Just Call Me Ms. Metra on the Weekend Train

I must come off as really approachable. I coached a lovely group though parking, schedule, and ticket purchasing whilst awaiting an afternoon train into the city.

The tricks? Free parking in the permit lots on weekends; the tracker app told me the train was running 4 minutes late; a weekend pass is $7 per person vs. $5.25 for a one-way pass.

The train is crowded for the weekend...I bet the ride home tonight is full of great potential stories!

Late Freight Trains on the Late Train

Really? A freight train delay at 11 p.m.? 

I was having such a good night.  We are currently running 20 minutes late...and not moving. Awesome.

Thanks BNSF.

It's Not Even the Late Train

Listen, lady...I get it. She's tired. You're tired. You're both hungry. But if that kid wants a bagel and wants to get off the train, I think the rest of us would be okay with either. Whatever is going to make her happy and help her to stop crying. If I had a bagel, I surely would hand it over.  Maybe rush hour wasn't the best option for the ride home. Just sayin'. At least you didn't pick the quiet car. Good for you!

Late Boarders and Poor Etiquette on the Late Train

Your inability to get to the train in a timely manner does not create an emergency on my part. Therefore, if I choose to take my time moving my heavy backpack from the seat to my lap (a wet train floor is no place for my bag), you should not huff at me. 

I was seated, comfortably, 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Calm down. You made the train with two minutes to spare. Now stop behaving like the universe is out to get you. It's not. Promise.

Cut to 30 minutes later and several seats having been vacated...

Why are you still sitting next to me? There are three completely empty seats close enough that you wouldn't even have to take two steps. Commuter train etiquette would dictate that as soon as a nearby seat opens up, you get up and take it. I do not know you. I no longer wish to share a seat with you. *sigh*