Not the usual Katie blogging today, but a Caitlin nonetheless. We are commuters, GO train commuters. Katie is fortunate enough to get a ride from time to time, while I ride the GO everyday from Burlington to Long Branch. Remember the show Train48? It aired on Global for about two years. I think the idea was better than the show itself. Sometimes I think I should be on that show. Each episode tracked the lives of 12 daily commuters from Burlington to Union Station. Commuters just like me.
TIP #1: When sharing a four-seat quadrant on the GO, always sit diagonally from the other passenger.
Although we are social beings, when it comes to conversing with strangers we need some personal space. Wherever row seating is present it is preferable to leave a few seats between you and other people. There is always an empty space whether it is at the bus stop, the doctor’s office, on the subway or at the movie theatre. For some reason it’s uncomfortable to sit right next to someone.
TIP #2: Keep conversations to a minimum.
Nothing is more annoying than a loud conversation in the morning. That being said- I’m not saying don’t talk at all; just don’t let the whole train in on the conversation.
Last week, I was riding to school with a friend Kara and we were having a quiet discussion. Behind me was a group of four businessmen. They were not having a quiet discussion but rather a full blown conversation. I could hear their conversation perfectly, but since I too was talking this did not bother me.
Well, there was another man wearing torn jeans, heavy boots, and cycling gloves sitting in the quadrant next to me. The chatter frustrated him as he read his metro newspaper. All of the sudden, this man leans towards me and says, “Excuse me, can you keep it down?”
How do I respond? I’m not being nearly as disruptive as the four businessmen behind me? I’m not swearing, laughing or on the phone. 
“Um…yea… sure,” I said. “Sorry?”
I was pissed. There is no way this torn jeans man would have confronted the four businessmen. I was a strategic target. I’m a young lady and in his mind am inferior. By telling me to be quiet he accomplished two things. He not only got me to shut up, but he also managed to get the four businessmen to shut up. And he did this without causing himself any shame or embarrassment.
Guest blog by Caitlin McNamee-Lamb
@caitlinmlamb
OH the politics we have to deal with as Go Train riders! I think that our exchanges are far more interesting than anything I ever saw on Train 48. My tip: Never under any circumstances should you use the washrooms on the train. Great post, I think that you should keep adding to the tips list as more great tips come to you!
ReplyDeleteI am in argeeance about the no use of the onboard bathroom rule! Great idea Kara we'll keep adding, maybe you can write the next one!
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