Author Topic: Transit Culture  (Read 1262 times)

0 Members and 5 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Michael Hardner

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12472
Transit Culture
« on: June 13, 2017, 05:50:03 pm »
Do people here use transit ?

I mostly walked to work since 2007 but I am currently not able to walk as much so I have been noting my transit culture closely.

I mostly travel at rush hour, wherein 99% of the people know how to do it and if you get one person who doesn't it throws everything off.  Despite the bad press, it works well for me and I get a seat on the subway most days.  Streetcars aren't part of my trip now, but I rarely got a seat on one.

I think I have had maybe 1 bad rush hour experience (impolite person) in 10 years.  To compare, I have had one medical collapse (next car over) and one jumper hit the train in that time, although the jumper was Saturday afternoon.  He was not killed as far as I could tell - he bounced back to the platform.

Mostly transit is good for looking at people and nurturing your inner monologue with these strangers.  I think Toronto people are well-dressed and worth looking it.  I look at their clothes and bodies, especially women.  It's ok, I'm discrete.  Spring is the best because sundresses, shorts and pump sandals come out.  I would love it if there were a club where you could just go up and ask people about themselves, it's intriguing.

I hope I never have to commute by car.  Tell me if you use transit, or if you have questions and I will answer them best I can. 

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter


Offline Queefer Sutherland

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10187
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2017, 07:18:40 pm »
The times I've visited downtown Toronto, yes people are exceptionally well-dressed.  You're looking at people who are young, urban & trendy, and often well-off  (compared to typical mid-sized Canadian city population), and the ones who aren't well-off play keeping-up-with-the-jones'.  Seems like 1/3 of everyone in the city drives an Audi, BMW, or Mercedez...the cars in TO are ridiculous.

Transit culture I actually hate. Public transit...the people are weird and smelly...it's weird nobody ever talks to each other, but also a good thing people are quiet & don't bother me.  Driving...people can be quite rude and selfish often...the bigger the city, the least likely people will let you in if you're changing lanes, especially at rush hour.
"Nipples is one of the great minds of our time!" - Bubbermiley

Offline Michael Hardner

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12472
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2017, 07:44:42 pm »
The times I've visited downtown Toronto, yes people are exceptionally well-dressed.  You're looking at people who are young, urban & trendy, and often well-off  (compared to typical mid-sized Canadian city population), and the ones who aren't well-off play keeping-up-with-the-jones'.  Seems like 1/3 of everyone in the city drives an Audi, BMW, or Mercedez...the cars in TO are ridiculous.

The cars are crazy and I don't understand it.  I drive for transportation not to burn money.

I was getting ready to post this so I took notice of the people on my way home tonight.  I came from the dentist so I was against the rush hour push and I took a streetcar too.  I noted that the people, even the ones who weren't young or particularly fit, took care in their appearance so that is why I posted this.

Quote

Transit culture I actually hate. Public transit...the people are weird and smelly...it's weird nobody ever talks to each other, but also a good thing people are quiet & don't bother me.  Driving...people can be quite rude and selfish often...the bigger the city, the least likely people will let you in if you're changing lanes, especially at rush hour.
  Car culture yes.  I think transit is different though.

Offline kimmy

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 5033
  • Location: Kim City BC
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #3 on: June 13, 2017, 09:32:38 pm »
I'm pretty fortunate to live in a town where I can often walk or bike to work if I wish and if I drive the traffic isn't especially upsetting. When I'm home here in Kim City, I never use public transit.

I have a vehicle that is not especially fuel efficient; on the other hand my vehicle can traverse rough terrain and unreasonable conditions that might grind a Prius to a halt.  My decision to trade in my more fuel-efficient vehicle for this more versatile vehicle was prompted by the desire for more recreational possibilities, and the possibility of driving winter mountain roads to visit my special friend in Vancouver more often.

When I do get to Vancouver, I find driving to be stressful and aggravating.  I use public transit when I go there; particularly the SkyTrain.

 -k
Paris - London - New York - Kim City

Offline JMT

  • Administrator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3462
  • Location: Waterhen, Manitoba
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2017, 11:35:02 pm »
I was in Vancouver last weekend.  I drove.  It's definitely stressful.  Especially downtown and Granville Island.

Offline Michael Hardner

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12472
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2017, 06:10:39 am »
So far I'm the only one on 'transit'....  :D

Offline Michael Hardner

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12472
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2017, 08:23:43 am »
Transit check today - everything aligns with my description:

- All people well-dressed and polite
- Crying baby on train, likely going to a medical appt with guardian.  Riders patient and no scornful looks
- On escalators - stand right, walk left executed perfectly

Transit is like a strange urban square dance.  Observations will be ongoing from your faithful reporter.

Offline JMT

  • Administrator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3462
  • Location: Waterhen, Manitoba
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2017, 09:19:44 am »
So far I'm the only one on 'transit'....  :D

I love transit - except in Chicago.  I hated it there.   

Offline Michael Hardner

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12472
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2017, 09:51:40 am »
I love transit - except in Chicago.  I hated it there.

I like being up in the air on the subway.  It only happens a little bit on the TTC, most gloriously over the Don Valley on line 2.  There's nothing like taking the Paris Metro line 6 from Trocadero to Bir-Hakeim and seeing the Eiffel Tower in its pose over the Seine River.

guest18

  • Guest
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2017, 10:47:14 am »
This Youtube video is a classic example of Transit in Winnipeg. I like to ride my bike.

Offline JMT

  • Administrator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3462
  • Location: Waterhen, Manitoba
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2017, 12:41:23 pm »
I like being up in the air on the subway.  It only happens a little bit on the TTC, most gloriously over the Don Valley on line 2.  There's nothing like taking the Paris Metro line 6 from Trocadero to Bir-Hakeim and seeing the Eiffel Tower in its pose over the Seine River.

The L is disgusting. 

Offline Michael Hardner

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12472
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2017, 01:16:33 pm »
The L is disgusting.

The TTC has become less disgusting in recent years.  I think they have found ways to use non-union, volunteers, and others to provide additional services.  In any case, it's better.

Offline JMT

  • Administrator
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3462
  • Location: Waterhen, Manitoba
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #12 on: June 14, 2017, 03:26:15 pm »
The TTC has become less disgusting in recent years.  I think they have found ways to use non-union, volunteers, and others to provide additional services.  In any case, it's better.

I first visited Toronto in 2009.  The TTC has never struck me as disgusting.  It might not be as clean as the MTR in Hong Kong though.

Offline Michael Hardner

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12472
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #13 on: June 14, 2017, 05:49:30 pm »
Transit check tonight.  530 pm, *just* post rush-hour.  Most everyone got a seat.  Everyone well dressed.  Polite conversation.  Clean car. 

Next update is tomorrow.... :)

Offline Michael Hardner

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12472
Re: Transit Culture
« Reply #14 on: June 15, 2017, 08:07:18 am »
All good today this AM.  People looked angry.  I had to tap a young black kid on the shoulder, because he had his eyes closed and was blocking an open seat.  But everybody played by the rules.  Discordant note - the escalator at Osgoode was out so you had to walk up.

Aren't these fascinating ?    :P