I walk. That’s bizaar, though, about the “no food or drink.” Is it a cleaning crew expense? Some electrical safety thing? What is that?

I remember when the Washington DC subway was under construction. Traffic was a mess and you had to keep tabs on where the workmen were blocking the traffic corridors, or it would take you twice as along to get anywhere. But since then…it’s been wonderful. I live in Colorado, so a ride on the Washington DC subway is always a treat. A little bit like Disneyland. Once I had to take the subway during a morning rush hour. During the ride into “town”, I was fascinated that no one spoke to each other, no one said a word, no one smiled, no one acted as if they were alive. When I exited at the downtown station, I heard wonderful music at the top of the escalator. There were four people playing musical instruments, smiling, laughing and having a wonderful time. And asking for money. What relief to find out that a segment of the Washington population still laugh, smile and rejoice in being a live. I stopped to laugh and feel alive, while people hurried around me.

I live in Los Angeles where the powers that be don’t believe in good public transportation that actually GOES where the people need to go. Luckily I live very near my work and can avoid freeways. And I loved BART when in SF and Oakland. If I could ride the subway I’m sure I’d read a book or magazine to while away the time.

I’ve not ridden the Washinton DC subway but when I travelled with my job, while I was in Boston, I always rode the subway into the city from the airport. I was always thrilled. We don’t have these in the middle of the corn fields, so it was a treat. And the el in Chicago just isn’t the same. Thank you for reminding me of my wonderful adventures in the subway. Looking forward to a trip to Washington in the future….I will surely ride the subway!

Miss Martin: I imagine the biographies of my fellow travelers. I see, smell, hear, taste and feel my story in theirs. I do this, as at any moment, they may be who saves my life.

As a daily commuter on Metro, I appreciate traveling in a clean system. However for every time I hear the story about the girl who was taken away and handcuffed for eating (this occurred in 2000), I continue to see people who bring their Starbucks or Popeye’s on the train unimpeded. Apparently Miss Manners doesn’t mind watching empty water bottles, left by tourists and residents alike, roll down the aisles? How does she feel about partially eaten food being left behind on the train? Does she read any of the newspapers discarded on the seats? It is both a cleaning issue and one of electrical safety, since food left behind attracts insects and trash on the tracks can hit the third rail and catch fire. I read on my commute and appreciate the quiet. Usually, the people who do most of the talking are tourists.

I was in the Paris Metro on a crowded platform waiting for a train. A mouse was scurrying about amid oblivious high heels and working boots searching for crumbs of food. Very bold, so earnest and determined. I admired that little mouse.

Just managed to take the L.A. Metro because I finally was going where it does - downtown L.A.- Unfortunately, I can never manage to read on the subway due to flickering lights and the movement of the cars. I people watch instead. Wish they could make a subway to the W. side - since to get there from Hollywood is really a trial. I would love to avoid that road trip on the freeway. But it’s nothing like going to the Opera in Munich via the subway - we were all dressed up! Somehow here I don’t feel right dressed up on the subway.

I have used mass transit subways in London (convenient), NYC (scarey), Chicago (so-so) Atlanta, Washington D.C.(clean), and probably others. I people watch and busy making sure I do not miss my stop since I am not familiar with the routes being a visitor. My home city does not have mass transit but sure wish it did. Our downtown is dying and partly because access is so difficult.