The Ajax GO Station parking lot is a complete clusterfuck.
A new parking garage is being built. An excellent idea, as you need to have a Sherpa guide to get to the back lot. The problem is that the former Kiss-and-Ride is now closed. There's a new K&R, just south of the old section. It is a longer walk, but only about two minutes. It's not like it doubles your commute time.
Of course, the lazy asses who can't walk the extra two minutes are dropped off on the opposite side. The side that pedestrians walk through, where a convenience store and dry cleaners are located, and where the day care centre is located.
There is a large sign that says this is not the drop-off zone. It even has an arrow pointing you in the direction you should go, in the event that the Ministry of Transportation has issued a driver's licence to an illiterate person.
Still, assholes drive through that section every fucking day and drop off their lazy passengers. Keep in mind that this section is a dead end zone. There's no place to turn around. So these morons are doing three-point turns (and not very well, I might add) at the same time everyone else is. It's just a matter of time before the area is turned into a bumper car lot.
And it's just a matter of time before a pedestrian is struck.
We all know the construction won't be done any time soon, nor will it be completed on time. Do we have to wait until someone is hurt before something is done about this?
December 6, 2011
How hard is this to figure out?
If you go up the left side of the elevator, you go out the left side of the double doors.
If you go up the right side of the elevator, you go out the right side of the double doors.
This isn't rocket science. It's basic logic. And manners.
Don't go up the right side, then cut in front of me when I'm on the left, so you can go out the one open door that all the other lemmings are filing through. If you do, I'm going to step on your foot or bang into you. And don't look at me as if it's MY fault. You're the idiot who didn't look before changing lanes.
And if you're walking up, don't stop six steps from the top. The escalator isn't going to suck you in (though I really wish it would). Keep walking. There are more people behind you. I'm one of them. And as I've said before, it's all about me.
If you go up the left side of the elevator, you go out the left side of the double doors.
If you go up the right side of the elevator, you go out the right side of the double doors.
This isn't rocket science. It's basic logic. And manners.
Don't go up the right side, then cut in front of me when I'm on the left, so you can go out the one open door that all the other lemmings are filing through. If you do, I'm going to step on your foot or bang into you. And don't look at me as if it's MY fault. You're the idiot who didn't look before changing lanes.
And if you're walking up, don't stop six steps from the top. The escalator isn't going to suck you in (though I really wish it would). Keep walking. There are more people behind you. I'm one of them. And as I've said before, it's all about me.
December 1, 2011
It's been a while, I know. I've been busy. Don't bug me.
So....
This morning, I'm booting it for the 7:01 Ajax LSE train to Union. I hate starting my day literally running. It just sets a precedent for the rest of the day.
I get on the train, sitting in a different car than normal. There's this obnoxious prick talking at the top of his lungs two quads away from me. Everyone can hear him. We're all glaring at him.
Then his phone rings. And, if you can believe it, he talks even louder on the phone.
Are you fucking kidding me?
I have been working 14-hour days for more than two months now. I've had a headache for six weeks and it just won't go away. I don't need to start my day off with assholes. I deal with them all day long. I work for one.
I wanted to go over to this guy and take his cell phone, hold it in my hand like a knuckle ring and punch him in the throat! Jesus!! Shut the fuck up!
The worse part was he was with a friend. Why didn't his friend tell him to SHUSH?
Friends don't let friends talk loud on the GO.
So....
This morning, I'm booting it for the 7:01 Ajax LSE train to Union. I hate starting my day literally running. It just sets a precedent for the rest of the day.
I get on the train, sitting in a different car than normal. There's this obnoxious prick talking at the top of his lungs two quads away from me. Everyone can hear him. We're all glaring at him.
Then his phone rings. And, if you can believe it, he talks even louder on the phone.
Are you fucking kidding me?
I have been working 14-hour days for more than two months now. I've had a headache for six weeks and it just won't go away. I don't need to start my day off with assholes. I deal with them all day long. I work for one.
I wanted to go over to this guy and take his cell phone, hold it in my hand like a knuckle ring and punch him in the throat! Jesus!! Shut the fuck up!
The worse part was he was with a friend. Why didn't his friend tell him to SHUSH?
Friends don't let friends talk loud on the GO.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
I'm sick and tired of this. What the hell is wrong with you people? There are hundreds, if not thousands, of us commuting with you each and every morning. What makes you think it's OK to cut in front of someone to go through the ONE door that's open. It's like you're all lemmings. I don't have a problem walking off a cliff to have all you idiots follow me. I'm happy to take one for the team, thin out the crowd a little. We could all do with a little less stupid in our lives.
This morning, as every morning, I'm coming up the escalator. The escalator, of course, is only wide enough for two people. The landing at the top is also narrow. There are only two doors.
Now, I realize logic does not prevail with the general public. I have come to the conclusion that most people are stupid. But is it not logical to think that if you ride up the escalator on the right side, that you exit through the door on the right? And, in turn, if you ride up the escalator on the left side, you exit through the door on the left. It makes sense, right?
Not to the morons at the Ajax station. No. These idiots travel up the escalator on the right...dum dee dum dum dum...and veer off to the left to cut in front of the people who have walked up the escalator, because that's the only door that is open. Really? Are you so fucking lazy that you can't push open the door on your side? You have to cut in front of me to go through the one door that's open?
This morning, some stupid broad thinks she's going to cut in front of me. I don't look at her, I don't break stride...I just keep walking up the escalator, across the tiny landing and through the door on the left. Oh, she tried to cut me off, but I just kept walking, blocked her like a linebacker.
Not on my watch, honey. Not on my watch.
This morning, as every morning, I'm coming up the escalator. The escalator, of course, is only wide enough for two people. The landing at the top is also narrow. There are only two doors.
Now, I realize logic does not prevail with the general public. I have come to the conclusion that most people are stupid. But is it not logical to think that if you ride up the escalator on the right side, that you exit through the door on the right? And, in turn, if you ride up the escalator on the left side, you exit through the door on the left. It makes sense, right?
Not to the morons at the Ajax station. No. These idiots travel up the escalator on the right...dum dee dum dum dum...and veer off to the left to cut in front of the people who have walked up the escalator, because that's the only door that is open. Really? Are you so fucking lazy that you can't push open the door on your side? You have to cut in front of me to go through the one door that's open?
This morning, some stupid broad thinks she's going to cut in front of me. I don't look at her, I don't break stride...I just keep walking up the escalator, across the tiny landing and through the door on the left. Oh, she tried to cut me off, but I just kept walking, blocked her like a linebacker.
Not on my watch, honey. Not on my watch.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Are you fucking kidding me? Today's Delay Excuse is doors and signals. Doors and signals. Really? If you're going to placate us, at least come up with a more creative excuse.
I did something I've said I've always wanted to do. I got on the eastbound train going to Oshawa and stayed on it until it went back to Toronto. I was surprised how many other people did the same thing. There were at least two people in every quad when we got to Oshawa. And none of them got off. By the time we got to Whitby, it was standing room only. Pickering was shoulder to shoulder.
I have to admit, I was a little smug sitting in my window seat.
GO Transit had the balls to make announcements at Ajax, telling people to take the bus to Pickering to catch the train that departed from that station. Which, it turns out, was also delayed.
Use your head, GO Transit How many people fit on a train? Do you really believe the same number of people will fit on a bus? This isn't a Rowling novel where the vehicles are miraculously larger inside. This is the real world. Real people, with real jobs, who are in real trouble because your system failed. Our bosses don't give a shit that we're late because the transit system sucks. Our bosses are screaming at us because we're almost two hours late for work and they have a deadline.
To add insult to injury, the United Way was screaming at the station, jangling their money cans (that wasn't a euphemism, by the way, though it might increase donations). Even if I had intended to drop a few coins in the bucket, I wouldn't have because GO Transit pissed me off so much. I wasn't exactly feeling charitable this morning. I wonder how many others felt the same way.
And even better...I received a GO Survey. "Tell us what you think of GO’s station web pages". Oh, I'll tell you what I think, alright, but you may not want to hear it.
I did something I've said I've always wanted to do. I got on the eastbound train going to Oshawa and stayed on it until it went back to Toronto. I was surprised how many other people did the same thing. There were at least two people in every quad when we got to Oshawa. And none of them got off. By the time we got to Whitby, it was standing room only. Pickering was shoulder to shoulder.
I have to admit, I was a little smug sitting in my window seat.
GO Transit had the balls to make announcements at Ajax, telling people to take the bus to Pickering to catch the train that departed from that station. Which, it turns out, was also delayed.
Use your head, GO Transit How many people fit on a train? Do you really believe the same number of people will fit on a bus? This isn't a Rowling novel where the vehicles are miraculously larger inside. This is the real world. Real people, with real jobs, who are in real trouble because your system failed. Our bosses don't give a shit that we're late because the transit system sucks. Our bosses are screaming at us because we're almost two hours late for work and they have a deadline.
To add insult to injury, the United Way was screaming at the station, jangling their money cans (that wasn't a euphemism, by the way, though it might increase donations). Even if I had intended to drop a few coins in the bucket, I wouldn't have because GO Transit pissed me off so much. I wasn't exactly feeling charitable this morning. I wonder how many others felt the same way.
And even better...I received a GO Survey. "Tell us what you think of GO’s station web pages". Oh, I'll tell you what I think, alright, but you may not want to hear it.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
I took the 21:13 home tonight. Overtime. As I'm taking my seat, I notice The Twins. I've seen them once before, didn't really think anything of it then. But this time they really stood out. So to speak.
Two black men, I'm guessing in their 50s. Identical twins. Identical outfits. That's right. Grown men, wearing the same clothes. On purpose. It's sweet that their momma still dresses them.
They're a little short, maybe 5'3 or 5'4. Kinda sway from side to side when they walk. They look like Oompa Loompas. It's a little creepy.
I couldn't resist. I texted CJ. She said she knew who I was talking about. Thank the gods! I was beginning to wonder if I was hallucinating. Or drinking too much.
I hope they start handing out Wonka candies.
Two black men, I'm guessing in their 50s. Identical twins. Identical outfits. That's right. Grown men, wearing the same clothes. On purpose. It's sweet that their momma still dresses them.
They're a little short, maybe 5'3 or 5'4. Kinda sway from side to side when they walk. They look like Oompa Loompas. It's a little creepy.
I couldn't resist. I texted CJ. She said she knew who I was talking about. Thank the gods! I was beginning to wonder if I was hallucinating. Or drinking too much.
I hope they start handing out Wonka candies.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
I walk home from the GO Train most nights. I see drivers do some pretty stupid things. I've been struck --- twice -- by a car. But that's another blog post.
Tonight, I saw a bus driver do what many car drivers do.
At approximately 6:42 p.m., Bus #8006 was making its first turn off Westney Road. There were pedestrians crossing the street. Their light was green. The bus began its turn and had to stop, blocking southbound traffic, and wait for the pedestrians--a cyclist and two pedestrians, to be specific.
