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.
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'.
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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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