It's a kind of escalator etiquette--stand to the right, walk on the left. Unfortunately, clueless tourists are rude enough to block the entire escalator stair thus pissing off a number of locals who are trying to barrel up/down the escalator faster than the stairs can carry them. I thought this was a European phenonemon but apparently it's a pox upon Washington DC as well. You can even buy a t-shirt from standtotheright.com. From that website:
Why the hell is that moron from Ohio standing in front of you as you rush down the escalator and desperately try to make it to your train? Because he hasn't been educated properly. This website is trying to rectify the situation and it is YOUR duty, as a DC Metro rider to join the cause. By wearing the "Please Stand to The Right" t-shirt and buying as much merchandise as you can afford, you are standing up for your right to fly down the left side of the escalator, destroying everything in your path. No "excuse me" is needed, let them read the back of your shirt as they try to collect their loved ones and luggage.
Their graphics are pretty funny, so check it out. And please, stand to the right.
Hat tip to David.
Posted by Shelby at May 17, 2004 04:54 PMDC, NYC, Europe... I think it's more a battle of clued-in subway riders vs. galumphing tourists than a clash of geographies and cultures, really.
Posted by: Dave at May 17, 2004 04:59 PMSee the escalator bit doesn't bother me as much as people walking 4 abreast down the street and not breaking the chain to let other people pass. I can't tell you how many times the dog and I have to walk into the dirt, street or up against a building because they are marching in some rollerderby team formation. It's also funy when they give me a dirty look because the dog didn't yield to them. Get a clue, she's a dog. Boy if I could speak their language they'd get an earful...
Posted by: The other Dave at May 18, 2004 08:52 PM