As a bus driver, someone whose job is to shuttle pedestrians around, wouldn't you be more aware of pedestrians crossing the intersection? And, in particular, an intersection you travel through every day?
This isn't the first time I've witnessed this. It happens more often than you'd think. And far more often than it should (given that it shouldn't happen at all).
Then again, the Passenger Charter doesn't specifically promise that drivers won't run down pedestrians. And the Passenger Charter is all about passenger safety, right?
Tonight, I saw a bus driver do what many car drivers do.
At approximately 6:42 p.m., Bus #8006 was making its first turn off Westney Road. There were pedestrians crossing the street. Their light was green. The bus began its turn and had to stop, blocking southbound traffic, and wait for the pedestrians--a cyclist and two pedestrians, to be specific.
As a bus driver, someone whose job is to shuttle pedestrians around, wouldn't you be more aware of pedestrians crossing the intersection? And, in particular, an intersection you travel through every day?
This isn't the first time I've witnessed this. It happens more often than you'd think. And far more often than it should (given that it shouldn't happen at all).
Then again, the Passenger Charter doesn't specifically promise that drivers won't run down pedestrians. And the Passenger Charter is all about passenger safety, right?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
There was an annoying couple sitting in the accessability seats by the doors. I was sitting two quads down. They were watching some video of a baby crying. Without headphones.
Really??
This is not a Cineplex auditorium, or even your living room with surround sound. It's a GO Train. Put your damn headphones in!
And when they finally stopped watching the videos, they carried on a conversation that I could hear all the way down to my seat. Jesus, people! Shut the EFF up!!
When I got off the train, some stupid broad was wandering along a narrow part of the platform, lost in her own thoughts, blocking the way for others, as though she's taking a pleasant stroll through a lovely country garden. Get outta the way, lady, or you're gonna get run over. If you don't want to play with the big kids, step outta the sand box until play time is over.
And what was with the priest at the Ajax GO Station this morning? Was there an exorcism I wasn't aware of? Obviously the holy water missed a lot of people this morning.
Really??
This is not a Cineplex auditorium, or even your living room with surround sound. It's a GO Train. Put your damn headphones in!
And when they finally stopped watching the videos, they carried on a conversation that I could hear all the way down to my seat. Jesus, people! Shut the EFF up!!
When I got off the train, some stupid broad was wandering along a narrow part of the platform, lost in her own thoughts, blocking the way for others, as though she's taking a pleasant stroll through a lovely country garden. Get outta the way, lady, or you're gonna get run over. If you don't want to play with the big kids, step outta the sand box until play time is over.
And what was with the priest at the Ajax GO Station this morning? Was there an exorcism I wasn't aware of? Obviously the holy water missed a lot of people this morning.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I know. I've been busy. Not to mention these meds are working very well. I'll speak to my doctor and tell him to cut down the dose. My peeps need to hear me rant. I'm sure he'll understand.
The last few days have me hankering to bitch, though. I was on vacation last week, and yesterday...my first day back and Monday, no less...I'm surrounded by talkers.
Talkers in the morning. Talkers in the evening. Jesus, people! Shut the EFF up!! You don't need to shout into your cell phone. The microphone amplifies your voice and the caller can hear you quite well. So can I, for that matter, four rows down from you! I don't care if your brother can't make it to the party. No one else on the train cares either. I felt really bad for the poor shmuck sitting beside the woman last night who nattered on and on and on and on....
I did see something quite peculiar this morning that made me laugh. I was walking to the office, my GO sidekick next to me. As we approached Bay and Front, we both noticed a woman in front of us, holding a baby carrier. You know the kind...nest the little one in the carrier so it can coo and laugh and sleep, and the handle flips up for carrying.
Well, the carrier was empty, except for a bottle of apple juice.
My sidekick turns to me. "I think she forgot something on the train."
"I think so, too," I say.
"She didn't listen to the announcement to check under the seat and make sure she collected all of her personal belongings."
"No she didn't."
The last few days have me hankering to bitch, though. I was on vacation last week, and yesterday...my first day back and Monday, no less...I'm surrounded by talkers.
Talkers in the morning. Talkers in the evening. Jesus, people! Shut the EFF up!! You don't need to shout into your cell phone. The microphone amplifies your voice and the caller can hear you quite well. So can I, for that matter, four rows down from you! I don't care if your brother can't make it to the party. No one else on the train cares either. I felt really bad for the poor shmuck sitting beside the woman last night who nattered on and on and on and on....
I did see something quite peculiar this morning that made me laugh. I was walking to the office, my GO sidekick next to me. As we approached Bay and Front, we both noticed a woman in front of us, holding a baby carrier. You know the kind...nest the little one in the carrier so it can coo and laugh and sleep, and the handle flips up for carrying.
Well, the carrier was empty, except for a bottle of apple juice.
My sidekick turns to me. "I think she forgot something on the train."
"I think so, too," I say.
"She didn't listen to the announcement to check under the seat and make sure she collected all of her personal belongings."
"No she didn't."
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Back to school, back to work. My usual car was surprisingly empty this morning. Perhaps all the anxious parents stayed home to send the kiddies off to school.
We did get this message from GO Transit:
At GO Transit, we take your safety seriously and your safe commute with us begins as soon as you enter our parking lots. As a result, we'd like to remind you to always park in designated spots. Parking in an emergency access route, blocking other vehicles with your car, or limiting access to accessible parking spaces may result in your vehicle being ticketed and towed.
This is a perfect example of how my generation has raised a subsequent generation of spoiled brats. We don't discipline. It's all about time outs and never following through with the threats. When my dad said he was going to turn around and go home if we didn't cut it out, he meant it. He only did it twice before we realized he meant business.
Wagging your finger at stupid commuters is not going to solve the problem. If you say you're going to tow, then tow. Piss or get of the pot, GO Transit.
And may I add that someone needs to speak to the illiterate commuters at the Ajax station. There is a designated Kiss-n-GO area. Granted, it's under construction. I get that your commute is screwed up. But there is a specific area that is NOT a drop-off or pick-up zone. That's the area by the day care centre.
People rip through there like it's the Indy and pay no attention to commuters walking through the lot. They get pissed off at us when we walk through the lot. My response is, you shouldn't be there. There's a huge-mother sign that says this is NOT the drop-off area. I can't tell you how many times I've smacked the back window of a car that is backing up. Why do I smack the window, you ask? Because the asshole driving the car would have hit me otherwise.
And they get mad because I've hit their window.
First of all, it's highly unlikely that my superpowers lend to breaking windshield glass. And second...you shouldn't be in that area! Read the fucking sign. Me smacking your windshield is far less troublesome than the criminal charges that will follow if you hit me. Trust me on this.
We did get this message from GO Transit:
At GO Transit, we take your safety seriously and your safe commute with us begins as soon as you enter our parking lots. As a result, we'd like to remind you to always park in designated spots. Parking in an emergency access route, blocking other vehicles with your car, or limiting access to accessible parking spaces may result in your vehicle being ticketed and towed.
This is a perfect example of how my generation has raised a subsequent generation of spoiled brats. We don't discipline. It's all about time outs and never following through with the threats. When my dad said he was going to turn around and go home if we didn't cut it out, he meant it. He only did it twice before we realized he meant business.
Wagging your finger at stupid commuters is not going to solve the problem. If you say you're going to tow, then tow. Piss or get of the pot, GO Transit.
And may I add that someone needs to speak to the illiterate commuters at the Ajax station. There is a designated Kiss-n-GO area. Granted, it's under construction. I get that your commute is screwed up. But there is a specific area that is NOT a drop-off or pick-up zone. That's the area by the day care centre.
People rip through there like it's the Indy and pay no attention to commuters walking through the lot. They get pissed off at us when we walk through the lot. My response is, you shouldn't be there. There's a huge-mother sign that says this is NOT the drop-off area. I can't tell you how many times I've smacked the back window of a car that is backing up. Why do I smack the window, you ask? Because the asshole driving the car would have hit me otherwise.
And they get mad because I've hit their window.
First of all, it's highly unlikely that my superpowers lend to breaking windshield glass. And second...you shouldn't be in that area! Read the fucking sign. Me smacking your windshield is far less troublesome than the criminal charges that will follow if you hit me. Trust me on this.
Friday, August 12, 2011
A few days ago, my Go Train friend sent me a text message. He said he had a blog-worthy picture, but couldn't take it without being caught and he just had to tell SOMEONE. Do tell, I say. And so he does:
Him: 553? if you're on 553 you need to get to car 2115.
Me: taking 643. tell me.
Him: ok...here we go. Early 20s, wf, shapely legs, daisy dukes that are shorter than i've ever seen before...may even break some laws, sitting in the 3 seats by the door. legs wide apart.
Me: !!!!!!!
Him: At times, and here is the kicker, she puts a flipflop free foot up on the pole...like 3' up the pole, constantly txting. for this, I don't mind ppl putting their bare feet wherever they want.
Me: perv! what's everyone else doing? R they looking at her?
Him: NO! I know, right?!
As you can imagine, the conversation took a serious nose-dive after that. There was a lot of discussion on how he could take the picture without getting arrested. We agreed it wasn't possible, and I didn't have enough bail money on me.
I'm wondering if her parents know how she behaves in public. Then again, depending on how far east she lives on the LSE line, they could very well be proud. Perhaps, one day, their baby girl will be on Jerry.
Him: 553? if you're on 553 you need to get to car 2115.
Me: taking 643. tell me.
Him: ok...here we go. Early 20s, wf, shapely legs, daisy dukes that are shorter than i've ever seen before...may even break some laws, sitting in the 3 seats by the door. legs wide apart.
Me: !!!!!!!
Him: At times, and here is the kicker, she puts a flipflop free foot up on the pole...like 3' up the pole, constantly txting. for this, I don't mind ppl putting their bare feet wherever they want.
Me: perv! what's everyone else doing? R they looking at her?
Him: NO! I know, right?!
As you can imagine, the conversation took a serious nose-dive after that. There was a lot of discussion on how he could take the picture without getting arrested. We agreed it wasn't possible, and I didn't have enough bail money on me.
I'm wondering if her parents know how she behaves in public. Then again, depending on how far east she lives on the LSE line, they could very well be proud. Perhaps, one day, their baby girl will be on Jerry.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
C.J. over at This Crazy Train already beat me to this, but I cannot let this news bite go by without commenting.
Here's the premise: McGuinty, in order to get votes (let's be honest, it's the only reason he'd do this), is making a promise he cannot possibly keep. He proposes that GO Transit refund fares when a ride is 15 minutes late.
What is the catch? Oh, don't pooh pooh my cynicism. If you didn't think the same thing, you haven't been taking the train long enough.
