I was feeling pretty proud of myself navigating NJT (New Jersey Transit) without a delay. The ticket machine was working and the cars half empty. I made it through the labyrinth of Penn Station and waved my credit card for the MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority). Then, I boarded the waiting train uptown. I was actually, at that moment, ahead of schedule and feeling proud.
There were diverse people from all walks of life crowded onto that train. There were many languages, every possible skin tone, and every hair color imaginable. I took notice of the bell bottom jeans and hoped this trend would stay out of the burbs. I watched in awe as determined parents held onto strollers, scooters, toddlers and infants as if they did it every day.
I was finishing my coffee when I realized something was wrong. The train was flying, very, very fast. I could see the blur of stations but could not recognize streets and the conductor made no effort to slow down. For a second, images of the old movie, Speed, flashed in my head.
No one else seemed to be bothered as we flew uptown, slowing finally, at 96th Street. I got off and began to search for option for heading back downtown. Perhaps, my sigh was audible. "I love the Express," a woman with a heavy accent said slowly, "but I bet you wanted the local? You have to go outside due to the construction, follow me?" Moments later, she was gone and I was on the LOCAL.
Someday, it is possible the underground transit network may be the recipient of massive funds to renovate and improve its aging trains and update their signs. I do hope the cross section of humanity and the kindness of strangers is maintained.
7 comments:
Oh no! such a bummer you got on the wrong train- hopefully your coffee lasted the trip back!
YIKES to that speedy express! and for missing the local. I was getting anxious in that description of the speed, blurred stations, and everyone's strange nonchalance - it felt rather Twilight Zone-ish!
This brought back all the memories of taking the wrong bus in London and ending up far outside the city on a non-return route and having to walk a long way to a nearby station to get help getting back. I am sooooo glad you had someone to help you and found a slice of kindness along the way. Thank goodness for people who take notes and aren't afraid to speak up to help.
Wow, that would be something to love, if you wanted to bypass downtown and get somewhere fast. I'm glad you were ahead of schedule, so maybe you weren't too late. I love the musing at the end--the great diversity and the kindness of strangers makes the world seem a smaller and more wonderful place.
I have ridden express trains going from Manhattan to Brooklyn where my aunt lived. I remember zooming through stations where we didn’t stop. You could barely read the name of the station. Glad there was a kind soul to direct you. arjeha
Anita,
Not being accustomed to public transportation, my husband and I always get on the wrong train at least once when we travel. I’m glad a kind stranger was there to help and love that hire kindness shatters big city stereotypes.
Thank heavens for the kind soul who saw you and helped you out. Your story is the stuff of my nightmares: getting on the wrong train. There's probably a metaphor there somewhere, but for now, I'll settle for a good story, well told. Thank you!
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