The Silver Line got off to a smooth start during its first weekday commute on Monday, but there was some confusion among those new to the Metro system.
Some passengers were seen trying to take their morning cup of coffee or their bikes onto the train, both no-nos on the Metro.
Bicycles are allowed on Metro trains, but not during rush hour. Eating and drinking are always prohibited.
News4's Megan McGrath also reported that some of the announcements were difficult to hear. During construction of the line, all of the speakers had to be ripped out and replaced so they could be brought up to code and listed with the Underwriters Laboratories, a safety consulting and certification company.
Thankfully there was a ton of staff giving direction in the very confusing parking garage. #1stRideSV — Melissa B (@iluvfaces) July 28, 2014
Some commuters also found themselves with tickets for stopping in the bus lane at the McLean station.
And if you were thinking of parking at the mall near the Tysons Corner station, think again. Parking is only available at the Wiehle-Reston East station; cars parked illegally in nearby garages and lots can be ticketed and towed.
Trying to keep commuters from getting towed! #SilverLine #1stRideSV @nbcwashington @News4Today pic.twitter.com/2Hn7fitKaO — Jasmine (@jasmineturner07) July 28, 2014
For all you new Metro riders, here are some general commuting rules for the system from WMATA:
- Do not eat, drink, smoke or litter on trains or in stations. Metro says Metro Transit Police will issue citations or make arrests to enforce the law.
- Bicycles are NOT permitted on Metrorail weekdays during the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the hours of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Don't enter the Metrorail system with a bicycle if you can't complete your trip before the start of these rush periods. And even outside of the rush hour, bikes are limited to two per train car.
- Don't try to block or force train doors open. They do not reopen like elevator doors.
- Don't touch the train doors when they are opening or closing.
- Don't lean against the train doors.
- Don't run in the station.
- Don't sit on the platform edge.
