I’ve already received a number of e-mails from readers who think that Metro is wasting time and money to develop “Express Lanes” for users of the SmarTrip card. Many say that it won’t do anything to speed up their trip and that it’s just window dressing to cover up bigger problems. I say: bunk.
What we’re talking about here is perception. Regular riders get irritated when they have to wait behind large groups of out-of-towners who aren’t as adept at using the system as they are. It’s a superiority thing. We are all members of a special club called “Metro Riders” and we alone have hadto experience the challenges and the grunge of the system that few of these tourists ever will. We deserve something a little special and that’s exactly what Metro is giving us — a little something to say “You’re a member of our club and you shouldn’t have to wait here.”
We all know that we’ll have to wait down on the platform if the train isn’t there when we arrive, but that’s something that is out of our control. (We can’t see what’s going on, so it must be.) A family of five with matching “I (heart) Des Moines” T-shirts all gathered at the entrance to the fare gate at 9:07 a.m. while we’re already late for work is doubly frustrating because 1) these people aren’t working when we are and 2) they don’t understand the simple paper fare cards.
Pedestrian safety
Bill knows I am passionate about this topic and writes: “Our governments and affiliated entities at all levels, state and local, need to enact and enforce tougher laws on striking pedestrians and others, such as exercisers — joggers and cyclists. Whenever a person is hit by a vehicle, if they are fortunate to still be alive, the person will never be the same. Rehabilitation and recovery may restore a majority of the person’s ability, but that is all. Think of the pain, suffering and time lost.
“A person can have the right of way, yet when they are struck by an auto, the driver usually faces a minor penalty, if any. Why is it that speeding or running a red light can cause a stiffer fine than the actual act of hitting a person?
“Only when our governments and affiliated entities at all levels, state and local, become serious about pedestrian/exerciser safety as they are about other aspects, such as buckling seat belts or using child safety seats, will the negative trend of pedestrian/exerciser incidents and near events decrease.”
It seems like the legislators are trying but it also seems like they miss the mark on real solutions far too often. In my opinion more needs to be done to educate those coming into the area or into this country about the real differences that exist here when it comes to walking. Too many of those struck and killed were doing what they had always done in their home country, just without knowing the differences here.
