About Public Transit
I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I haven’t ridden public transportation since high school. Oh, there was the time a few years ago when, during record freezing temperatures, wifey and I found ourselves stranded at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium (they were closed) and couldn’t get a cab company to answer our frantic phone calls, let alone rescue us. In desperation, we set out on foot toward Lakeshore Drive, only our eyes peeking out from behind heavy scarves, and worried about frostbite. (Those of you in or from Chicago know what I mean.) Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a city bus magically appeared and welcomed us aboard. Never were two people more relieved to see a bus than we!
Anyway, we haven’t ridden public transportation since. (Head down, tail between legs.) And its a shame, because Sacramento apparently has a pretty decent Regional Transit system . We’ve told ourselves for the last couple years that we would try our wings on the light rail between Folsom and somewhere in Sacramento, then ride it back, just to get our feet wet. And we will. Maybe even this weekend. I’ll let you know how that goes.
Coincidentally, I recently met (online) an RT driver (his web site is aptly named RT Driver) and feel like I now have “a guy” — you know, an insider — who can point us in the right direction, show us the ropes so to speak. As you know, having “a guy” is important in getting good sporting event seating, premiere concert tickets and, I assume, the inside scoop on riding the RT.
I’ve also discovered a local who embarked on a quest to leave his car at home and commute using public transportation, a brave soul for sure. He writes about his experiences on another aptly titled web site: RT Rider (No, I don’t think they’re related.) I can probably gain some insight from him as well.
So I found it particularly timely to learn that one of the folks participating with me in this year’s Partiot’s Journey commutes via public transportation in Portland. I enjoy her writing and found this short post (The problem with public transit is the public) light and fun. Give it a read.
So now you know my dirty little secret. Be gentle…
Doug
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Reader Comments (8)
I can't believe you have not rode a bus or a train since high school. Where do you live? You should give it a try some time. It takes a little longer but if you use your time right you can get stuff done. I ride BART and use the time to studt and work on my school work. So it isn't wasted time. Try it.
Limousines are a form of public transportation. :-)
No way you haven't ridden public transit. How is thet even possible? I live in San Francisco where no one has a car cause there is no place to park it and I get around fine on public transit. You should give it a try.
I know exactly where you were! And when we are having freezing weather, cab companies run out of cabbies and won't answer the phone. But that's Chicago.
So did you take the plunge and ride "public" over the weekend?
No I iz so afraid! ;-)
Actually, we were just too busy this weekend to go anywhere beyond running local errands. The day will come; I may even photograph the experience (if my "guy" says it's safe to take expensive gear.)
We're actually looking forward to sticking our toes in the water (so to speak.)
Shoot me an e-mail, If I'm not driving a train I will happily show you the ropes. It's not so bad, give it a try.
Thanks for the offer! I don't have your email address; go to "contact" on my site and send it to me.
Thanks!
Doug