Like getting on the 6:43 pm Lakeshore West train as opposed to the 6:43 Lakeshore East train.
In your texting haze, you will climb up the stairs to the wrong platform. You will watch as the train pulls in from the wrong direction (but you're not focusing on that) and you will get on. You will miss the announcements and it's not until you look up and don't recognize a soul and begin to comprehend the train is moving west, not east, will you jump up in panic and flee to the accessibility coach.
I'm not the first to do this on this train, the CSA told me. He said the leaderboards are deceiving to those who are rushing and can only manage a glance (the two Lakeshore lines being listed one on top of the other) before they hightail it up the stairs to the wrong platform.
I nodded. That's not what happened to me but it sounded like the best excuse for my stupidity so I played along.
This is the first time I've ever done this. Thankfully I could get off at Exhibition and catch the 7 pm train back to Union.
I felt like such a tool.
I *almost* did the same thing when I took the Richmond Hill line. Raced up to the platform, didn't check the board on the way up and grabbed a seat. Doors closed. Panic ensues.
ReplyDeleteTurns out I was on the right train (but a hour later than normal). At least you didn't have to wait long to catch the right train. And you didn't have to deal with Door Donkeys!
The Milton and Barrie trains share the same platform in the afternoon. One of the CSA's announces over the loudspeaker "This is the Milton train, not Barrie". Obviously CJ you aren't the only one that's done it!!
ReplyDeleteBut yah, you're still a tool! ;-)
I'm an LSW'er traveling to Aldershot. I've never gone east, but I have gotten on a train that terminates in Clarkson or Oakville, (can't remember which), and slept past my stop several times only to wake up in Hamilton, (my BB alarm has saved me a couple of times though).
ReplyDeleteto err is human, right?
Good thing you didn't catch an express train to Clarkson.
ReplyDeleteI once was reading the paper so intensely that I missed my stop. Looked up, "doors are now closing," realized I was at my station but it was too late. I don't even know how that happens.
The train cars use to have scrolling LED displays above the bicycle seating (anyone remember "Steven Harper Eats Babies"?). I never understood why they didn't display the scheduled stops on those things.
ReplyDeleteOnce I got on the wrong side of the platform and finally clued in at the last announcement that it was headed to Stoufville (I wanted LSW). I was terrified - I didn't even know what direction that meant. I pushed my way through the crowd (not very nicely) and just got off in time before the doors closed.
ReplyDeleteOnce a guy on our Milton line pushed the security strip in our car just as the doors closed to leave Union. It turns out he was just on the wrong train and wanted to get out and that caused a 5 minute delay!
ReplyDeleteThe CSA who says "this train is Milton, not Barrie" is funny, love his announcements and how he says the station names like "Good ole Dixie!" :)
you should feel like tool, that was a tool move.
ReplyDeleteI see it happen every day. Someone will get all comfy in their seat 10 mins before it leaves the station and they don't pay attention until the final announcement and then they try like hell to get off the train. It's really kinda funny.
ReplyDelete@sasgirl: Darrel on the Milton line is awesome! One of the best CSA's out there. Try sitting in the accessibility coach...its a hoot and a half when he's on the train!
ReplyDeleteI've sat in the accessibility car with him many times and look forward to when he hands out the small water bottles. :) And yeah, it totally is like a fun party in that car when he's the csa!!
ReplyDeleteHe is one of the friendliest csa's I've ever known. When my husband and 4 year old son would wait for me on the platform at Meadowvale, he would always talk to my son a little bit as his door is the last to close. And I've noticed he always chats to the kids if they are any in his car.
a man who's funny and chats up the kids.. sounds like 'pedobear'
ReplyDelete^Oh noes, heaven forbid someone talks to kids! And is funny! Call the police! Get out the bubble wrap and wrap your kids because there is danger everywhere!
ReplyDeleteAnd if the little ones are brave enough, he let's them announce the next station too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a monster!!!!!!
@anon12:02 - Please tell me that comment was in jest? If not, you seriously should consider getting help for irrational fears..He talks to them in front of about 100other adults....it's not like he's taking them into the bathroom....gheeesh.
Only you my friend, only you.
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago, before I became a commuter, I was at Eaton Centre doing some Christmas shopping. After each purchase I asked the clerk if I could leave my purchase and pick it up later, so that I didn't have to lug bags around all day. Big mistake. When I gathered all my purchases at the end of the day, I had about 8 full shopping bags to carry to the train. Then to top it off I got on the wrong train. It was only when I heard the announcement did I realize I was going in the wrong direction. I just made it on the LSE with seconds to spare. Somehow I managed to get a seat, with my bags under the seat, on my lap, and in the aisle (ooopss sorry). I still remember the man sitting across the aisle. He caught my eye, grinned, and said "Had a good day eh?"
ReplyDeleteWell it's comforting to know I'm not alone!
ReplyDeletekary. wow that was a thrilling story.
ReplyDeleteWell I watched a lady get her head squashed by elevator doors today, because she had to read her texts while entering. I was like, where the hell are you going, and blamo. Texting seems to mesmerize people.
ReplyDelete