All-inclusive Randomness

BART is my new friend. We’d met a couple times before, but this month we’ve hung out a lot, and she’s pretty cool. We enjoy books together, meet random people, and BART always agrees do be the designated driver if I’m drinking. What a friend.

Even though BART does so much for me, sometimes she grates on my nerves.

The other day I tried to talk to her about it. I said to her: “I feel frustrated when I don’t know when you are coming and then you avoid the subject, talking about keeping safe and new routes on the announcement screen.”

She got all defensive, saying, “I always come at the same time. Is it really that complicated? I even posted the times. It’s not my fault you don’t remember or can’t read.”

“But you’re always late,” I said. “And…”

“I am on time 94% of the time,” interrupted BART, annoyed.

“Well, I guess I’m just in the lucky 6% then.” I replied. I remembered I was trying to be nice. “Look, I miss you when you’re gone. I would worry less if the announcement screen always showed how soon you’re coming rather than every five minutes or so.”

“You worry about me?” She asked, startled. “If I’d known, I would have worked to change. It may take sometime, but we can work this out.”

I would believe her but she’s not German.

—–

Remember that guy who made the iPod transit maps causing all sorts of ruckus? Remember how my friend BART sent a cease and desist letter almost immediately to Mr. iPodSubwayMaps? Well, she released her version a week ago.

In search of information for my coming expose on commuting in the Bay Area, I found this in
Gary Richards Q&A:

Q: Dear Gary, I drive highway 85 and 280 each day from San Jose to Palo Alto. High speeds and tailgating are making this drive more and more stressful. In all the years I have driven this route I can count on one hand the number of cars pulled over by the CHP. Does the CHP no longer enforce traffic laws? The CHP does make a big show about once a year but that is it. Is there any hope of slowing the notoriously impatient silicon valley driver?
Steve, San Jose, CA 10/05/05

A: They are out more than that, but I’ll alert them to your concerns.
Gary Richards 10/05/05

Steve from San Jose - if other drivers are driving at speeds you are uncomfortable with and tailgating you, GET THE HELL OUT OF THE FAST LANE(S).