We’re all so accustomed to it that we hardly notice it. It has become part of the daily routine for the hundreds of thousands of area commuters that rely on Metrorail to get to and from work and play. Yes, we’re talking about the computer-generated voice that announces the impending closure of the doors on Metro’s rail-cars.

The current voice is lifeless and awkward, and, given that the announcement hasn’t done much to phase riders who force themselves through closing doors at all costs, not terribly effective. Hoping to dissuade doorkers, NPR this morning reported that WMATA is looking for a new and improved set of vocal cords to offer the door-closing warning.

But what should they go for? Sexy and sultry? Or mean and menacing? Would you be more likely to stand at attention if a young, female voice whispered through the air, or if a male military voice boomed through the loudspeakers?

We know one thing, though — Gilbert Godfried and Fran Drescher need not apply.

Photo of the Pentagon metro stop posted to DCist photos by flickr user Burnt Pixel