More Metrolink

I'll try to make this one shorter ;)

Now that the new routes are in service, and many bus lines are feeding into the Metrolink stations, I've noticed a severe increase in the number of riders, both on the morning train to school and the afternoon train home. This has been especially bad on the 3:27 train Eastbound, because it's the first of the rush-hour 10-minute interval trains, and the first Eastbound train for 25 minutes (the last one leaves UM-North at 3:02).

I should mention, also, that yes, I'd just as soon wait for the next train at 3:37, but I have to BE at Target at 4:30, and I'm already a late person as is. I can't afford to wait.

Anyway, the problem with this huge crowd is that it just gets bigger and bigger at each successive stop. People don't seem to know what to do, and since this is not a big city with constant rushes like this, no one really knows how to take it in stride. No one goes and stands in the middle aisle, no one gives up their seats for those who might need them more than others, no one opens paths for those getting off, and the people getting on at the stops immediately crowd in wherever they think they can.

It's rough. And at times, slightly scary. People seem cranky and tired and at the moment, hot, and unwilling to be very tolerant.

I thought it couldn't hurt to pass along my feelings to the folks at Metrolink, because I know it's not just a one-time deal, it's happened every Tuesday and Thursday this semester. I also wanted to suggest them moving back the first 10 min. rush hour train to 3:17, to help alleviate things a bit. I mean, one train would really make a huge difference, and it couldn't be that hard, right?

Actually, I imagine scheduling those trains is a logistical feat, even with software simulations, and it would not be very likely to happen, but I figured it didn't hurt to ask.

I wrote the customer service department last night around midnight. I got my first response this morning at 10:30, from a representative who explained how they determine whether or not a train is beyond desired capacity (it's 216 passengers by the way), and that she would forward my comments on.

I got my second response, this time from a person in the scheduling department, at 4 pm. I am totally impressed with their response times. And this guy told me that they were aware of the problem, and looking at switching one of the trains from leaving Shrewsbury to leave Lambert at this time. They think it will benefit more riders, but it is not likely to happen until November.

All new things have kinks to work out, but I really am impressed that the people at Metro actually listened to my issue and gave me realistic and quick answers. AND something is being done. Not because I asked, but still, it's good to know that someone is looking out for the little guy (or girl, as I happen to be).