Nothing more to say than this: Switching problems at Oak Grove stink.
Stood on the platform with 300 of my closest commuting buddies for 20 minutes in the blustery snow.
It was not fun. People were getting pushy too. One woman turned around to ask another to stop sticking her in the back with her bag.
Not fun at all.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:33
T Arrival Time: 7:55
Weather as I call it: Cold, windy, snowing (lightly)
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 8
Feared for my life: Frostbite comes to mind.
2/28/2008
2/27/2008
Public Conversations
When you ride the bus (this situation probably applies to any public place really...but let's keep it to what I experienced today), do you ever sit near two people who are talking loudly to each other and really don't need to be talking as loudly as they are?
This morning, two people got on at the stop right after mine. They were talking to each other as they stepped on.
They talked to each other throughout the ride.
They talked to each other as they exited the bus.
I don't care that they were talking to each other. Communication is great. It's just the volume at which they were communicating to each other. I was able to tune it out...so I don't even know what they were talking about...but the constant chatter was driving me nuts. It became a chore to tune it out.
Meh, I have no solutions...just thought I'd share.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2.5
Feared for my life: Nope
This morning, two people got on at the stop right after mine. They were talking to each other as they stepped on.
They talked to each other throughout the ride.
They talked to each other as they exited the bus.
I don't care that they were talking to each other. Communication is great. It's just the volume at which they were communicating to each other. I was able to tune it out...so I don't even know what they were talking about...but the constant chatter was driving me nuts. It became a chore to tune it out.
Meh, I have no solutions...just thought I'd share.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:15
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2.5
Feared for my life: Nope
2/26/2008
Making Friends On The Platform
Hey, the bus came on time today. That was nice.
Just one thing of note this morning: There were a couple of Asian women on the platform at Malden Center speaking in their native tongue. I am not sure what it was as I am not familiar with any language outside of English and some of the European languages (Spanish, French, German, and Italian...maybe Lithuanian).
I was standing near this couple when this other man walked up to them and said something to the effect of "Go back to China" or something like that and he walked away.
The women, looking nonplussed, stopped chatting for a moment and then continued after the man walked away.
You don't win friends with salad and you can't make friends with ignorance either.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
Just one thing of note this morning: There were a couple of Asian women on the platform at Malden Center speaking in their native tongue. I am not sure what it was as I am not familiar with any language outside of English and some of the European languages (Spanish, French, German, and Italian...maybe Lithuanian).
I was standing near this couple when this other man walked up to them and said something to the effect of "Go back to China" or something like that and he walked away.
The women, looking nonplussed, stopped chatting for a moment and then continued after the man walked away.
You don't win friends with salad and you can't make friends with ignorance either.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:42
Weather as I call it: Cloudy, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
2/25/2008
Coffee Roasting
The bus was late today, just in time for the kids to go back to school.
I could smell the coffee roasting this morning. I must have been downwind from the The New England Coffee Company. They have been in Malden since 1966, you know.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 7:07
Bus Arrival Time: 7:21
T Departure Time: 7:24
T Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Sunny 20s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
I could smell the coffee roasting this morning. I must have been downwind from the The New England Coffee Company. They have been in Malden since 1966, you know.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 7:07
Bus Arrival Time: 7:21
T Departure Time: 7:24
T Arrival Time: 7:46
Weather as I call it: Sunny 20s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
2/21/2008
Saving Seats With Shells
On the Orange Line, there was an empty seat but no one wanted to sit on it.
Somebody had left pistachio shells on the seat.
Somebody had left PISTACHIO SHELLS on the seat!?!
Thankfully they were the non-dyed ones...but still...this is odd for even the T.
Thoughts:
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Cold...sunny...but 20s if that.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah.
Somebody had left pistachio shells on the seat.
Somebody had left PISTACHIO SHELLS on the seat!?!
Thankfully they were the non-dyed ones...but still...this is odd for even the T.
Thoughts:
- Somebody was eating on the T...which is something I wouldn't do. Too dirty.
- Somebody was eating pistachios on the T early in the morning...I dunno...Pistachios just aren't a breakfast food to me.
- Somebody decided to leave the shells on a seat once they were done. Why would you do that? Pack in - Pack out, peeps.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Cold...sunny...but 20s if that.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: Nah.
2/19/2008
Bless You Rules
One thing about the third full week of February...no school...which means easy riding on the MBTA...
I got on the bus today and there were 4 other people on the bus. One of the people is "coughing up lung" guy...who seems to be feeling better. He hasn't been coughing that much lately.
A woman who sat in the front of the bus had a sneeze attack. She must have sneezed seven times in a row. People said "Bless you" after the first three times, but then stopped.
I guess they felt she was on her own after a certain number of sneezes.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:13
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
I got on the bus today and there were 4 other people on the bus. One of the people is "coughing up lung" guy...who seems to be feeling better. He hasn't been coughing that much lately.
A woman who sat in the front of the bus had a sneeze attack. She must have sneezed seven times in a row. People said "Bless you" after the first three times, but then stopped.
