Riding the Rails
A Break from Traffic
However, we are living in the United States in 2008 and now we have little or no choice. Poverty is spreading its ugly wings and we are racing to get away from its chilly cover. The threat is looming dangerously close to the SUV-driving, middle class homeowner and it is scary. With fuel prices reaching record highs this summer and climbing as I write, the choices are getting narrower and narrower by the day.
It is not unusual at 8 a.m. to see well-clad business people parking their expensive SUV's and sports cars then juggling laptop and briefcase while running to catch the train. At 5 p.m., the same crowd can be seen on the platforms of the train stations awaiting their ride back to suburbia. Employers have taken the extra step to encourage their staff to ride the rails with very creative incentives. Some have joined the discount program of the railroad company so they can allow their employees to save. Airport pickups are now seen as asking too much of friends and neighbors, so we take the train. Many people even take their bicycles on the train so they can ride the second leg of their journey.
We are taking an important step in saving not just our pockets but also our neighborhood. No longer do we subject ourselves to solitude and radio talk shows while fighting off road rage and unending traffic. These days, we are spending more time saying "hello", "do you need help?" and even "good morning".
It is a peaceful trip on the Tri-rail allowing time to read a book, meditate or just simply enjoy the scenery along the way. Maybe we are not just saving on gas, maybe we are saving our sanity.
Published by Nova Rose
Nova is a wife and mother of 2 young kids living in sunny South Florida. In her spare time, Nova loves to write about what is going on around her. View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentGenerations of train engineers, brakemen, and firemen in our family . . . railroad family all the way! Love your writing!
Very nice article great job
I wish we had a public transportation system that I could use.
I am glad that I drive a small car with good gas milage, and didn't fall into the trap of the advertsing companies who were telling me I would be better off drvivng one of their big gas eaters. It takes a bit of willpower to not succumb to their philosophy that the more you own and the bigger it is defines you as a person. The trip itself sounds very nice though - anything that provides peace and conscious thought is a good thing. If I wasn't so close to the office I might be tempted!
I have been pressured by fellow co-workers and friends to ride this so called "Tri-Rail". I am aware of all the benefits, but I'm just not so sure. I am a single mother with two boys so I need to have my vehicle accessible in case of an emergency. I have signed up, I'm still debating if I should actually use it. Thanks for the information in your article. I'll take that in to consideration.
Reading this reminds me of what takes place everday up north, business people don't think twice about the transit ; espcially in NY - it's just a way of life. However, being in sunny FLA where for so long the public transit was frowned upon and considered for the "poor" - well - you've seen how things have changed. Also, regarding your last paragraph...you are right people are acting more humble these days. It's a good thing!
Sounds like life here in Toronto:)
It makes more sense to take the train now. However, I am sure pretty soon we will see an increase in the fare.
I would love a train ride to Nashville - I really dislike the traffic jams.