Intro to Riding Trains

This blog is about trains - the riding thereof. I like public transport - I like the idea of being transported 95% of the way to work, rather than the hassle & worry of getting that last 5% by burning fossil fuels, raising my blood pressure, & doing nothing more exciting than watching women put on make-up at traffic lights.
I accept that public transport is imperfect. This is an oath that every traveller should make when they buy a ticket. If you don't accept responsibility for this choice you have made - if you think that taking public transport absolves you of all responsibility for getting to work - then you need to take a long hard look at yourself, because you're just looking to blame the world for your own (self-provided) problems in general.

I really don't like it when people get upset because a train is late. If you really rely on trains to be perfect, then there is something wrong with your lifestyle. The reality is, if 90% of the time the trains do what you expect, then you're ahead of the game. The other 10% make life interesting. I might be late, but I get a free story out of it.

I plan not to be too retrospective in this blog - things that happened last year, or "I remember when ..." stories you will tell your grand-kiddies one day when trains are a fond memory & everyone has access to instantaneous pain-free travel. Until then, I'm happy enough getting a train that has air-conditioning.

This morning, my train pulled into a major station/interchange, & there was an announcement that there would be a delay because a passenger had collapsed. A few people fled the train (hoping to catch one on another platform). Two station staff (not the guard) were soon trying to find the person involved (which was interesting), & when they made their assessment, there was an announcement that those in a hurry should change trains. Most people (& the train had been full) got up & streamed up the steps. It was about then that I realised it was my carriage involved! This was obvious when the handful of people left started craning their necks to view the unfortunate woman.

Shortly thereafter, the paramedics arrived & carted her away. I couldn't even tell you how long the delay was - 5-10 minutes, perhaps. I could cope with that. I don't generally rely on being somewhere at a specific time, or waiting until the last minute to jump on a train. Trains just come past & head in my direction, so I take them. The train is not mine. I can't get upset if "my" train is late or crowded.

I don't think I'm particularly Zen about it, but when you catch trains, you have to face the reality that's in front of you. You give up control in terms of determining your path. You are passive with regards locomotion, temporal concerns, the activities of others, your environment. You have chosen to accept that you are public transport. Fighting that seems quite pointless.