Metro is trying out some new safety equipment at Dulles International Airport, but many people don鈥檛 seem to notice it or care.
Metro has installed a 3-foot-tall bollard and safety signs in front of a bank of escalators heading out of the station. The signs say “no luggage on escalators,” and the bollard features pictures of a baby stroller, scooter and bicycle and the words “elevator use only.”
The transit system said in that it’s testing the removable bollard to encourage riders with large suitcases to use the elevator instead. Metro said it鈥檚 an initiative to reduce trips and falls and improve safety for everyone.
After watching people approach the bollard and signs for about 15 minutes Friday night, almost everyone ignored the safety equipment and got on the escalator with their bags anyway.
Sophia Moran had never seen the bollard before and is not sure the safety warnings are needed.
鈥淚 guess if you鈥檙e responsible with your luggage and don鈥檛 have vertigo, you鈥檙e not going to fall down,鈥� she joked.
Polo Morales walked right past the bollard and the signs but saw them after WTOP pointed them out. He said he doesn鈥檛 think they will stop many people.
鈥淲ell, at least now I know I鈥檓 not supposed to, but if I was really determined they wouldn鈥檛 stop me,鈥� he said.
Metro has not specified how long they will continue this experiment, or at how many stations it may permanently install the bollards.
One rider, Sam Daniels, did take the elevator because she had a few big bags. She said she can see how the safety measures may be a good idea.
鈥淲hat if there was an emergency and somebody needs to come down and there鈥檚 all these bags in the way?” she said.
The safety bollards are in use in other airports across the country.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
漏 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