The catch is that GO will determine what is deemed a delay. And note that there is no stipulation made for cancellations. I once read (and, dammit, I wish I could find that blog again!) that GO will cancel a train that will be 30 minutes late (or whatever their cutoff time is) because cancelled trains do not fall into the "sorry-we-were-late" category. This keeps their "on-time" status up. This is how they can say they run 90-something percent on time.
So, McGuinty says:
“In those circumstances over which we have control, like equipment failure or the management of the tracks, including sharing with other users, we take responsibility for those kinds of things,” Mr. McGuinty said while making the announcement at a GO station west of Toronto.
First of all, what is this "we" shit. As though McGuinty works at GO Transit and has any clue about commuting.
We all know what this really means. It means that the GO alerts we've been receiving--telling us the delay is due to switch problems--will now say the delay is due to passenger illness (how will we know?), extreme weather conditions (do leaves on the track constitute 'extreme'?) and accidents.
C.J. described the accident scenario best.
*snort*
Good one C.J.!
Here's the premise: McGuinty, in order to get votes (let's be honest, it's the only reason he'd do this), is making a promise he cannot possibly keep. He proposes that GO Transit refund fares when a ride is 15 minutes late.
What is the catch? Oh, don't pooh pooh my cynicism. If you didn't think the same thing, you haven't been taking the train long enough.
The catch is that GO will determine what is deemed a delay. And note that there is no stipulation made for cancellations. I once read (and, dammit, I wish I could find that blog again!) that GO will cancel a train that will be 30 minutes late (or whatever their cutoff time is) because cancelled trains do not fall into the "sorry-we-were-late" category. This keeps their "on-time" status up. This is how they can say they run 90-something percent on time.
So, McGuinty says:
“In those circumstances over which we have control, like equipment failure or the management of the tracks, including sharing with other users, we take responsibility for those kinds of things,” Mr. McGuinty said while making the announcement at a GO station west of Toronto.
First of all, what is this "we" shit. As though McGuinty works at GO Transit and has any clue about commuting.
We all know what this really means. It means that the GO alerts we've been receiving--telling us the delay is due to switch problems--will now say the delay is due to passenger illness (how will we know?), extreme weather conditions (do leaves on the track constitute 'extreme'?) and accidents.
C.J. described the accident scenario best.
*snort*
Good one C.J.!
Friday, August 5, 2011
It is clear that Air Canada is taking customer service cues from GO Transit.
An airplane, departing from Toronto, veers off the runway, onto the grassy knoll, sinks down and is rendered useless. Passengers are left on the airplane for three hours. Three hours!!!
When I watched the news this morning, the news reader said the passengers were only told the airplane was having equipment issues.
Equipment issues? Really? The airplane drove off the fucking runway! How is that an equipment issue?
Instead of making up some random excuse, why can't businesses be honest? The pilot should have come over the PA system:
"Um...guys? Yeah...listen. I was texting my buddy, and I wasn't paying attention, and I kinda drove off the tarmac a little. Sorry. My bad. We're just gonna sit here for a bit. The Trolly Tarts are gonna walk up and down the aisles and hand out free booze. Smoke 'em if you got 'em."
An airplane, departing from Toronto, veers off the runway, onto the grassy knoll, sinks down and is rendered useless. Passengers are left on the airplane for three hours. Three hours!!!
When I watched the news this morning, the news reader said the passengers were only told the airplane was having equipment issues.
Equipment issues? Really? The airplane drove off the fucking runway! How is that an equipment issue?
Instead of making up some random excuse, why can't businesses be honest? The pilot should have come over the PA system:
"Um...guys? Yeah...listen. I was texting my buddy, and I wasn't paying attention, and I kinda drove off the tarmac a little. Sorry. My bad. We're just gonna sit here for a bit. The Trolly Tarts are gonna walk up and down the aisles and hand out free booze. Smoke 'em if you got 'em."
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
It's been quite a while since I've posted anything. Sorry about that. It boils down to two reasons: It's stupid busy at work, and whatever has pissed me off, I've managed to let go. I think I found a pusher with good shit.
Today I received yet another GO Transit survey. Shouldn't they address the last survey before releasing another? Just sayin'.
So, here we go... (you may want to take a nap first.)
GO Writes:
GO Transit is improving the way our printed and online schedules, quick tables, station display boards and station maps look and read.
Earlier this month, we conducted focus groups with GO customers and non-customers to ask their opinion on new schedule designs and would like to know what you think about them too.
Please take the following survey and let us know what you think. Your opinion will help us make improvements to our schedules and to continue to meet our customers’ needs.
This survey may take up to ten minutes of your time. Your participation is appreciated and completing this survey will enter you in a draw to win one of three great monthly prizes.
1. Currently, GO Transit provides its customers with many types of schedules. Which of these schedule types do you use most often to get GO Transit schedule information?
A: Printed timetables, simply because I have one at work and one at home and it’s easily accessible. I also checked online tables, but I don’t use them as often.
2. In order of preference, how you would prefer to get GO Transit schedule information?
A: Printed Tables, Online Tables, Smartphone Tables. The key here is whether the schedules available online will be up-to-date.
3. How often do you use the following types of schedules to get GO Transit schedule information?
A: One of the selections was ‘Station Display Boards’. If you’re at the station, isn’t it too late to get schedule information? Shouldn’t you pretty much know what you’re doing before you get there? Just sayin’.
4. How would you rate each of the following types of schedule in terms of ease of getting the information you require?
A: Let’s be clear about one thing here. It doesn’t matter what I answered, or what you answered, the first time you looked at a GO Transit timetable, you shit yourself, didn’t you? You looked at all those columns and rows and numbers and station names and thought, how the hell am I ever going to figure out how to get from A to B? And God forbid should I need to side-track to X or Y!
5. Other than schedule information, when looking at the current printed timetables, what type(s) of information do you look for?
A: There were a lot of choices in this list, none of which I use, except to confirm whether the trip I want to take is express and actually goes beyond Pickering. I also want to know what the departure and arrival times are. Other than that, I’m at the mercy of GO Transit (God help us!).
6. How would you rate the current printed timetables in terms of…
A: One selection was “providing you information on the area surrounding the station.” I can see this may appeal to tourists, but locals? Do people really jump on the GO Train and wait until they look at a map before they decide where to go? Or, perhaps I’m misinterpreting this. Perhaps the intention is to provide people who know where they want to go with information on how to get there. Still, I’d just call GO Transit and ask Customer Service. I don’t think the maps are user friendly.
And now we get to see new concepts for the timetables. Hmm….
7. In recent focus groups, customers were shown a variety of different covers for the new printed timetable concepts. Based on their feedback, we made a few changes and narrowed down the choices to two of the best covers. Please look at these covers and answer the following questions:
7.1 Select the cover that most appeals to you (I'm paraphrasing here, as I forgot to write down the question).
A: I picked Cover 2 for all the answers on this. I like white space.
7.2 Using the highlighter, please select elements of the new covers that you like the most or click 'Next' to skip to the following question.
A: OK. Give me a moment here. When I read this, I immediately thought “Oooh! Highlighter.” Then I clicked the highlighter button. My cursor became a huge-ass highlighter! How frickin’ cool is that?! AND there was an eraser! I may not leave this page.
7.3 What elements of the new covers do you dislike?
A: I like the new covers, so I picked None of the Above. I did add that the photos could be more interesting. They’re a little ho-hum.
7.4 Using the highlighter, please select elements of the new instructions page that you like the most or click 'Next' to skip to the following question.
A: More highlighter!! This is fun! I admit that I do have an old schedule, but nowhere does it tell you how to read the timetable. I like that they’ve added instructions.
7.5 On the current GO Transit schedules we often use down arrows (↓) to designate transfer points. We are thinking about changing the symbols that indicate transfers/connections between trains/buses on the new schedules to this: [they had a pic of the symbol].
A: Oh yeah. That’s much better. It took me a while figure out what the arrows meant when I was a newbie.
7.6 What elements of the new instructions page do you dislike?
A: None of the above. (do you think they’ll hand out highlighters with the new tables? I hope so!)
7.7 Using the highlighter, please select elements of the new schedule concept that you like the most or click 'Next' to skip to the following question.
A: Again, more highlighting. Could this be any more fun?! There really isn’t any major difference, other than the train and bus symbols. But I like those, so they’re yellow now.
7.8 What elements of the new schedule do you dislike?
A: None of the above. It is what it is. I’ll live with it. I mean, really, how can you impart this much information without killing a small forest?
7.9 Using the highlighter please select elements of the new back page that you like the most or click 'Next' to skip to the following question.
A: The proposed back page is basically Presto propaganda. Really? Is it necessary to take up the whole back page for this? The old back page has important information like holiday service schedules and telephone numbers. I assume this will go somewhere in the timetable, but it’s easily accessible on the back. I only circled the contact information. It’s the only information I need from the new back. Besides, it just tells you to go to the Presto site. Oh, thanks, that was very helpful.
7.10 Overall, how would you rate the new printed timetables?
A: I marked everything as Good. It’s not excellent, and it doesn’t suck. So it’s Good.
7.11 Other than schedule information, when looking at the current online schedules on your PC/Mac/laptop, what type(s) of information do you look for?
A: I don’t use GO as my main means of transportation. Let’s face it, it’s not like the TTC. So I don’t look for the detailed information they seem to be so proud of providing. I only want to know when my train leaves and when it arrives (though we all know that despite the fact that it’s in writing, it’s not guaranteed).
7.12 How would you rate the current online schedules?
A: I didn’t give this a good rating. Mostly Poor and Fair.
7.13 How would you like to search for schedules and information on GO Transit’s online schedules and maps webpage?
A: This was difficult to answer. Sometimes (not often, but sometimes) I need to know where it’s stopping and I do travel to other stations periodically. So, a drop-down list, printer-friendly schedules as well as comprehensive planner were all good ideas.
7.14 You will now see the new GO Transit map concept, followed by a few questions about it. The concept is an example of the Milton corridor map.
A: My immediate thought was that it wasn’t very clear what the cross streets were. However, I did like the train and bus symbols to identify the two lines, and I liked that they added a few highlights at some stops (i.e. Square One). That’s helpful for someone like me who never takes the Milton Line, for instance. It might be helpful to add a landmark at each station.
7.15 How would you rate the new map style?
A: The overall feeling was the only thing that got a Good. The colours, layout and clarity are Fair to Poor. Plus, I’m colour-blind. If they had a blue and green line, I’d be lost. More so than usual.
7.16 What elements of the new map style do you dislike?
A: There were some interesting choices for answers. The bus route is very busy and overwhelming. The train route doesn’t stand apart from it. Major intersections need to be labelled and the text wasn’t easy to read. I’m assuming that’s because we were looking at a scanned picture on the web. I sure hope it will be clearer when they go to print. One choice that made me smile was “I couldn't tell which direction was North”. Lake Ontario is clearly marked on the map. If you don’t know where north is based on that, perhaps you shouldn’t be leaving your house, let alone taking public transit. However, if the lake was not visible, and particularly if you’re not familiar with the area, you’d have a hard time figuring it out without a small compass logo.
