DC Metro searches and ice skates...

[Query]

There have been announcements for the past few months that the Washington, DC suburban area Metro system may decide at any time to search people's carry-on bags for "dangerous objects".

http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=596&sid=1505106

I have not managed to find a precise DC Metro definition of dangerous, but perhaps ice skates could be considered so. This would be a nuisance for people who skate and who use the metro. Some people could get into serious trouble, or might have to abandon most of their skating times.

It could also impact rinks (Wells, Kettler) that are close to a metro station. And many more that connect to the metro through buses.

Any thoughts?

[MQSeries]

Unless there is an actual incident of someone using the skate blades to maliciously harm another person I doubt you'll have to worry about bringing skates onto the Metro. I would definitely have the blades protected either in their soakers or skate guards though while transporting them to the rink.

[Query]

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=2388 indicated that signs were to have been put up by now in metro stations prohibiting "carrying of dangerous or flammable items into the system."

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/faqs/preview.cfm?faqID=50 mentions "explosive devices and other illegal, dangerous devices that could be used to harm passengers and employees."

http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/riders_advisory_council/minutes/docs/RAC%20Minutes,%20December%203,%202008.pdf mentions knives as prohibited.

For the next couple weeks, WMATA is on heightened alert, due to presidential succession. You'd have to be crazy to carry anything sharp, metal, or heavy - like skates.