How DTLA Women Stay Safe on the Metro and Ride Like a Boss!

Metro Transit Authority just released their annual crime statistics and it doesn’t look good. In honor of National Woman’s History Month we thought we’d present DTLA with the newest edition of #SurvivingDTLA but really… these tips are great for whom every you identify with.

Hey ladies, are you tired of feeling like you’re on an episode of “Survivor: Metro Edition” every time you ride the subway trains?

If the answer is yes, don’t fret! DT Weekly has got your back with a safety quiz that will turn you into a street-smart Metro Riding ninja.

Take the quiz now and ride Metro like a Boss!

1. What can women do to ensure extra safety while riding on the Metro?

a. Disguise themselves as an anime character

b. Watch your back! Stay alert and aware of their surroundings.

c. Start singing loudly to attract other passengers.

Correct answer: b. Stay alert and aware of their surroundings. Criminals are often spontaneous and can look and act like anyone. Don’t take your safety for granted. Use your instincts and watch your back at all times.

2. What is the creep doing, waiting for the train in the shadows?

a. The creep is minding his own business

b. The creep is waiting for a friend

c. The creep is waiting for the next victim

d. The creep is waiting to be bitten by a spider

Correct answer: c. The creep is waiting for the next victim. It’s what creeps do. Don’t try to understand it. Just do what you can to make sure the creep’s next victim isn’t you.

3. Which of the following is the best safety tip for women traveling with small kids on the Metro subway?

a. Keep a close eye on the kids and keep them close

b. Use designated areas for strollers

c. Avoid rush hour

d. All of the above

Answer: d. All of the above. If at any time there’s an emergency. You’ll want to have kids close enough to protect them. Avoid rush hour to ensure getting a seat where you can keep them within arms reach. Keep small children in their strollers in case you have to roll out fast.

4. Where should people wait for the Metro train?

a. In a well-lit and populated areas

b. In the shadows with the spider

c. At the edge of the platform

d. In the public restroom

Correct answer: a. Stand in a well-lit and populated area. This will help reduce the chances of being approached by strangers, feeling threatened or being bitten by the spider.

5. What is the best way to stay sanitary while riding the metro?

a. Use your tongue to sanitize all surfaces you come into contact with.

b. Touch everything and then lick your fingers clean.

c. Avoid touching anything unnecessarily and use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces. If Covid taught us one thing….

Correct answer: c. You have one job! Avoid touching anything unnecessarily and use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces. And never forget, people are sticky. It is inevitable hair, blood, drops of spittle and E. coli crispies find their way to the public shared spaces.

a. Mind her own business and keep quiet like they do in New York

6. What can you do if you notice a crime taking place on the platform or while riding the Metro?

b. Hit the emergency button and report it to the Metro staff or safety team immediately

c. Start a TikTok and Do it for the Gram!

d. Pretend your name is Karen and challenge the perp to a verbal fight while threatening to call the PoPo.

Correct answer: b. Secretly hit the emergency button and report it to the train staff or Metro Safety Team immediately. Because snitches get stitches and real Gs move in silence.

7. How can you keep your belongings safe while riding on the train?

a. Leave bags unattended and hope for the best

b. Keep bags and personal belongings close and always in sight

c. Place belongings under the seat

d. Chain belongs to the seat

Correct answer: b. Keep bags and personal belongings close to you and always in sight. Leaving bags unattended is an open invitation to play hide and go seek with individuals prone to criminal activity.

8. Which of the following is a good self-defense tool to carry when riding on the metro?

a. A sword dipped in poison

b. A can of whipped cream

c. A can of mace or a whistle

d. A Downtown LA alley cat

Correct answer: This is a trick question. But the answer is c.

A can of mace or a whistle.

Although a DT Alley Cat, once property trained and cared for, can easily fight off an attacker. These simple store bought tools can help you to ward off potential attackers or alert others if you’re in danger.

9. What is the importance of keeping a safe distance from weirdos when riding on the train?

a. To avoid a weirdo and the trauma of long lasting memories

b. It can help the avoid awkward conversations

c. It helps with anxiety

d. All of the above

Correct answer: d. All of the above. Keeping a safe distance from weirdos when riding on the train can help you avoid becoming a target for harassment or unwanted advances. Second, it can help you avoid awkward or uncomfortable conversations weirdos are prone to having. And finally, it can also help with anxiety by giving you more personal space and control over your environment.

10. Why may a person want to dress conservatively when riding on the train?

a. To avoid drawing unwanted attention from perverts

b. To slay…bit*h SLAY!!!

c. To make new friends

d. To get more likes on social media

Correct answer: an and b. To avoid drawing unwanted attention and to slay Bit*h SLAY!

On a side note: Safety is not the sole responsibility of individuals. Society and public transportation systems have a duty to address and prevent harassment and violence. Metro works tirelessly to improve the safety of passengers, DTLA Weekly would like to welcome the new Metro Safety Team.

Photo Courtesy- Metro Los Angeles www.metro.net

Author: Jamie Herrera

Writer l Father of many | Master of none l events@dtla-weekly.com