7.17 If given a choice between the two maps below which of the two do you prefer?
A: This was a tough one. But I’ll admit that my immediate choice was the second map. It’s simple, easy to read and you are not distracted and overwhelmed by the street lines.
7.18 Why did you choose Map 2?
A: It’s easier to read. I always have a general idea of the location of my destination and never rely on a GO Transit map for details directions. I use a proper map for that, if necessary. I only use the GO map to determine the location of a station.
7.19 If a decision was made to no longer have printed schedules, and only provide schedule information through quick tables, online schedules and on station display boards, what impact would this have on you?
A: Some impact – I prefer to use the printed schedules, but would adjust. I really wanted to check “Significant impact – I only use the printed schedules” because I hate looking up the information on line, but I get that we shouldn’t be levelling forests just so I can read a GO Train schedule.
7.20 Are you aware that GO schedule information is available on Google Maps?
A: Oh yeah, like Google Maps is reliable. Do you know how many stupid people have driven into swamps by following Google and GPS?
8.0 Do you have any additional comments or feedback for GO Transit regarding the changes we are making to our schedules? If so please let us know what you think in the box below.
A: I said a few more things. Nothing bad. No, honest! Then this: “It is much faster to grab the schedule and flip it open (I've highlighted the times I usually take) than to log into my computer, open a browser, open the GO site, find the Schedule menu, find my route, find the time then try to interpret what the schedule means.”
That's it. Did you get a survey request? Did you complete it?
Today I received yet another GO Transit survey. Shouldn't they address the last survey before releasing another? Just sayin'.
So, here we go... (you may want to take a nap first.)
GO Writes:
GO Transit is improving the way our printed and online schedules, quick tables, station display boards and station maps look and read.
Earlier this month, we conducted focus groups with GO customers and non-customers to ask their opinion on new schedule designs and would like to know what you think about them too.
Please take the following survey and let us know what you think. Your opinion will help us make improvements to our schedules and to continue to meet our customers’ needs.
This survey may take up to ten minutes of your time. Your participation is appreciated and completing this survey will enter you in a draw to win one of three great monthly prizes.
1. Currently, GO Transit provides its customers with many types of schedules. Which of these schedule types do you use most often to get GO Transit schedule information?
A: Printed timetables, simply because I have one at work and one at home and it’s easily accessible. I also checked online tables, but I don’t use them as often.
2. In order of preference, how you would prefer to get GO Transit schedule information?
A: Printed Tables, Online Tables, Smartphone Tables. The key here is whether the schedules available online will be up-to-date.
3. How often do you use the following types of schedules to get GO Transit schedule information?
A: One of the selections was ‘Station Display Boards’. If you’re at the station, isn’t it too late to get schedule information? Shouldn’t you pretty much know what you’re doing before you get there? Just sayin’.
4. How would you rate each of the following types of schedule in terms of ease of getting the information you require?
A: Let’s be clear about one thing here. It doesn’t matter what I answered, or what you answered, the first time you looked at a GO Transit timetable, you shit yourself, didn’t you? You looked at all those columns and rows and numbers and station names and thought, how the hell am I ever going to figure out how to get from A to B? And God forbid should I need to side-track to X or Y!
5. Other than schedule information, when looking at the current printed timetables, what type(s) of information do you look for?
A: There were a lot of choices in this list, none of which I use, except to confirm whether the trip I want to take is express and actually goes beyond Pickering. I also want to know what the departure and arrival times are. Other than that, I’m at the mercy of GO Transit (God help us!).
6. How would you rate the current printed timetables in terms of…
A: One selection was “providing you information on the area surrounding the station.” I can see this may appeal to tourists, but locals? Do people really jump on the GO Train and wait until they look at a map before they decide where to go? Or, perhaps I’m misinterpreting this. Perhaps the intention is to provide people who know where they want to go with information on how to get there. Still, I’d just call GO Transit and ask Customer Service. I don’t think the maps are user friendly.
And now we get to see new concepts for the timetables. Hmm….
7. In recent focus groups, customers were shown a variety of different covers for the new printed timetable concepts. Based on their feedback, we made a few changes and narrowed down the choices to two of the best covers. Please look at these covers and answer the following questions:
7.1 Select the cover that most appeals to you (I'm paraphrasing here, as I forgot to write down the question).
A: I picked Cover 2 for all the answers on this. I like white space.
7.2 Using the highlighter, please select elements of the new covers that you like the most or click 'Next' to skip to the following question.
A: OK. Give me a moment here. When I read this, I immediately thought “Oooh! Highlighter.” Then I clicked the highlighter button. My cursor became a huge-ass highlighter! How frickin’ cool is that?! AND there was an eraser! I may not leave this page.
7.3 What elements of the new covers do you dislike?
A: I like the new covers, so I picked None of the Above. I did add that the photos could be more interesting. They’re a little ho-hum.
7.4 Using the highlighter, please select elements of the new instructions page that you like the most or click 'Next' to skip to the following question.
A: More highlighter!! This is fun! I admit that I do have an old schedule, but nowhere does it tell you how to read the timetable. I like that they’ve added instructions.
7.5 On the current GO Transit schedules we often use down arrows (↓) to designate transfer points. We are thinking about changing the symbols that indicate transfers/connections between trains/buses on the new schedules to this: [they had a pic of the symbol].
A: Oh yeah. That’s much better. It took me a while figure out what the arrows meant when I was a newbie.
7.6 What elements of the new instructions page do you dislike?
A: None of the above. (do you think they’ll hand out highlighters with the new tables? I hope so!)
7.7 Using the highlighter, please select elements of the new schedule concept that you like the most or click 'Next' to skip to the following question.
A: Again, more highlighting. Could this be any more fun?! There really isn’t any major difference, other than the train and bus symbols. But I like those, so they’re yellow now.
7.8 What elements of the new schedule do you dislike?
A: None of the above. It is what it is. I’ll live with it. I mean, really, how can you impart this much information without killing a small forest?
7.9 Using the highlighter please select elements of the new back page that you like the most or click 'Next' to skip to the following question.
A: The proposed back page is basically Presto propaganda. Really? Is it necessary to take up the whole back page for this? The old back page has important information like holiday service schedules and telephone numbers. I assume this will go somewhere in the timetable, but it’s easily accessible on the back. I only circled the contact information. It’s the only information I need from the new back. Besides, it just tells you to go to the Presto site. Oh, thanks, that was very helpful.
7.10 Overall, how would you rate the new printed timetables?
A: I marked everything as Good. It’s not excellent, and it doesn’t suck. So it’s Good.
7.11 Other than schedule information, when looking at the current online schedules on your PC/Mac/laptop, what type(s) of information do you look for?
A: I don’t use GO as my main means of transportation. Let’s face it, it’s not like the TTC. So I don’t look for the detailed information they seem to be so proud of providing. I only want to know when my train leaves and when it arrives (though we all know that despite the fact that it’s in writing, it’s not guaranteed).
7.12 How would you rate the current online schedules?
A: I didn’t give this a good rating. Mostly Poor and Fair.
7.13 How would you like to search for schedules and information on GO Transit’s online schedules and maps webpage?
A: This was difficult to answer. Sometimes (not often, but sometimes) I need to know where it’s stopping and I do travel to other stations periodically. So, a drop-down list, printer-friendly schedules as well as comprehensive planner were all good ideas.
7.14 You will now see the new GO Transit map concept, followed by a few questions about it. The concept is an example of the Milton corridor map.
A: My immediate thought was that it wasn’t very clear what the cross streets were. However, I did like the train and bus symbols to identify the two lines, and I liked that they added a few highlights at some stops (i.e. Square One). That’s helpful for someone like me who never takes the Milton Line, for instance. It might be helpful to add a landmark at each station.
7.15 How would you rate the new map style?
A: The overall feeling was the only thing that got a Good. The colours, layout and clarity are Fair to Poor. Plus, I’m colour-blind. If they had a blue and green line, I’d be lost. More so than usual.
7.16 What elements of the new map style do you dislike?
A: There were some interesting choices for answers. The bus route is very busy and overwhelming. The train route doesn’t stand apart from it. Major intersections need to be labelled and the text wasn’t easy to read. I’m assuming that’s because we were looking at a scanned picture on the web. I sure hope it will be clearer when they go to print. One choice that made me smile was “I couldn't tell which direction was North”. Lake Ontario is clearly marked on the map. If you don’t know where north is based on that, perhaps you shouldn’t be leaving your house, let alone taking public transit. However, if the lake was not visible, and particularly if you’re not familiar with the area, you’d have a hard time figuring it out without a small compass logo.
7.17 If given a choice between the two maps below which of the two do you prefer?
A: This was a tough one. But I’ll admit that my immediate choice was the second map. It’s simple, easy to read and you are not distracted and overwhelmed by the street lines.
7.18 Why did you choose Map 2?
A: It’s easier to read. I always have a general idea of the location of my destination and never rely on a GO Transit map for details directions. I use a proper map for that, if necessary. I only use the GO map to determine the location of a station.
7.19 If a decision was made to no longer have printed schedules, and only provide schedule information through quick tables, online schedules and on station display boards, what impact would this have on you?
A: Some impact – I prefer to use the printed schedules, but would adjust. I really wanted to check “Significant impact – I only use the printed schedules” because I hate looking up the information on line, but I get that we shouldn’t be levelling forests just so I can read a GO Train schedule.
7.20 Are you aware that GO schedule information is available on Google Maps?
A: Oh yeah, like Google Maps is reliable. Do you know how many stupid people have driven into swamps by following Google and GPS?
8.0 Do you have any additional comments or feedback for GO Transit regarding the changes we are making to our schedules? If so please let us know what you think in the box below.
A: I said a few more things. Nothing bad. No, honest! Then this: “It is much faster to grab the schedule and flip it open (I've highlighted the times I usually take) than to log into my computer, open a browser, open the GO site, find the Schedule menu, find my route, find the time then try to interpret what the schedule means.”
That's it. Did you get a survey request? Did you complete it?
Friday, July 22, 2011
I received a series of GO News Alerts this morning.
First email sent at 07:15:
The Oshawa 07:00 - Union 07:50 train trip is holding at Oshawa due to a track switch issue. The current delay is 15 minutes. An update will be provided when your train is on the move.
This was sent at precisely 07:15. That means GO Transit sent me an email 15 minutes after the train was supposed to depart Oshawa, to tell me that the train was 15 minutes late. I know I suck at math, but I'm confident I could have done the calculation on that one on my own.
Second email sent at 07:18:
The Oshawa 07:15 - Union 08:05 train trip is estimated to be delayed 10-15 minutes from Oshawa due to a track switch issue.
Now, I know that there is always the possibility that the conductor will make up some time and the train will arrive at Union station pretty close to its scheduled time, but if the previous train is delayed 15 minutes, would it not be reasonable to assume the following train will also be delay by an equal amount of time?
