« 39½ (part 2) | Main | Cuban refugee died in mad dash to freedom in America. »

July 7, 2006

Late again!

This morning's Tri-Rail was fifteen minutes behind schedule, making it the third time the train has been significantly late this week. Our light-rail system suffers from severe dysfunction. Tri-Rail shares tracks with CSX, as well as Amtrak, neither of which seems to be able to maintain a schedule with any degree of regularity.

Tri-Rail at Delray Beach, Florida
This train, heading in the other direction, was late too.
But this event is really no more that what should be expected from a metropolitan area that only considers mass transit with an afterthought.

My difficulties with Tri-Rail started last month on June 19 when I bought a monthly pass. The vending machine presents me with a pass that reads JUN 06. The monthly pass is good for a calendar month. I attempted to contact Tri-Rail and was put off twice that week. Only a week later was I able to speak with the individual in charge of ticket refunds. The answer?

"You should have sent that ticket back right away!"

Ah, bureaucracy!

Waiting for the delayed train, I decide to purchase a beverage from the vending machine in the station. As I watch another regular rider walk from the machine frustrated, I attempt to offer it my dollar. It seems the power to the machine is off. The elevator and escalator are non-functional as well.

Nobody has shown up today at the Cypress Creek station to turn on the power.

Posted by Bastique at July 7, 2006 8:15 AM

Comments

Post a comment




Remember Me?

(you may use HTML tags for style)