We’ve known for quite a while that Metro isn’t terribly prepared to secure the transit network against terrorist attacks. So bad was the situation late last year that Metro Police Chief Polly Hansen admitted to the Senate’s Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee that while she had identified $150 million in needed security upgrades, the transit agency had received but $15 million in grants from the Department of Homeland Security over the three preceding years.

We’ve also known that part of Metro’s security plan involves rider participation — we are regularly reminded that should we spy some suspicious activity, it is our duty to inform the authorities. But this DIY approach to securing the region’s rails has suddenly become that much more apparent with a new ad that is appearing in Metro stations throughout the system. Caught above at the Potomac Avenue station, the ad features an image of a rider blissfully standing with his back to an errant and abandoned backpack. It reads:

Terrorism is the threat. Complacency is the accomplice.

It’s easy to let our guard down — 9/11 happened over four years ago. Nothing’s happened since. Except for Madrid. And London. Part of the war on terrorism is a battle against complacency. So live your life, but be aware. And if you see something that seems wrong, let us know.

WMATA may as well have just raised a white flag and proclaimed, “Hell, if you don’t want to be killed by merciless terrorists, start being a little more vigilant. God knows we’re not going to be.”