Grief Griefing!

That was one of the worst commuting experiences of recent memory. The ride back home earlier tonight was an absolute disaster. While waiting for the E train on the 34th Street platform, there was the usual rush-hour infestation of people piling into the station. The problem is that the E wasn’t coming. People kept coming, like a freaking swarm of insects at twilight, but there was no relief. There wasn’t even an E train within sight. Then they announced over the loudspeaker that there was a stalled E, and trains were “running at slower speeds.” The ever-growing crowd became unbearable. I switched to the A (express) track, then back to the local. Eventually I got onto a packed C train (just when I was about to head back for the A) and took it one stop to 42nd Street. From there I could be seen darting past others, weaving and slicing my way through the crowd, through the underpass to Times Square, where I boarded a 7 express train. That train, too, had delays, but at least those were tolerable. Then when we arrived in Flushing and I walked to the Q44 bus stop, I saw that I wasn’t the only one with that brilliant idea. There were far too many people there, and I had to wait for the next bus. If it was good weather, this whole ordeal would have been horrible. But it was raining; the weather [stunk]. I’m still upset about it now, many hours after the nightmare ended. Overall grade: F

The E train today was a disaster. It was ridiculously crowded and awfully hot, and I didn’t even get a pole to hold onto, but that wasn’t the main problem. We were delayed terribly. The train repeatedly, and for painfully long stretches, stopped between stations. So, there we were – underground, somewhere beneath Queens Boulevard – stuck, with nowhere to go. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I say a facial expression is worth a thousand pictures. During those difficult times, when there seemed to be no hope at all, I kept my sanity by looking around at the faces of all those around me. If I wouldn’t have been in that sorrowful place, I might have found it to be outright funny. Everyone just looked so sad. Let me tell you, folks, there was no joy on that train. Zero. The Angel of Gladness himself wouldn’t have been able to spread good cheer. In fact, it’s possible that it would have affected him too. We were trapped in the dreaded Land Where the Sun Never Shines. We all knew we’d be very late, and with no cell phone reception we were cut off from the outside world. There was nothing any of us could do about it. The MTA had us firmly within their grasp. I have never before felt so violated. Overall grade: F

That bus driver should be fired. I’m serious. After picking up passengers, she (I’m not passing judgment on women bus drivers in general; I’m merely presenting the facts as I deem relevant. I just happen to believe this piece of information is extremely relevant.) stopped the bus. We sat there for 5 whole minutes. There were no passengers running for the bus or anything. She merely stopped and we waited. Now, there’s a law in New York about talking to bus operators, so we passengers avoided speaking directly to her. One guy sitting to my right (addressing either himself, or the other passengers) exclaimed out loud, “She always does this. She’s gonna make 40 people late because she has to keep to her schedule.” Another frustrated passenger replied very loudly, “If there’s a dispatcher at the station, we could always tell him about this.” We all grumbled grumblings and moaned moanings and muttered mutterings, but to no avail.

It was insane. Fire her! Overall grade: F

That subway ride was incredible. The only thing I can think of is that another train had just come and left the station seconds before. When I got to the station, an E train arrived immediately. That happens from time to time, but the following never does. I got a seat. Not only did I have a seat, I had an entire row of seats to myself. Of course, I took the end seat, where I leaned my head back against the wall. The “seats” are blue-gray and flat, all the way across. I was able to actually see the color of the seats while sitting down. This was during rush hour, people, rush hour! There were even seats after Roosevelt Avenue. I couldn’t believe it.

I’m still in shock. Overall grade: A+

Yesterday’s ride home was a disaster. The train stopped in between stations for about an hour, not moving at all. Apparently someone was hit by a train. I would imagine that that stinks. Wow. Allright, I didn’t have it as bad as that poor fellow, but still - it was really annoying. Plus, I had to go to the bathroom. Overall grade: F