Posted on 06/25/2006 3:59:07 AM PDT by SkyPilot
Metrorail officials are considering adding permanent Spanish-language signs, system maps, fare-card machines and announcements in stations after a push by immigration advocates.
They say the idea has been discussed for several years within the agency's Office of Project Communications, but no official plans have been made.
The estimated cost of the changes is at least $500,000 per station and as much as $900,000 for a large, multilevel station such as Metro Center or L'Enfant Plaza.
"It would really depend on what signs, where, what they're made of, the cost of fabricating and installing them," said Murray Bond, director of sales and marketing at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. "It's a strain on the budget, but in a business sense, by giving people better information to use the system, hopefully they'll use it more, [and] every time they use it, we get a fare."
The Urban Institute estimates that more than 1 million immigrants and illegal aliens live in the region, and about 40 percent of them are Hispanic. The region annually draws 1 million tourists from overseas, the U.S. government-run Office of Travel and Tourism Industries reports.
Immigration advocates say riders with limited English skills might have difficulty understanding how to transfer between lines or how to use fare-card machines and schedules, and they fear rebuke from Metro staff if they seek help in broken English.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")
they fear rebuke ???
How will they know?
Also .. not everyone speaks spanish
Stick with the language of our country .. ENGLISH
Muslim immigrants like to build mosques everywhere in Western nations and you know you really got it bad when the Mosque is emitting the call to prayers so that everyone can hear it, so that non Muslims are harassed by it. Last thing I want to hear is Arabic wailed out loud urging Muslims to pray. Spanish immigrants are the same here. This is Spanish/Hispanic triumphalism. They want their mark to be everywhere same as a dog pissing to mark territory. I'll get sick if I'm in DC as a tourist and see Spanish in the subways
This is the old England-Spain wars played out on a different stage
Take a hike. Learn English or scram!
How about other immigrants who don't speak English? The Hispanic pressure groups don't care that they might get confused on the Metro.
Why not wait until then, take down ALL the English signs and replace them ALL with Spanish. Frugality in action.
Welcome to the United States of Canada, the worlds foremost multicultural nation.
You mean the 60% mentioned in the article??
Haven't ya heard .. minority rules .. or so say the liberals
That is the only reason that I would support signs in multiple languages. But do most tourists speak Spanish? Somehow I doubt that. Probably more tourists to DC speak French or German.
Learn to speak English or move back to Mexico.
Given that choice they will learn fast enough.
In a Japanese hotel: You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.
In an Acapulco hotel: The manager has personally passed all the water served here.
In a Norwegian cocktail lounge: Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.
In a Budapest zoo: Please do not feed the animals. If you have any suitable food, give it to the guard on duty.
On a child's Superman costume: Wearing this garment does not enable you to fly.
On an automatic door: Caution - Automatic Door. Push to operate.
In a shop window: One Hour Photos. Ready in 20 minutes.
In a Japanese taxi: Safety First. Please put on your seatbelt and prepare for accident.
On a country lane: When you can't see this sign, the road is under water.
In an American Reflexology Centre: We unblock your constipation with our fingers.
On a pack of airline peanuts: Instructions - Open packet, eat nuts.
In a London shop: Bargain Basement Upstairs
In the window of a second hand shop: We exchange anything! Bicycles, Washing Machines, Etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain?
On a raisin packet: Why not try tossing over your favourite breakfast cereal?
On a condom packet: Warning. Do not drive whilst using this product.
On a bottle of lab water: If you get this liquid in your eye, wash carefully with water.
In a restaurant: Customers who find out waiting staff rude should see the manager.
In a launderette: Please remove all your clothes when the light goes out.
On a Septic Tank Truck: We're #1 in the #2 Business!
On a Plumber's Van: We repair what your husband fixed.
In a Non-smoking Section of a restraunt in Japan: If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take approproiate action.
Prosecute for document fraud and they'll go back. And there are tons of state and federal laws for ID and document fraud
No se preocupe, amigo.
On a Septic Tank Truck: We're #1 in the #2 Business!
I only wish some companies were so honest and yet so blunt.
I see the melting pot is on low again.
Assimilation in action?
You noticed that!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.