Metro Ditches Bench Seating Idea

WASHINGTON -- Metro is dumping the idea of bench seating on rail cars, one of the new designs that has been tested.

"What we found is, that did not free up space for additional capacity," Metro General Manager John Catoe tells WTOP. "And, the feedback that we've received is our customers did not like sitting facing the center of the car."

The bench style-seating is reminiscent of the New York City subway system, with seats placed next to one another, set against the side of rail cars. But it has not proven popular with Metro riders.

"We are going to do things that make our customers happy," says Catoe.

Metro has been testing several new designs on board rail cars including handgrips, which Catoe says riders will notice more and more.

"We are going to do it," Catoe says, talking about outfitting trains with the handles.

"I've committed to having 25 percent of our fleet with handgrips by Dec. 31, 2008."

Metro has been testing stainless steel handgrips, but also plans to put vinyl straps on board trains. The agency has found a new manufacturer to produce the grips.

Another feature which is being tested and has not been ruled out is standing stations on trains. Those feature a padded rail of cushions near the front and back of trains for riders to lean against.

(Copyright 2008 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)