! You can call us at 202-962-2121 (police) or at 202-637-1328 (customer service office).

Solicitors on trains

Author	Message
donovan	I was just wondering whether it is against Metro policies for people to solicit passengers for money while riding the train? Over the past few months, I have noticed numerous times (mainly in the evening), where young men are walking around asking for donations from passengers. Some of those solicitors are loud and obnoxious, particularly to those who do not give money. They claim they are collecting donations for their youth sports teams, but all they carry around is a sheet of paper where they write down your name and how much you donate. Seems a little sketchy to me. I think Metro should crack down on solicitations on the train or investigate the legitimacy of such operations.
Polly Hanson	It is against the law to solicit in the Metro system. Unfortunately they don't commit this offense in front of uniformed police officers. We suggest that you report this via the intercom and we'll dispatch an officer. If you're uncomfortable doing that from the same railcar where the activity is taking place, get off the train and switch railcars. Then call the train operator on the intercom to report it. Most of these are scams and if you want to donate money, we recommend that you donate to a recognized charitable organization.