Third email sent at 07:29:
Update: The Oshawa 07:00 - Union 07:50 train trip is on the move, delayed 25 minutes late from Oshawa due to a track switch issue.
Back to the first delay. Someone really needs to get their calculator out.
Fourth email sent at 07:39:
Lakeshore East Line Passengers: You may experience a longer commute than usual this morning due to a track switch issue just east of Whitby. GO Trains on your line are currently delayed up to 30 minutes. We are working to resolve this issue and resume your normal schedule. We thank you for you patience and will provide you with updates as we receive more information.
Aaah...now it all make sense. They were just shooting crap out their yaws to appease us. Somewhere, someone is saying: "The whole thing is going to hell in a hand-basket. Just type anything. Use the Track Switch Excuse series."
And even as I wrote this post...
Fifth email sent at 07:55:
Update: The Oshawa 07:15 - Union 08:05 train trip is delayed 35 minutes from Oshawa due to a track switch issue. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Since the Track Switch Excuse is so often tossed about (and let's for a moment, slip into our fairy tale world and assume this is a legitimate excuse and issue), should GO Transit not be looking at why the switches continuously fail? And...now, stay with me on this, cuz it's going to get complicated in a moment...actually FIX the damn switches?
Just a thought.
First email sent at 07:15:
The Oshawa 07:00 - Union 07:50 train trip is holding at Oshawa due to a track switch issue. The current delay is 15 minutes. An update will be provided when your train is on the move.
This was sent at precisely 07:15. That means GO Transit sent me an email 15 minutes after the train was supposed to depart Oshawa, to tell me that the train was 15 minutes late. I know I suck at math, but I'm confident I could have done the calculation on that one on my own.
Second email sent at 07:18:
The Oshawa 07:15 - Union 08:05 train trip is estimated to be delayed 10-15 minutes from Oshawa due to a track switch issue.
Now, I know that there is always the possibility that the conductor will make up some time and the train will arrive at Union station pretty close to its scheduled time, but if the previous train is delayed 15 minutes, would it not be reasonable to assume the following train will also be delay by an equal amount of time?
Third email sent at 07:29:
Update: The Oshawa 07:00 - Union 07:50 train trip is on the move, delayed 25 minutes late from Oshawa due to a track switch issue.
Back to the first delay. Someone really needs to get their calculator out.
Fourth email sent at 07:39:
Lakeshore East Line Passengers: You may experience a longer commute than usual this morning due to a track switch issue just east of Whitby. GO Trains on your line are currently delayed up to 30 minutes. We are working to resolve this issue and resume your normal schedule. We thank you for you patience and will provide you with updates as we receive more information.
Aaah...now it all make sense. They were just shooting crap out their yaws to appease us. Somewhere, someone is saying: "The whole thing is going to hell in a hand-basket. Just type anything. Use the Track Switch Excuse series."
And even as I wrote this post...
Fifth email sent at 07:55:
Update: The Oshawa 07:15 - Union 08:05 train trip is delayed 35 minutes from Oshawa due to a track switch issue. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Since the Track Switch Excuse is so often tossed about (and let's for a moment, slip into our fairy tale world and assume this is a legitimate excuse and issue), should GO Transit not be looking at why the switches continuously fail? And...now, stay with me on this, cuz it's going to get complicated in a moment...actually FIX the damn switches?
Just a thought.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
A message from GO Transit Alerts:
Lakeshore East Line Passengers: You may experience a longer commute than usual this morning due to an investigation of debris on the track just east of Ajax. GO Trains on your line are currently delayed up to 25 minutes. We are working to resolve this issue and resume your normal schedule as soon as possible. We thank you for you patience and will provide you with updates as we receive more information.
Exactly two minutes later:
Update: The Oshawa 07:53 - Union 08:43 train trip is operating as scheduled from Oshawa.
Really? After all the times you've had a twenty-minute delay with no communication whatsoever, you send this out? And two minutes later, you give us the green light? At the time that you were typing the message, did you not know that the debris was going to be cleaned up momentarily? Or did you sit on this information for a while so that you looked like a hero when you announced it was all clear?
The latter wouldn't surprise me one bit.
Lakeshore East Line Passengers: You may experience a longer commute than usual this morning due to an investigation of debris on the track just east of Ajax. GO Trains on your line are currently delayed up to 25 minutes. We are working to resolve this issue and resume your normal schedule as soon as possible. We thank you for you patience and will provide you with updates as we receive more information.
Exactly two minutes later:
Update: The Oshawa 07:53 - Union 08:43 train trip is operating as scheduled from Oshawa.
Really? After all the times you've had a twenty-minute delay with no communication whatsoever, you send this out? And two minutes later, you give us the green light? At the time that you were typing the message, did you not know that the debris was going to be cleaned up momentarily? Or did you sit on this information for a while so that you looked like a hero when you announced it was all clear?
The latter wouldn't surprise me one bit.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The quiet car can't be implemented fast enough.
The entire way home, I had to listen to a mother talking on the phone to god-knows-who. She was in the quad next to the stairs. I was at the opposite end. The OPPOSITE END!!! And I could still hear her conversation.
Her mangy kids were shouting and carrying on. They couldn't all sit in the same quad. No! One brat had to sit in the quad with his mom and SHOUT to his brother over in the quad opposite.
Then the little girl started singing.
Now, I like me a good show tune now and again, but not on the GO Train and not when I caught the 7:01 to come to work and I'm going home on the 18:43.
To top it all off (cuz, let's face it, every sundae should have a cherry) the geek in front of me pretending to read the newspaper kept sniffling. And not just sniffling, but sucking back boogers with a ferocity that would have made the Dyson guy proud.
I wanted to move. Don't think I didn't consider it. But oddly enough, the train is pretty full at that time, and I'm a firm believer in the phrase "better the devil you know".
So I plugged in my ear buds, zoned out, and imagined where I'd hide the bodies while I listened to Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.
The entire way home, I had to listen to a mother talking on the phone to god-knows-who. She was in the quad next to the stairs. I was at the opposite end. The OPPOSITE END!!! And I could still hear her conversation.
Her mangy kids were shouting and carrying on. They couldn't all sit in the same quad. No! One brat had to sit in the quad with his mom and SHOUT to his brother over in the quad opposite.
Then the little girl started singing.
Now, I like me a good show tune now and again, but not on the GO Train and not when I caught the 7:01 to come to work and I'm going home on the 18:43.
To top it all off (cuz, let's face it, every sundae should have a cherry) the geek in front of me pretending to read the newspaper kept sniffling. And not just sniffling, but sucking back boogers with a ferocity that would have made the Dyson guy proud.
I wanted to move. Don't think I didn't consider it. But oddly enough, the train is pretty full at that time, and I'm a firm believer in the phrase "better the devil you know".
So I plugged in my ear buds, zoned out, and imagined where I'd hide the bodies while I listened to Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Took the 20:13 from Union. A relatively quiet trip, though I did have to listen to my BB to drown out all the talking.
When we got to Ajax, the stairwell doors only had one door operating. Buddy in an orange vest was doing some work on the door. I couldn't tell what it was; the glass was intact, and he had no tools that I could see. But he was standing, holding the door closed, preventing everyone from walking through, forcing everyone to funnel through one door.
There were a few ladies (and I use that term loosely) that came up the side and crowded at the front of the group, not bothering to line up with everyone else.
One of them says: "They're making us all go through one door."
I said: "Yes. And that would imply that everyone lines up."
She glanced back, but said nothing. When we got through the doors, she had the balls to walk down the centre of the stairwell.
Now, let me digress for a moment: People who walk down the centre of the stairwell really piss me off. I realize it's a petty thing, but if you think about it, it's really not. There is enough room for two people to walk the stairs side by side. This allows faster walkers to pass on the left. At this moment, I would like to take the time to remind everyone that walking is much like driving a car. Keep right if you're walking slow, keep left if you're passing; though I realize there's a shitload of assholes who drive slow in the passing lane.
So, Miss Budinsky walks down the centre of the stairwell. Slowly, no less. Blocking the way for everyone behind her. No one can get by her. I'm livid. I walk up behind her.
"Pick a side honey and get the hell outta the way."
Oh, don't gasp like that. At least I didn't push her down the stairs.
When we got to Ajax, the stairwell doors only had one door operating. Buddy in an orange vest was doing some work on the door. I couldn't tell what it was; the glass was intact, and he had no tools that I could see. But he was standing, holding the door closed, preventing everyone from walking through, forcing everyone to funnel through one door.
There were a few ladies (and I use that term loosely) that came up the side and crowded at the front of the group, not bothering to line up with everyone else.
One of them says: "They're making us all go through one door."
I said: "Yes. And that would imply that everyone lines up."
She glanced back, but said nothing. When we got through the doors, she had the balls to walk down the centre of the stairwell.
Now, let me digress for a moment: People who walk down the centre of the stairwell really piss me off. I realize it's a petty thing, but if you think about it, it's really not. There is enough room for two people to walk the stairs side by side. This allows faster walkers to pass on the left. At this moment, I would like to take the time to remind everyone that walking is much like driving a car. Keep right if you're walking slow, keep left if you're passing; though I realize there's a shitload of assholes who drive slow in the passing lane.
So, Miss Budinsky walks down the centre of the stairwell. Slowly, no less. Blocking the way for everyone behind her. No one can get by her. I'm livid. I walk up behind her.
"Pick a side honey and get the hell outta the way."
Oh, don't gasp like that. At least I didn't push her down the stairs.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The GO Train LSE line was pretty messed up tonight. Thankfully, I didn't need to be on it. I took the train to Weston instead.
At first, I thought it was a jumper. Which, I admit, pissed me off. Then I heard the facts. And I am saddened.
This should not happen.
Ever again.
Ever.
Let's hope it doesn't.
At first, I thought it was a jumper. Which, I admit, pissed me off. Then I heard the facts. And I am saddened.
This should not happen.
Ever again.
Ever.
Let's hope it doesn't.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
There was some moron sitting one quad up and across from me this morning who had his iPod on so loud, I could make out the lyrics.
His back was to me and, sadly, he couldn't feel the daggers I shot at him with my eyes.
Dude, if I'm sitting that far away and can still hear your music, you need to have your hearing checked. And your manners.
Moron.
Wait.
He probably can't hear me.
MORON!
His back was to me and, sadly, he couldn't feel the daggers I shot at him with my eyes.
Dude, if I'm sitting that far away and can still hear your music, you need to have your hearing checked. And your manners.
Moron.
Wait.
He probably can't hear me.
MORON!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
I sit in my usual quad with my usual GO Train friend, across the aisle from the usual lady.
We stop at Pickering. A man (I guess to be in his 20s) gets on and sits in the quad across from us with the lady. He kicks up the padded seat and sets his feet on the plastic chair.
