The Bart fire
I took my car in for an estimate early this morning. Total damages: $2500 and 5 days to repair. I drove home, which seems surreal to do in the city, and parked my car back in the same spot it got hit in.
I sat at home for an hour, mulled over my options, then took the 38 line to the Powell Bart station. About halfway to Montgomery station, the train lights flickered and the train came to an abrupt halt.
“I’ve lost rail power.” the operator said with a confused and uncertain voice.
“…there is a report of a fire on the tracks. I can’t open the doors.”
There was a long pause, then the operator came back.
“We are going to be here for a while. If you want to get off, please come to the front of the train and exit to the platform.” As luck would have it, the train was halfway into the next station so I didn’t have to walk in the dank underground tunnel. It could be worse, imagine being stuck in the transbay tube!
I deboarded, walking across 8 cabins, and saw smoke bellowing out into the station. Leaving as quickly as possible seemed like a wise idea.
Upon reaching the surface, I saw thick, black smoke coming out of Market street and out of the station entrances. Fire trucks and ambulances screamed up and down the street, and it was then it suddenly dawned on me that I had no way to work.
Fuck.
The Transbay Terminal offers service via AC Transit bus to Oakland. AC is rather expensive, at $3.50 one way, but I figured it would be an adventure so I took the bus to work, and I was so impressed I took the bus back.
The bus is slow, but the views are amazing. On the way there I could see the entire bay from the bus window, and on the slow and painful ride back I could see all the construction on the new bridge, a detailed look that I’d never see driving of Treasure Island, and a stunning view as I approached down town.
I think I might take the ferry home one of these days. Possibly the most expensive and slow way to get home at $5.50 one way, I hear that evening service offers electrical outlets, food, and alcohol. Now if only the bus and train could offer such creature comforts.
Average Bart commute: 20 minutes
Average AC Transit NL commute: 30 eastbound, 50 westbound.
I’ll stick to Bart for day to day commutes, but if I ever want an uncrowded ride with a nice view, AC Transit is the way to go.