I guess they felt she was on her own after a certain number of sneezes.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 7:00
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:13
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Sunny, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
2/15/2008
Music Musings
There's a girl who is on the same bus as me. She takes the bus to the high school and I have noticed that she has a back with a Beatles logo on it. It's sorta freaking me out how old their much is now. The White Album is going to be 40 years old this year. Guessing that this girl is 17, she was only 4 when the first Anthology CD came out. The Beatles were my parents' music...it's just amazing it still resonates today.
Long weekend coming up for me... Type to you Tuesday.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
Long weekend coming up for me... Type to you Tuesday.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 7:03
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:20
T Arrival Time: 7:41
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
2/14/2008
Sympathetic Conductor
For the second straight day, the bus I usually take was MIA. I do not understand. Although it's not a huge deal in terms of my arrival to work since there is another that comes five minutes later, it does make a huge impact on every commuter's comfort. It's simple: If there is only one bus to pick up two bus-loads of people, the one bus is always packed and uncomfortable.
It's not funny and it's not fun.
Even though I stated earlier that waiting a little bit for the next bus is not a big deal, this morning it was a major factor in my missing the Orange Line. I made a valiant effort: The bus had pulled into Malden Station just as the T was slowing to a stop. I dashed into the station, scanned my card, and bolted up the stairs just in time to hear the tones of the doors closing. As I hopped unto the platform, the doors slammed shut. I sorta clenched my right fist and motioned my arm in an "Ah Shucks" fashion.
I made eye contact with the conductor. He looked sympathetic to my cause. I had the feeling if I had put up a stink, he would have opened the doors for me.
I decided not to do or say anything to get special treatment. I did what I think we commuters are supposed to do: look down and wait awkwardly until the train rolls away...and act like nothing happened.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
It's not funny and it's not fun.
Even though I stated earlier that waiting a little bit for the next bus is not a big deal, this morning it was a major factor in my missing the Orange Line. I made a valiant effort: The bus had pulled into Malden Station just as the T was slowing to a stop. I dashed into the station, scanned my card, and bolted up the stairs just in time to hear the tones of the doors closing. As I hopped unto the platform, the doors slammed shut. I sorta clenched my right fist and motioned my arm in an "Ah Shucks" fashion.
I made eye contact with the conductor. He looked sympathetic to my cause. I had the feeling if I had put up a stink, he would have opened the doors for me.
I decided not to do or say anything to get special treatment. I did what I think we commuters are supposed to do: look down and wait awkwardly until the train rolls away...and act like nothing happened.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:22
T Arrival Time: 7:44
Weather as I call it: Partly sunny, 30s
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: No
2/13/2008
Slushy Start
My neighbor extended an invitation for a lift this morning since she was leaving her house at the same time as me. I thanked her, but I did not accept. It wasn't that bad out this morning.
The bus I usually take did not run this morning. The next bus was quick and got me to the T station right in time to catch the Orange Line.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Light rain, Slush and wet snow on the ground
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
The bus I usually take did not run this morning. The next bus was quick and got me to the T station right in time to catch the Orange Line.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 7:02
Bus Arrival Time: 7:16
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Light rain, Slush and wet snow on the ground
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
2/12/2008
No Shaking Today
It must have been warmer today. The fact that the wind wasn't howling was my first tip. The second indication was nobody entered the Orange Line visibly shaking. Yesterday, there was a woman who stood in front of me who was so cold that her body was convulsing (at least that's why I think she was convulsing) even after the doors closed and we pulled away from Wellington.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cold but no wind...so tolerable.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:16
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cold but no wind...so tolerable.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope
2/11/2008
Frozen Doors
Sometimes it's just cold. It's been colder...I've experienced colder...but there's no denying that this morning was unpleasant.
When we got to Malden Station, a few of the bus passengers were waiting to exit the rear bus door. The green lights came on but the doors didn't open. The crowd began to shout "Rear Door!" to alert the bus driver to open them for us. I think the crowd was confused.
The driver had indeed taken action to open the doors (as was indicated by the illuminated green lights), but the doors were stuck..maybe frozen shut.
The woman who was in the lead position must have never encountered frozen doors and she kept shouting at the bus driver. Eventually the crowd pushed against the doors and forced them open.
No door nor human was hurt in the stampede.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:14
T Arrival Time: 7:35
Weather as I call it: Cold (13 degrees) but contant wind made it worse.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: If I was out in the cold any longer, I would have lost an ear or two.
When we got to Malden Station, a few of the bus passengers were waiting to exit the rear bus door. The green lights came on but the doors didn't open. The crowd began to shout "Rear Door!" to alert the bus driver to open them for us. I think the crowd was confused.
The driver had indeed taken action to open the doors (as was indicated by the illuminated green lights), but the doors were stuck..maybe frozen shut.
The woman who was in the lead position must have never encountered frozen doors and she kept shouting at the bus driver. Eventually the crowd pushed against the doors and forced them open.
No door nor human was hurt in the stampede.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:58
Bus Arrival Time: 7:11
T Departure Time: 7:14
T Arrival Time: 7:35
Weather as I call it: Cold (13 degrees) but contant wind made it worse.
