Metro testing handles

[hildy89]

My god, the world is really coming to an end. I've never liked the overhead bars they use on Metro. I simply don't have the arms long enough to manage them. In my current situation, I almost have to have a pole, so I can stabilize/brace myself if the Metro jostles about. The DC Metro is testing spring loaded overhead handles in its Metrorail cars to allow shorter passengers more options. They're not the New York style ones I dimly recall from my one trip. Even in their recent redesign, they focused on maximizing space. So they removed the few poles you could use or moved them further into the car. Some seemed to like the new handles and others weren't so fond of them. Bless one of the WMATA board members for bringing this about:

"The overhead bar if you're below-average height - or even if you are average height - is not useful," said Chris Zimmerman, a Metro board member who describes himself as "just shy of 5-9" and who spearheaded the initiative. "I can reach it, but it's not comfortable."

Because most women are shorter than him, Zimmerman said he has concluded that at least half the riding public is not well served by the current configuration.

Gee, someone actually thinking about something other than his own comforts. What will they think of next?