Getting Around
Upper deck
Originally uploaded by Pirate Alice.
So with all the CTA Hoo-Ha some city dwellers here at work have tried Metra to get around. One person came to discuss with me how his experience was.
He said that the people on Metra are so rude compared to the CTA. And yes, I tend to agree. He said he got “dirty looks” from people because apparently he had sat in their usual seat. And yes, I’ve noticed that people who ride regularly tend to sit in the same exact seat every day. I’m kind of the same way. Although my choice is based on, not wanting to be near the emergency exit window (cuz it sticks out and gives me less elbow room) and wanting the full window in front of me so I can see where I’m going. But I don’t believe I’ve ever given anyone a dirty look for being in the seat I usually choose. But to give someone a dirty look, c’mon get over it, it’s not like there’s not a whole train of seats here. Pick another and put your ass in it. It’s not like you’ve paid for assigned seating on the Metra with your monthly pass.
Another thing he noticed is the way people will pile their crap on the seat next to them to deterr you from trying to sit next to them. I know people on CTA do this too, but the part that is really crappy, is that the seats on most Metra trains flip over so you’re always facing the direction of travel. Well, you can flip the seat in front of you over, so that now you’ve got two benches…and people will do that, and take up four seats to be able to spread out and put up their feet etc,. Extremely rude. No reason to take up 4 seats when you only need one. Put your crap up on the luggage rack man… And listen to the recorded voices, don’t put your feet on the seat. Do that at home you slob.
Then you get the “cliques” of people, they ride the train together everyday, sit in the same car same seats and on Friday they have dinner together on the way home. They pick up buckets of chicken or sandwiches and booze and share it all as they ride home. And they are LOUD. So it’s like a cacophony of voices until one by one they exit the train. I have learned what cars to avoid and on what days, to be able to sit in peace on the way home. I feel certain that this kind of thing does not happen on the CTA. When riding the CTA it’s all, keep to yourself, don’t make eye contact and turn up your iPod. Unless there’s a Cubs game, you’ve got a quiet ride to and from where you’re going. Some days, I can’t even hear the recorded man tell me what stop we’re at.
Then there are the conductors. Some are nice, but for each nice one, there are two who are jackasses. One conductor acted like it was all my problem that I never was told that due to a holiday all the train schedules were changed and moved around from one track to another. He said to me, “We’ve been passing out schedules and making announcements all week.” and I said, “NOT ON MY TRAINS. No one has said a word all week to me about it.” Like I’m supposed to just know, cuz the other 8 conductors who are also jackasses made no announcements on my trains either. Yeah, whatever. Same guy harrassed a group of teenagers, threatening to kick them off the train. I know teenagers can be a pain in the ass, but these kids weren’t being disruptive at all, they kept their feet on the floor. I was amazed at how well behaved they were and then this jerk has to give them a hard time.
My favorite conductor is the British guy, Ray. He is SO NICE and he stands at the door to his platform as the train is about to leave saying, “Last Call for the 5:38! 5:38 to Fairview! All Aboard!” then he toots this whistle, which is just the coolest thing! He said he once made an announcement on the train, “Next stop Howarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry!” but no one on the train appreciated it, they were all upset and confused thinking they were on the wrong train. He said he’ll never do that again. So that kinda shows the type of people who ride Metra, can’t take jokes.
But for those considering Metra as an alternative, be aware, once the train doors shut, they CAN NOT open them to let you on. It is illegal for them to do so. I heard a Metra Cop tell someone who was all pissy cuz he missed his train. (not like there wasn’t another one in 20 minutes). Metra trains DO NOT WAIT for you. If you’re not on time, you’re gunna miss it. If you’re going through Union Station, you’d better be sure you’re early, cuz the swarms of people there, will not get out of your way to let you make that mad dash to the train, you will be pushing them over to get out of your way, and you’ll probably trip over the roller bag they’re draging behind them as you do and then you’ll crack your head open and for sure miss that train.
Every day as I wait for Yo Master D to show up, I see the masses of people making that last minute dash to each platform. They run like hell from the escalators to the different tracks. Always a bunch of them. And surely there’s always someone who comes back through the door all pissed off because he didn’t see the giant clock hanging from the ceiling telling him he was 2 minutes late. Poor guy has to wait 15 minutes and catch the next train. Now, if you’re heading toward the south side, that 15 minute wait turns into an hour. Those trains aren’t nearly as frequent as the ones going west or north. So yeah, BE ON TIME! In fact, be 15 minutes EARLY. And make sure you check your sense of humor at the door.
