Metro passengers urged to report when they see blood, vomit

WASHINGTON — The “See something. Say something” counter-terrorism message now includes a warning for Metro riders.

Passengers who see bodily fluids, such as blood or vomit on Metro trains or buses, are being asked to report what they see to drivers or station managers, so the bus or rail car can be taken out of service and sanitized.

“It’s great to let the customers know about these different measures that are being put in place to keep us safe,” says Howard Cook of Arlington, Virginia, who rides both the subway and buses.

Metro General Manager Richard Sarles published the safety message on page 11 of the Oct. 30 Express newspaper.

Sarles’ message requests riders practice good personal hygiene by washing hands frequently, and by covering coughs or coughing into their elbows.

Sarles also details how regular Metro cleaning schedules of rail cars, buses, stations and other facilities increase to at least once a week from Oct. 1 through March 31 during flu season.

“If it’s happening it’s a good idea,” says Sandra of Capitol Heights who prefers her last name not be used.

Sandra is skeptical of Metro’s reported cleaning schedule.

“Sometimes the trains and buses are disgusting,” she says.

“I’ve seen dirty trains this whole month of October,” says Stephanie W. of Alexandria who takes buses and trains to work in D.C. five and sometimes seven days a week.

“They need to do a better job,” she says.

Metro’s public affairs office declined to comment on those complaints.

Editor’s note: References to Ebola were removed from this story after Metro confirmed these notices were nothing new or specific to Ebola.

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