Now, I know that many people have issue with this, but I don't. Not really. Kick the seat cushion up or take your shoes off to put them on the seat...I'm ok with that. But this is rush hour. And our car may not be full today, it's still busy. The day has just started. It's not like you've been at work for ten hours already and have had enough and need to put your dogs up.
But it doesn't end with buddy's feet on the seat.
He's huffing and puffing, as though he's in discomfort, massaging his belly and chest once in a while. I'm thinking, "He better not have a heart attack on the train."
He fidgets a lot. Feet up, feet down, head back, head up. He plays with his cell, huffs and puffs. Then he puts his feet up on the seat in front of him (not under the cushion but right on top, on the edge), slumps down in his seat so that his back is parallel to the floor and his head is just resting against the seat-back. He crosses one leg over the other and spends most of the trip lying prone like this.
Are you fucking kidding me? Get your sorry lazy up and act like a grown up. I bet he's related to Snot Rocket Guy.
We stop at Pickering. A man (I guess to be in his 20s) gets on and sits in the quad across from us with the lady. He kicks up the padded seat and sets his feet on the plastic chair.
Now, I know that many people have issue with this, but I don't. Not really. Kick the seat cushion up or take your shoes off to put them on the seat...I'm ok with that. But this is rush hour. And our car may not be full today, it's still busy. The day has just started. It's not like you've been at work for ten hours already and have had enough and need to put your dogs up.
But it doesn't end with buddy's feet on the seat.
He's huffing and puffing, as though he's in discomfort, massaging his belly and chest once in a while. I'm thinking, "He better not have a heart attack on the train."
He fidgets a lot. Feet up, feet down, head back, head up. He plays with his cell, huffs and puffs. Then he puts his feet up on the seat in front of him (not under the cushion but right on top, on the edge), slumps down in his seat so that his back is parallel to the floor and his head is just resting against the seat-back. He crosses one leg over the other and spends most of the trip lying prone like this.
Are you fucking kidding me? Get your sorry lazy up and act like a grown up. I bet he's related to Snot Rocket Guy.
Monday, July 11, 2011
I was going to apologize for not posting, but I decided against it. For two reasons:
I didn't miss commuting one bit. Visiting family in a small northern town reminded me how much I'd like to win the lottery and tell GO to shove it. And if that wasn't enough, coming back to work today was.
I'm walking down the platform. Ahead of me, walking with military precision along the yellow "do not cross this" line, is a woman. I'm impressed that she's not staggering all over the place like some drunken sailor, as most commuters do.
I admit, I walk fast, and I'm gaining on her quickly. The sun is coming up behind us and our shadows stretch for several feet ahead of us. My shadow begins to overtake hers.
Then it happens.
She veers to the right, walks in front of me and I have to careen around her to avoid a collision. Jesus! Does she drive like that?
"Stupid ditz," I say. She doesn't hear me.
Obviously she's in her own little world. Did she not notice my shadow? What did she think it was? Her imaginary friend following her to work?
I hope she realizes that the yellow line isn't actually going to prevent her from stepping off the track into an oncoming train.
- I was on vacation. And no one should ever apologize for taking vacation.
- Prior to vacation, I hadn't witnessed anything that really pissed me off. Miraculous, I agree, and probably worthy of a post in itself, but the lead up to vacation is paramount to the end of the world at my workplace and, for some inexplicable reason, the bosses can't seem to live without me and need to give me every single piece of work to complete before I leave; so I was too busy to post even the most mundane item.
I didn't miss commuting one bit. Visiting family in a small northern town reminded me how much I'd like to win the lottery and tell GO to shove it. And if that wasn't enough, coming back to work today was.
I'm walking down the platform. Ahead of me, walking with military precision along the yellow "do not cross this" line, is a woman. I'm impressed that she's not staggering all over the place like some drunken sailor, as most commuters do.
I admit, I walk fast, and I'm gaining on her quickly. The sun is coming up behind us and our shadows stretch for several feet ahead of us. My shadow begins to overtake hers.
Then it happens.
She veers to the right, walks in front of me and I have to careen around her to avoid a collision. Jesus! Does she drive like that?
"Stupid ditz," I say. She doesn't hear me.
Obviously she's in her own little world. Did she not notice my shadow? What did she think it was? Her imaginary friend following her to work?
I hope she realizes that the yellow line isn't actually going to prevent her from stepping off the track into an oncoming train.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
We all agree that a GO Train ticket is expensive. I don't need to go over this again. But I'm beginning to think the cost of the ticket is having an affect on the general well-being of GO Train riders.
It appears that the cost of GO Train tickets is so high that it precludes passengers from buying a mirror for their home. This results in women applying makeup in public and many more going to work wearing the most hideous outfits.
Case in point...
This morning, there was a woman of *ahem* a certain age, who strolled down the platform like she owned it. The skirt she wore was fine (knee-length, feminine, pretty), but the top...well, the top was all wrong. She wore a white blouse with a black wide-band belt that spanned the distance from her waist to her boobs.
This is not a flattering look for anyone. It is less flattering if your girls are drooping. No one...I don't care how small you are...should wear a wide belt that stops just under your boobs, forcing them to jettison over like a waterfall. And if you're in your forties, try to dress like it. It doesn't mean you have to start wearing Tilley hats, it means you can't dress like a teenager.
When we stopped at Pickering, a woman got on wearing white pants. With floral panties underneath.
Alright ladies. Here's the rule: If you are wearing a white shirt or white pants, do not--I repeat, DO NOT--wear coloured or patterned undergarments.
Perhaps if GO Transit reduced the fare a bit, these poor souls would purchase a mirror and take a glance before leaving the house.
It appears that the cost of GO Train tickets is so high that it precludes passengers from buying a mirror for their home. This results in women applying makeup in public and many more going to work wearing the most hideous outfits.
Case in point...
This morning, there was a woman of *ahem* a certain age, who strolled down the platform like she owned it. The skirt she wore was fine (knee-length, feminine, pretty), but the top...well, the top was all wrong. She wore a white blouse with a black wide-band belt that spanned the distance from her waist to her boobs.
This is not a flattering look for anyone. It is less flattering if your girls are drooping. No one...I don't care how small you are...should wear a wide belt that stops just under your boobs, forcing them to jettison over like a waterfall. And if you're in your forties, try to dress like it. It doesn't mean you have to start wearing Tilley hats, it means you can't dress like a teenager.
When we stopped at Pickering, a woman got on wearing white pants. With floral panties underneath.
Alright ladies. Here's the rule: If you are wearing a white shirt or white pants, do not--I repeat, DO NOT--wear coloured or patterned undergarments.
Perhaps if GO Transit reduced the fare a bit, these poor souls would purchase a mirror and take a glance before leaving the house.
Thursday, June 23, 2011 (Part 2)
Jen shared this link with me. And now I share it with you. It is Peter Kuitenbrouwer's National Post article about a rowdy bunch on the GO Train. Jen made a good point: "So, if their own people can't behave like adults, why should the other passengers?"
Indeed.
Jen also mentioned in her comment that they removed the picture of the nasty train tramp stamp. But it was there when I read the article. And in case they do remove it, I post it here for your 'pleasure'.
![]()
Are you fucking kidding me? That is just about the most white trash thing I've ever seen. It's not the concept of the tattoo. I like tattoos. I have a few myself. But a GO Train? Really?
Loser.
Indeed.
Jen also mentioned in her comment that they removed the picture of the nasty train tramp stamp. But it was there when I read the article. And in case they do remove it, I post it here for your 'pleasure'.
Are you fucking kidding me? That is just about the most white trash thing I've ever seen. It's not the concept of the tattoo. I like tattoos. I have a few myself. But a GO Train? Really?
Loser.
Thursday, June 23, 2011 (Part 1)
Wow. Who knew so many people were as angry as me?
I was surprised at the comments at This Crazy Train when C.J. directed her followers to this blog.
I'm not surprised at the content of the posts, I'm surprised at the number of them. A common thread was that people couldn't comment because I had disabled anonymous commenting. Alright. I removed it. I know I'll regret this, but I took it off. For now. My experience has been that there's always some douche that has to make some offensive, derogatory comment behind the anonymous shield. If you're going to be a jerk, then be proud of it.
I'll monitor things and see how it goes; disable it if necessary.
I was surprised at the comments at This Crazy Train when C.J. directed her followers to this blog.
I'm not surprised at the content of the posts, I'm surprised at the number of them. A common thread was that people couldn't comment because I had disabled anonymous commenting. Alright. I removed it. I know I'll regret this, but I took it off. For now. My experience has been that there's always some douche that has to make some offensive, derogatory comment behind the anonymous shield. If you're going to be a jerk, then be proud of it.
I'll monitor things and see how it goes; disable it if necessary.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Took the 18:43 home last night. It's been a crappy week for me. Actually, the last several months have been pretty shitty. I'm at the end of my rope and it's fraying fast. I'm having a difficult time keeping my anger in check.
Leaving this early (yeah, that's early for me...remember I take the 7:15 in the morning) is a bit of a treat. I'm looking forward to reading my book on the train, then going home, vegging in front of the television and doing absolutely nothing.
I sit in the front car, second level, alone in the quad by the stairs. There's a woman alone in the quad across from me. She is curled up in her seat, facing the window. She's chatting on the phone. Loudly.
My teeth grind, my jaw aches from the tension. My head is pounding. I can feel myself morph into some raging monster and I want to jump across the aisle and throttle her. I wonder where I can hide the body.
I wait about ten minutes. She only gets louder. I can't take it any more.
I shush her. Really loud, too.
SHHHH!!!
Her head snaps around. She is genuinely horrified. She holds her hand up and whispers, "Sorry! I'm so sorry!"
And she is quiet the rest of the ride home. She talks on the phone the whole way, but I can barely hear her.
Thank you for that. I don't know who you are, or if our paths will ever cross again, but thank you for shushing. Thank you.
Leaving this early (yeah, that's early for me...remember I take the 7:15 in the morning) is a bit of a treat. I'm looking forward to reading my book on the train, then going home, vegging in front of the television and doing absolutely nothing.
I sit in the front car, second level, alone in the quad by the stairs. There's a woman alone in the quad across from me. She is curled up in her seat, facing the window. She's chatting on the phone. Loudly.
My teeth grind, my jaw aches from the tension. My head is pounding. I can feel myself morph into some raging monster and I want to jump across the aisle and throttle her. I wonder where I can hide the body.
I wait about ten minutes. She only gets louder. I can't take it any more.
I shush her. Really loud, too.
SHHHH!!!
Her head snaps around. She is genuinely horrified. She holds her hand up and whispers, "Sorry! I'm so sorry!"
And she is quiet the rest of the ride home. She talks on the phone the whole way, but I can barely hear her.
Thank you for that. I don't know who you are, or if our paths will ever cross again, but thank you for shushing. Thank you.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
I signed up for the Let GO Know surveys. I figure this falls under the same category as voting: If you didn't vote, you can't bitch about the elected officials. At least if I give GO my opinion, I can bitch about them not listening.
