It must be some sight to see: a 6′1 male running down the escalator and flying over a rollerbag. As my friend Sherrod says, “I look out the corner of my eye thinking it is a dog, but then I’m sad when I realize it is just a bag.”

I plan to:
* Drink (Jason is driving)
* Swim (not while drunk)
* Geekout
* Eat bbq-like objects

Now if I could only sleep. I guess I will just sit here and bounce on my yoga ball in front of the computer until I get tired.

I was wondering why my DMV fees were so high — so enjoy a ride on one of the 25 transit agencies on my dime. No really, go ahead, and don’t forget to exit using the rear doors (STEP DOWN!!!).

(ridership goes up 10%, or 155,000 people, on STA days)

I’ve been doing research on the state of the various transit systems in the bay area lately. This time around I took a look at eBart, the Bart expansion from Pittsburg to Byron.

First of all, I think any expansion of Bart is a good idea — I’ve felt for some time now that Bart is a good system: always on time, reduces suburban traffic, and joins together Bay Area economic centers. It has it’s problems, like not always being the cleanest thing in the world, and it is sort of expensive. In the end I still feel Bart is an extremely good deal for a single traveler, though for a family it can be pricer than a cab, depending on how far they are traveling.

All of that said, I must wonder out loud why it takes 5 years to build a 23 mile route? Actually, according to their timeline, construction is a whopping 2.5 years! What are they doing for the other 2 and a half? “Scoping” and “Right of Way”. Does it really take 5 years to do all this? I’m not a project manager by any extent of the imagination, but maybe 24 months would be enough time for only 23 miles! It certainly doesn’t take that long for a freeway.

I won’t even ask why they didn’t start on this project until 2005; over 30 years since Bart was put into revenue service. Is the price of gas starting to hurt or something? Too many cars on your 6 lane freeways?

I like how I can say “meet me at 24th street Bart” and that is also considered normal. Meeting at train stations is my idea romantic.

Anyway, meet me at Powell station near the cable car turn-around.

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.