The past few days, the heat has been unbearable. Given that I am Indian and hairy, the heat is even more unbearable. However, the real problem is not the temperature outside but rather the temperature inside the D.C. Metro rail car. Though I appreciate D.C. Metro providing me with a free sauna, I'd like to inform them that they are doing me and the rest of the D.C. Metro area no service. Given the lack of air conditioning, ventilation, and the sheer number of people, temperatures can rise to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Tough it out you say? Well maybe I can tough it out, being a 20-year-old college student, but how about an 80-year-old grandmother, who can't a) find a seat because there are so many people and b) having trouble breathing. The potential health hazards are innumerable and are not limited to the elderly or to small children. High temperatures can, for example, cause us to pass out or have a heat stroke, both of which are serious issues. It should extremely important to ensure the safety of all Metro riders. Therefore, the Metro system should make sure to provide both extra rail cars to accommodate the flux of passengers during rush hour and make sure that the A/C system is working and running on all rail cars. I saw an old lady today standing on the Metro while wiping sweat off of her forehead like she was in the middle of the Sahara desert while she turned pale. The doctor in me found it necessary to find her seat so her heart rate would go down and she could maybe relax a bit more. I asked one of the people on the Metro to please give up their seat so that the lady could sit down. Luckily, the man was nice enough to comply. I know that it is difficult for the Metro to provide extra cars and A/C given budget cuts and the like. Therefore, I urge fellow passengers to please be wary of other riders and allow the elderly and children to take seats and provide them with any help necessary. If you see any passenger turning pale, coughing heavily, breathing deeply, or sweating profusely, please be a Good Samaritan and ensure that they are okay.
Thank you!
-BK
No comments:
Post a Comment