By Jung Gatoona

In 2007, Metro began installing LCD monitors in Red/Purple Line subway stations to show Metro procedure/guidelines, as well as the latest train departure schedules to commuters. Fast forward to present time, 2010, when these monitors are still the helpful tools they were built to be, but for reasons known and unknown, they've been causing a lot of problems lately. With problems, there are solutions. Here are a few things Metro can do to provide greater access to departure times on their monitors.

1) Remove the Advertisements

Metro, keep advertisements out of the monitors, please. One does not want to have to stare up for 30 seconds like an idiot at a monitor, just to get quick information on departure times. There have been many times during my usage of Metro when the advertisement(s) conflicted with my commuting. As a frequent user of public transit, I would like to know if I should run or walk to catch my train, but thanks to your advertisement(s), I am forced during certain situations to run or miss my train.

2) Fix the Glitches

Glitches? Updates? Whatever the reason may be, sometimes the departure times just aren't given at all. This problem has happened not just once, but several times in the past as well. What gives? Please get this fixed.

3) Hide some Items

Sometimes the monitors show more than what they're designed to give (mouse cursor, browser window, start menu, etc). These become total giveaways to the knowledge that Metro uses Windows XP and a scripted website to showcase the departure times, policies, etc. While this does not affect the showcasing of departure times, it does look very unprofessional for Metro.

Illustration & Photo | Jung Gatoona