A note to overzealous metro riders....

...Chill out.

Let me put my feelings into words.
On they way home from work, I found a seat on the asile in the second row. I was pretty exhausted from a very busy day at work and a little drained after giving blood (lame pun, I know). As the train was traveling under the Potomac on it's way to Rosslyn the gentleman next to me decides that it's time to get ready to get off. Okay. I get up, but can't really move since there are people standing in the asile holding onto the rails on the seats around me. But this guy is pretty determined to get to the doors. With no where else to go, I decide to go with the current and I find myself beyond the first row of seats - of course out of reach of any bars or poles. All the while the train is still moving - which means when this guy finally reached the door he had to wait until we stopped and the doors opened. Way to go buddy. You made it! God forbid the train doors close with you still in it.

So I turn to squeeze my way back into my seat and a young woman, about my age has grabbed the window seat. No problem. I'm on the asile. I have a seat, and I can close my eyes and relax. I'm spent.

A few moments after the doors close at Arlington Cemetary my seat buddy decides it's time for her to get up and get ready to exit the moving train. Once again I get up, but this time I just grab onto the handle on the seat directly across from me. I'm tired, dizzy and can't understand why she couldn't just wait until the train stopped. It's a simple obvious fact: There's no where to go when the train is moving (and it's rush hour). When the train has stopped, and the doors are open there's more room for movement. It seems like a simple concept. When a train is full and people have no where to go, there's no room for you to squeeze into not matter how nicely you say "Excuse me."

Wait until the train has stopped. People are more willing to let you pass because they feel more comfortable letting go of the poles. It will be easier. I promise.