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 3
Feared for my life: If I was out in the cold any longer, I would have lost an ear or two.
2/08/2008
You Need To Signal
There was (another) new bus driver today and he almost drove by our stop. His explanation was that we needed to signal him if we wanted him to stop.
Huh?
Dude. It's 7 o'clock in the morning. There's 5 of us standing around waiting. There's only one bus route that drives by this stop. I don't think there is a need to signal.
Usually when other bus drivers see our crowd, they understand our unspoken message of: "We would like to board and ride your bus after paying the fare."
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cold
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope
Huh?
Dude. It's 7 o'clock in the morning. There's 5 of us standing around waiting. There's only one bus route that drives by this stop. I don't think there is a need to signal.
Usually when other bus drivers see our crowd, they understand our unspoken message of: "We would like to board and ride your bus after paying the fare."
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:59
Bus Arrival Time: 7:14
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Cloudy and cold
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: Nope
2/07/2008
The Bus Driver Means Business
Ok, for the past few weeks (I think) the bus drivers in the morning have been no nonsense. You get on the bus, they close the door before you pay, they are hitting the accelerator once they hear the beep of your CharlieCard being accepted. Good stuff.
The bus driver guy today was pretty intense. He was all about braking at the very last second. When he came to our stop, his speedy entry made for a nice splash of water, slush, and snow that my fellow travelers and I had to avoid.
By the next stop, he almost hit somebody crossing the street.
He was all about using the hydraulic lowering mechanism that all the new buses have. Usually it used only when an elderly passenger is getting on, but he was using it for every stop...no matter who was getting on.
When the bus got too full, he stood up (while the bus was stopped), turned around to face the passengers, and pleaded with everyone to please move back so that he could continue to drive because he could not proceed with people standing in front on the yellow line.
People moved back, but his methods were out of character of the typical MBTA bus driver.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Light snow
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
The bus driver guy today was pretty intense. He was all about braking at the very last second. When he came to our stop, his speedy entry made for a nice splash of water, slush, and snow that my fellow travelers and I had to avoid.
By the next stop, he almost hit somebody crossing the street.
He was all about using the hydraulic lowering mechanism that all the new buses have. Usually it used only when an elderly passenger is getting on, but he was using it for every stop...no matter who was getting on.
When the bus got too full, he stood up (while the bus was stopped), turned around to face the passengers, and pleaded with everyone to please move back so that he could continue to drive because he could not proceed with people standing in front on the yellow line.
People moved back, but his methods were out of character of the typical MBTA bus driver.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:13
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:37
Weather as I call it: Light snow
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
2/06/2008
Dead of Winter
I saw the forecast on TV this morning before I left the house. The 5 day said it would be mostly cloudy...every day.
Luckily it hasn't been cold lately, that's one thing to be positive about...but I think I am starting to feel the winter blues. Maybe a little seasonal affective disorder? Or maybe I am still dealing with the Patriots' loss...
I'm getting there. It's only football. It's only football.
It would be nice to see some sun.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Rainy, misty, dark
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No
Luckily it hasn't been cold lately, that's one thing to be positive about...but I think I am starting to feel the winter blues. Maybe a little seasonal affective disorder? Or maybe I am still dealing with the Patriots' loss...
I'm getting there. It's only football. It's only football.
It would be nice to see some sun.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:12
T Departure Time: 7:15
T Arrival Time: 7:36
Weather as I call it: Rainy, misty, dark
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: No
2/05/2008
Voting Day
I guess there was no school today since bus was void of high school aged kids. Since the number of passengers was reduced, the bus came early and I had to run for it. I wanted to make sure I didn't have to stand in the rain longer than I had to.
I've finally taken a book along with me for my rides to and from work.
Although I may not be observing everything I could be, my commute has been pretty enjoyable.
I am probably gonna vote tonight when I get home. I am sorta looking forward to the results since it seems too close to call.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:56
Bus Arrival Time: 7:08
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Rainy and cold
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
I've finally taken a book along with me for my rides to and from work.
Although I may not be observing everything I could be, my commute has been pretty enjoyable.
I am probably gonna vote tonight when I get home. I am sorta looking forward to the results since it seems too close to call.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:56
Bus Arrival Time: 7:08
T Departure Time: 7:11
T Arrival Time: 7:32
Weather as I call it: Rainy and cold
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 1
Feared for my life: Nope
2/04/2008
You Can't Win Them All
I really thought the ride to work would be quiet, somber this morning...and the Orange Line was. The bus was a different story. Kids were whooping it up and laughing in the back. Maybe they were Giants fans?
I guess you can't really win them all.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:10
T Arrival Time: 7:31
Weather as I call it: Orange skies in the morning...sailors take warning
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
I guess you can't really win them all.
------------------------------
Bus Departure Time: 6:57
Bus Arrival Time: 7:10
T Departure Time: 7:10
T Arrival Time: 7:31
Weather as I call it: Orange skies in the morning...sailors take warning
Level of commute annoyance (scale of 1 to 10): 2
Feared for my life: No
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