Water Bottles Allowed on Metro Trains This Week

Jason Spencer, Patch editor

You may keep your water bottle with you when you arrive at a metro station to complete your commute from Manassas.

Due to excessive heat, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced Tuesday that riders will be allowed to carry and drink water on trains through the close of business Friday.

It's an exception to Metro's policy prohibiting food and drink and applies to water only, according to a news release. Water will be allowed in stations, on trains and aboard MetroAccess vehicles.

Metro is encouraging passengers to use either reusable containers or bottles that can be tightly secured.

The system is also reminding riders to properly dispose of waste.

In a release, Metro provided the following heat safety tips:

• Monitor for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you're not feeling well, don't get on the train. An on-board medical emergency can delay an entire rail line. Instead, wait on the platform and ask a Metro employee to call for medical assistance.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Stay out of direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.