They did, after all, ask me.
So I received a survey today. Let's go the through the questions, shall we?
(text in red are my comments and answers)
We’re conducting a survey to better understand what amenities and services you would like to see at our stations and on our trains and buses. GO Transit is committed to making your experience comfortable. We have made this promise to you in our Passenger Charter, and we are always finding ways to improve. (You could start with being on time) Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your participation is voluntary and your responses are kept confidential. The survey feedback we receive is used for planning future improvements.
We appreciate your time! Completing this survey will automatically enter you into our monthly draw to win one of three prizes. (I keep hoping I'll win a free year of commuting, but it never happens)
Thank you for participating!
And, here we go...
GO Transit is looking into various types of services that could be offered to you on your GO Transit commute. In order of preference, rank the top three amenities you would like to be offered:
Please rank the items by dragging each one to the desired rank.
coffee/tea
cold beverages
snacks
newspapers
wifi access
freephones to local taxi companies
window blinds
improved headrests
more luggage space
more room for bikes on GO
heated shelters
cupholders
hand holds for when standing on trains
bank machine
additional power outlets
I selected Wifi, hand holds, window blinds. I tried to add "better garbage receptacles" to the Additional Comments field, but it wouldn’t let me. It read “Please remove Other response in the text box.” If you don't want me to add additional information, why have the field there?
I know I've said many times that it would be nice to have a trolley tart walking up and down the aisles offering adult beverages (god knows I could use a martini after work most days!) but offering drinks and snacks would be a logistical nightmare. Not to mention the mess that would ensue. People can't even take away the wrappers from snacks they bring on themselves, why would GO Transit want to provide them with more arsenal? And there's already enough newspapers lying about the train.
I have mixed feelings about the luggage space. This is a commuter train, not a vacation train. How much shit are you bringing back and forth to work? And we do not need more space for bikes. Commuters are not supposed to bring bikes on the train during rush hour, so there should be no issue taking them off-peak time. There's barely enough room to stand, some days.
Heated shelters? HEATED shelters? How about shelters. Period.
I'm not even commenting on the bank machine thing.
Additional power outlets. Hmmm. Alright. It's not a priority for me, but I can see needing to plug in and charge. You forget sometimes and run low on juice. I get it. It's not on my list, but I may use it if it's available.
Which of the following Wi-Fi enabled devices do you use on most often on GO Transit? Please select all that apply:
smartphone
laptop
e-book
portable gaming system
tablet (ipad)
other
I selected smartphone, laptop and e-book. I admit, I started getting excited about the direction these questions were going.
Do you subscribe to a data plan? Please select one response only.
I forgot to note what the choices were, but I only have a plan for my cell. My wifi is home-based.
Do you tether your Smartphone with your laptop while on GO Transit? Tethering is when you use your Smartphone as a modem to connect your laptop to the internet. This can be done wirelessly through Bluetooth or wired through USB.
I said no. Cuz I don't.
Where would you like to find Wi-Fi access? Please select all that apply.
in stations
on train platforms
at the bus loop
on each train car
on a designated train car
on buses
other – please specify
I selected "on each train car" and "on buses". I figure I don't need to use it in the station, either at Union or Ajax. Though, in hindsight, having wifi when I'm stuck at Union Station might come in handy. I'm curious about what people entered for "other", though.
How frequently would you access Wi-Fi offered by GO Transit? Please select one response only.
daily
2-4 times per week
once a week
once a month
never - explain why
Um...Daily!
Would you be willing to pay for Wi-Fi on our bus or train services? Please select one response only.
Yes
No
NO! I'm already paying for shite service through the arse. The least GO can do is sweeten the deal a little.
Are there any other services or amenities you would like GO Transit to offer you on your commute?
Please be as specific as possible.
I left this blank. I thought long and hard about adding something, but really couldn't think of anything. Then I read the next question.
Many commuter train services in North America are beginning to offer 'quiet cars' on their service. A quiet car is a designated train car that is great for passengers who want an even more relaxing journey. Passengers are asked to refrain from conversations, using mobile phones and to reduce the volume of personal stereos.
If GO Transit designated a train car as a 'quiet car,' how likely would you be to use it? Please select one response only.
extremely likely
likely
unlikely
Are you freakin' kidding me?! I'm EXTREMELY LIKELY!
If GO Transit designated a train car as a 'quiet car,' would you use it instead of the train car you currently use most often? Please select one response only.
yes
no
unsure - please specify why
Hell yes! And who the hell is unsure? I bet it's the rowdies.
If GO Transit designated a train car as a 'quiet car,' how often would you like the quiet car to operate? Please select one response only.
all day on weekdays
only during peak periods (weekday morning and evening rush)
only on weekends
all the time
All the friggin' time!!
If GO Transit designated a train car as a 'quiet car,' how would you like this to be communicated to you? Please select all that apply.
in-train signs
in-train staff
decals on the outside of the train car
platform markers/signs.
I checked all four. I want it made crystal clear where I'm supposed to sit. I also want it to be crystal clear where loudmouths shouldn't. I want to be able to say to them "Hey! Did you NOT see the big ass logo on the side of the car before you boarded? Shut your pie hole!"
If GO Transit designated a train car as a 'quiet car,' how would you like the quiet car's etiquette to be enforced? Please select all that apply.
posters
CSA train announcements
self-regulation by passengers (peer pressure)
additional transit security personnel
quiet cards
Again, I checked all of them. I want it to be clear. I'm also more than a little disappointed that the choice of "Beatings" wasn't made available. I would have checked that one, too.
Would providing amenities in stations and on buses and trains have a positive or negative impact on your travels with GO Transit? Please click on your selection or drag the slider to your selection.
Sliding rule options:
very negative
negative
neutral
positive
very positive
unsure
Positive. Definitely positive. But let's face it, no matter what, I'll find something to bitch about.
How well do you feel offering amenities to our customers delivers on the GO Transit Passenger Charter promise to “Make your experience comfortable”? Please click on your selection or drag the slider to your selection.
Sliding rule options:
fails to deliver
delivers poorly
delivers
delivers very well
exceeds expectations
unsure
I chose delivers. As far as I'm concerned, they're doing their job. No more, no less. And being the cynic I am, I can't help but think they're offering these amenities to appease us. If we dazzle the passengers with shiny objects, maybe they won't notice our service sucks.
And finally, we came to the end...
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. If you have any other comments or suggestions for GO Transit please let us know in the box below.
Like I'm going to let this one go by without a comment! So I wrote:
I am most excited about the Quiet Car. I'm tired of loud talkers, dance-club cell phone ring tones and drunken sporting event/concert goers. The amenities in this survey are all good ideas to add to our commute. I can't help but wonder how much it will add to our cost.
So that's the survey. I hope you all filled yours in if you received one. If not, sign up. You can't bitch if you don't bitch.
They did, after all, ask me.
So I received a survey today. Let's go the through the questions, shall we?
(text in red are my comments and answers)
We’re conducting a survey to better understand what amenities and services you would like to see at our stations and on our trains and buses. GO Transit is committed to making your experience comfortable. We have made this promise to you in our Passenger Charter, and we are always finding ways to improve. (You could start with being on time) Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your participation is voluntary and your responses are kept confidential. The survey feedback we receive is used for planning future improvements.
We appreciate your time! Completing this survey will automatically enter you into our monthly draw to win one of three prizes. (I keep hoping I'll win a free year of commuting, but it never happens)
Thank you for participating!
And, here we go...
GO Transit is looking into various types of services that could be offered to you on your GO Transit commute. In order of preference, rank the top three amenities you would like to be offered:
Please rank the items by dragging each one to the desired rank.
coffee/tea
cold beverages
snacks
newspapers
wifi access
freephones to local taxi companies
window blinds
improved headrests
more luggage space
more room for bikes on GO
heated shelters
cupholders
hand holds for when standing on trains
bank machine
additional power outlets
I selected Wifi, hand holds, window blinds. I tried to add "better garbage receptacles" to the Additional Comments field, but it wouldn’t let me. It read “Please remove Other response in the text box.” If you don't want me to add additional information, why have the field there?
I know I've said many times that it would be nice to have a trolley tart walking up and down the aisles offering adult beverages (god knows I could use a martini after work most days!) but offering drinks and snacks would be a logistical nightmare. Not to mention the mess that would ensue. People can't even take away the wrappers from snacks they bring on themselves, why would GO Transit want to provide them with more arsenal? And there's already enough newspapers lying about the train.
I have mixed feelings about the luggage space. This is a commuter train, not a vacation train. How much shit are you bringing back and forth to work? And we do not need more space for bikes. Commuters are not supposed to bring bikes on the train during rush hour, so there should be no issue taking them off-peak time. There's barely enough room to stand, some days.
Heated shelters? HEATED shelters? How about shelters. Period.
I'm not even commenting on the bank machine thing.
Additional power outlets. Hmmm. Alright. It's not a priority for me, but I can see needing to plug in and charge. You forget sometimes and run low on juice. I get it. It's not on my list, but I may use it if it's available.
Which of the following Wi-Fi enabled devices do you use on most often on GO Transit? Please select all that apply:
smartphone
laptop
e-book
portable gaming system
tablet (ipad)
other
I selected smartphone, laptop and e-book. I admit, I started getting excited about the direction these questions were going.
Do you subscribe to a data plan? Please select one response only.
I forgot to note what the choices were, but I only have a plan for my cell. My wifi is home-based.
Do you tether your Smartphone with your laptop while on GO Transit? Tethering is when you use your Smartphone as a modem to connect your laptop to the internet. This can be done wirelessly through Bluetooth or wired through USB.
I said no. Cuz I don't.
Where would you like to find Wi-Fi access? Please select all that apply.
in stations
on train platforms
at the bus loop
on each train car
on a designated train car
on buses
other – please specify
I selected "on each train car" and "on buses". I figure I don't need to use it in the station, either at Union or Ajax. Though, in hindsight, having wifi when I'm stuck at Union Station might come in handy. I'm curious about what people entered for "other", though.
How frequently would you access Wi-Fi offered by GO Transit? Please select one response only.
daily
2-4 times per week
once a week
once a month
never - explain why
Um...Daily!
Would you be willing to pay for Wi-Fi on our bus or train services? Please select one response only.
Yes
No
NO! I'm already paying for shite service through the arse. The least GO can do is sweeten the deal a little.
Are there any other services or amenities you would like GO Transit to offer you on your commute?
Please be as specific as possible.
I left this blank. I thought long and hard about adding something, but really couldn't think of anything. Then I read the next question.
Many commuter train services in North America are beginning to offer 'quiet cars' on their service. A quiet car is a designated train car that is great for passengers who want an even more relaxing journey. Passengers are asked to refrain from conversations, using mobile phones and to reduce the volume of personal stereos.
