Posted on 12/18/2010 4:24:33 PM PST by dynachrome
I can.
I got a job by DC and I’m central MD. Luckily, not far from trains (the original US railroads).
DC is a NIGHTMARE for traffic. The signs stink, circles and all confusing road systems, and everyone and their brother is going in and around. I tried the natural route 1st, found there is GUARANTEED semi-truck turnover every afternoon at the 270 split, then tried the 295 route (having to drive thru town). Slow traffic and generally a massive accident every week or so somewhere there.
I tried the train. At least on the evil “public transport” you get to sleep. I had to get up earlier (my tracks had limited trains), but it was worth it. I didn’t have to stay awake, or could do whatever I wanted while sitting there, reading, etc. I even put up with having to transfer to the Metro subway; about 1-1/2 hrs. Again, a small inconvenience compared to keeping eyes peeled for a full hour (or more, with accidents) each end. Rarely did I have “lateness” issues, certainly compared to the car.
My commander told me I remind him of that character. He must of meant it as a compliment because he wrote me a glowing letter of recommendation for my JROTC Instructor package.
Oh, that’s 1 of the beauties of trains, still - you can go where you damn well please, any time. You can walk a long way if your train is long. Can’t do any of that on a plane or (yikes) bus. But no, you’re no longer allowed to even hang in the vestibules between cars. I did that as a kid, and even on historic railways they rarely let you do that any more. They probably don’t even allow open windows any more. So, you suffocate when the AC breaks. God, I hate safety NAZIs.
You forgot to mention the Free WiFi. Don’t you like Free WiFi?
Some inter-city buses (MegaBus) have free wifi.
Yep. And there are buses that go from Chinatown to Chinatown in all the major cities from DC to Boston -- cheap! $35 roun tlip!
No doubt. And I’ll bet the color yellow makes him sad.
It’s not really free; our tax dollars pay for it...
Marginal free is good. Like Free Parking. Free Parking is what made America Great. Where there is no free parking is likely a ‘rat hellhole.
Also hard to believe there isn’t some form of portable
exitway available.
Nope. I am from Columbia, and as I said, lucky I was near the original still-used B&O RR system.
That was 15 years ago.
There was some pain to it, but not as much pain as driving.
It all depends on your exact situation which is best.
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