If GO Transit designated a train car as a 'quiet car,' how likely would you be to use it? Please select one response only.
extremely likely
likely
unlikely
Are you freakin' kidding me?! I'm EXTREMELY LIKELY!
If GO Transit designated a train car as a 'quiet car,' would you use it instead of the train car you currently use most often? Please select one response only.
yes
no
unsure - please specify why
Hell yes! And who the hell is unsure? I bet it's the rowdies.
If GO Transit designated a train car as a 'quiet car,' how often would you like the quiet car to operate? Please select one response only.
all day on weekdays
only during peak periods (weekday morning and evening rush)
only on weekends
all the time
All the friggin' time!!
If GO Transit designated a train car as a 'quiet car,' how would you like this to be communicated to you? Please select all that apply.
in-train signs
in-train staff
decals on the outside of the train car
platform markers/signs.
I checked all four. I want it made crystal clear where I'm supposed to sit. I also want it to be crystal clear where loudmouths shouldn't. I want to be able to say to them "Hey! Did you NOT see the big ass logo on the side of the car before you boarded? Shut your pie hole!"
If GO Transit designated a train car as a 'quiet car,' how would you like the quiet car's etiquette to be enforced? Please select all that apply.
posters
CSA train announcements
self-regulation by passengers (peer pressure)
additional transit security personnel
quiet cards
Again, I checked all of them. I want it to be clear. I'm also more than a little disappointed that the choice of "Beatings" wasn't made available. I would have checked that one, too.
Would providing amenities in stations and on buses and trains have a positive or negative impact on your travels with GO Transit? Please click on your selection or drag the slider to your selection.
Sliding rule options:
very negative
negative
neutral
positive
very positive
unsure
Positive. Definitely positive. But let's face it, no matter what, I'll find something to bitch about.
How well do you feel offering amenities to our customers delivers on the GO Transit Passenger Charter promise to “Make your experience comfortable”? Please click on your selection or drag the slider to your selection.
Sliding rule options:
fails to deliver
delivers poorly
delivers
delivers very well
exceeds expectations
unsure
I chose delivers. As far as I'm concerned, they're doing their job. No more, no less. And being the cynic I am, I can't help but think they're offering these amenities to appease us. If we dazzle the passengers with shiny objects, maybe they won't notice our service sucks.
And finally, we came to the end...
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. If you have any other comments or suggestions for GO Transit please let us know in the box below.
Like I'm going to let this one go by without a comment! So I wrote:
I am most excited about the Quiet Car. I'm tired of loud talkers, dance-club cell phone ring tones and drunken sporting event/concert goers. The amenities in this survey are all good ideas to add to our commute. I can't help but wonder how much it will add to our cost.
So that's the survey. I hope you all filled yours in if you received one. If not, sign up. You can't bitch if you don't bitch.
Monday, June 20, 2011
I normally take the 07:15 from Ajax. It's a longer train (length, I mean, not commute time). For a while I was taking the 07:01. It's a shorter train and usually standing-room-only.
I was also surprised (and annoyed) by how rambunctious this train is. There were days I wanted to slip tranquilizers into everyone's coffee.
I experimented for several months, trying out different cars, joining the various scrums to get on the train. Nothing seemed to fit.
So I went back to my 07:15.
The thing is, my husband drops me off on his way to work. I get to the train in plenty of time to catch the 07:01. So I wait.
In the winter, I waited at the bottom of the escalator, behind the elevator, well out of the way of everyone sprinting for the train. It was entertaining to watch everyone hustle. And I don't know why I was surprised to see so many people block the bottom of the escalator. If you're not going up immediately, get the hell outta the way so everyone else can get through.
Now that it's nice weather, I want to be outside, enjoy the bit of sun before I'm chained to my desk for ten hours. So I wander up with everyone else.
I normally sit in the first car which, for the 07:15, is way at the other end of the platform. The 07:01, having fewer cars, stops shorter. Since I've come back to the 07:15, I've joined the scrum waiting for the 07:01 front car. I don't want to look like an idiot, standing all alone at the end of the platform. I just know everyone will think I'm clueless and have no idea that the train won't be stopping anywhere near where I'm standing.
So I wait with the others. And when the train leaves, I wander down to the end of the platform and wait.
But this morning I thought, 'the hell with it. I don't need to explain my actions. And I really don't give a shit what anyone else thinks.'
So I went to my usual spot for the 07:15. And waited. I turned my back to everyone else, so that at least the conductor would know I wasn't a moron, and I pulled out my BlackBerry and passed the time with a game of Word Mole.
I hear the train pull in. It stops way behind me. There's a quiet toot of the horn. A few seconds pass. Then...
an ear-deafening blast of the horn for at least three seconds.
I've been taking the GO for more than ten years. The train has never blasted the horn in the station. There is no doubt he blasted it for me.
I turned very slowly. I know he couldn't see my facial expression, but I mouthed "What?!" and shot him a WTF look.
Though I'm quite sure they were bantering about how much of a ditz I am, I appreciate the thoughtfulness, but my ears haven't stopped ringing.
I was also surprised (and annoyed) by how rambunctious this train is. There were days I wanted to slip tranquilizers into everyone's coffee.
I experimented for several months, trying out different cars, joining the various scrums to get on the train. Nothing seemed to fit.
So I went back to my 07:15.
The thing is, my husband drops me off on his way to work. I get to the train in plenty of time to catch the 07:01. So I wait.
In the winter, I waited at the bottom of the escalator, behind the elevator, well out of the way of everyone sprinting for the train. It was entertaining to watch everyone hustle. And I don't know why I was surprised to see so many people block the bottom of the escalator. If you're not going up immediately, get the hell outta the way so everyone else can get through.
Now that it's nice weather, I want to be outside, enjoy the bit of sun before I'm chained to my desk for ten hours. So I wander up with everyone else.
I normally sit in the first car which, for the 07:15, is way at the other end of the platform. The 07:01, having fewer cars, stops shorter. Since I've come back to the 07:15, I've joined the scrum waiting for the 07:01 front car. I don't want to look like an idiot, standing all alone at the end of the platform. I just know everyone will think I'm clueless and have no idea that the train won't be stopping anywhere near where I'm standing.
So I wait with the others. And when the train leaves, I wander down to the end of the platform and wait.
But this morning I thought, 'the hell with it. I don't need to explain my actions. And I really don't give a shit what anyone else thinks.'
So I went to my usual spot for the 07:15. And waited. I turned my back to everyone else, so that at least the conductor would know I wasn't a moron, and I pulled out my BlackBerry and passed the time with a game of Word Mole.
I hear the train pull in. It stops way behind me. There's a quiet toot of the horn. A few seconds pass. Then...
an ear-deafening blast of the horn for at least three seconds.
I've been taking the GO for more than ten years. The train has never blasted the horn in the station. There is no doubt he blasted it for me.
I turned very slowly. I know he couldn't see my facial expression, but I mouthed "What?!" and shot him a WTF look.
Though I'm quite sure they were bantering about how much of a ditz I am, I appreciate the thoughtfulness, but my ears haven't stopped ringing.
Friday, June 17, 2011
There is a man I see most mornings on the GO Train platform. He is rather tall, freakishly thin and has a somewhat concave posture. He walks like an Olympic speed walker, swinging his briefcase as though he’s in a military parade.
As he plows his way across the platform, he practically pushes people aside, marching to his spot, about three cars from the front. When he gets there, he is miles ahead of everyone else.
He glances back—just to be sure he’s alone—then he walks over to the platform edge, presses a finger against one nostril, inhales deeply, and shoots a snot rocket that would make any yokel green with envy. No pun intended.
This happens most days and it’s beyond gross.
It’s fucking disgusting.
So, I have a message for Skinny Douchebag:
Grow up. You’re not a kid anymore. Show a little class. You wear a fucking suit to work, for chrissake, and carry a briefcase like a grown up. Try to act like one.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
There are certain platforms at Union Station that just weren’t meant to carry more than a handful of passengers. They are narrow and commuters must hug the wall unless they want to be whisked away by an oncoming train. Which would create a huge delay.
And after just one post, you all know how the GO Transit Bitch feels about that.
What makes it worse are the idiot riders who insist on standing shoulder to shoulder, blocking the width of an already-narrow path, not allowing others to pass by. To squeeze by these assholes, one has to walk along the edge of the platform, risking falling onto the tracks.
And if you’ve listened to the Ambassador’s announcement, crossing train tracks is both prohibited and illegal. I imagine falling onto said tracks is covered under the same category.
If you want to queue up to go down the first set of stairs (you lazy fucker, you) then move over and allow everyone else to pass by. Some of us walk the length of the platform; or at least walk to the next stairwell.
The world doesn’t revolve around you, you imbecile.
It revolves around me.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Like many GO Riders, I receive the GO E-News Alerts. For the record, these emails are a waste of time.
Take tonight for instance.
At 21:06 I received an email that the 21:13 train trip is estimated to be delayed 30-40 minutes due to an equipment issue affecting an earlier train. Yeah, thanks GO Transit. I was already in Union Station and could read the sign.
If the train is going to be delayed this long, and it's due to issues with an earlier train, wouldn't GO Transit know that the train is going to be delayed? Why do they wait until the last possible minute to tell us? If they'd said something earlier, I would have found an alternate route home. Instead, I'm sitting in Union Station, waiting for the train, with my thumb up my ass.
Not literally, of course.
The sign announces the train will arrive at 21:45. It doesn't, of course. None of the regular commuters are surprised by this. It rolls in at 21:53. The announcer (they call them Ambassadors...that's another blog for another day) is hurrying us along, telling everyone to get on the train so we can get going.
Are you fucking kidding me?
To add insult to injury, AFTER the train departs the station, they announce it will terminate at Whitby, one stop short of its usual route.
What about the people who were going to Oshawa?
They'll be bussed.
Oh, that's convenient.
Nice going, GO Transit.
Fucking fuckers.
Take tonight for instance.
At 21:06 I received an email that the 21:13 train trip is estimated to be delayed 30-40 minutes due to an equipment issue affecting an earlier train. Yeah, thanks GO Transit. I was already in Union Station and could read the sign.
If the train is going to be delayed this long, and it's due to issues with an earlier train, wouldn't GO Transit know that the train is going to be delayed? Why do they wait until the last possible minute to tell us? If they'd said something earlier, I would have found an alternate route home. Instead, I'm sitting in Union Station, waiting for the train, with my thumb up my ass.
Not literally, of course.
The sign announces the train will arrive at 21:45. It doesn't, of course. None of the regular commuters are surprised by this. It rolls in at 21:53. The announcer (they call them Ambassadors...that's another blog for another day) is hurrying us along, telling everyone to get on the train so we can get going.
Are you fucking kidding me?
To add insult to injury, AFTER the train departs the station, they announce it will terminate at Whitby, one stop short of its usual route.
What about the people who were going to Oshawa?
They'll be bussed.
Oh, that's convenient.
Nice going, GO Transit.
Fucking fuckers.
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