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POLITICALLY INCORRECT

THE TTC--THE BETTER WAY?

by Arthur WeinrebJanuary 28 - February 14 2000

The "better way"--it's a catchy slogan for the Toronto Transit Commission. Notice how the TTC doesn't describe itself as the best way. And by using the word "better" the question that pops into mind is "better than what"? It is probably better than walking down Yonge Street from Finch to Front in sub zero temperatures. Probably not better than riding in the limousines that are used by the rich, the famous, and Councillor Pam McConnell.

There are some problems with the TTC that the transit commission can be faulted for. For example, the loudspeaker system on the subway. Have you ever noticed that when an announcement is being made about how you and your entire extended family can ride the system for one low price, it comes through loud and clear. But when breakdowns are announced you can never hear which portion of the system is down or for how long (although the announcement undoubtedly says that service will resume shortly).

But the majority of problems with the subway in particular are not caused by the transit system, but by the people who use it. Nowhere can the thoughtless, self-absorbed behaviour of some people be observed than on a crowded subway train during rush hour. The TTC used to post signs requesting passengers to refrain from some of the more obnoxious behaviour, but they never did any good.

There are those who eat and drink on crowded trains. Can't they have meals either before or after they use the system? Of course it doesn't help that you can buy drinks and snacks in most stations. The train comes screeching to a stop (do the driver's do that intentionally for fun?) and the drinks go flying.

In this era of gender equality, there is no reason why an able bodied man should have to give up his seat to an able bodied woman on a crowded train.

But it is extremely rare to see anyone, especially younger people, offer their seat to an elderly, pregnant or disabled passenger. What is worse are parents who allow their children to occupy seats while those who really need them are forced to stand. These are the same parents who teach their children to use automatic door openers, designed for the disabled, so the little dears won't have to strain themselves pulling a door open.

Many riders love to block the doors without any apparent concern for those passengers who want to get on or off the train. They do this even though there is room elsewhere in the car. If they are not large enough to block the door completely they can and usually do, unfold a newspaper. Getting on and off a subway train under these conditions is easy, but only if you have played professional football.

Some passengers insist on taking up more than one seat, forcing others to stand. They do this either by stretching out or using the adjacent seat to store bags, purses, and other sundry materials. New York City Mayor Rudy Guilliani, now running for the US senate against Hillary Rodham Clinton, America's First Enabler, enacted a law that provides a $50 fine for anyone taking up more than one seat on the subway. Rudy should get elected on that alone.

The worst offenders are the students wearing backpacks. Does it ever occur to these students to take them off in a crowded subway car? Very rarely. They have no hesitation in turning around to talk to their friends, oblivious to those who take the backpack in the face. We now have road rage, air rage, bank rage, etc. Can subway rage be far behind?

In describing a restaurant one time, the immortal Yogi Berra said that no one goes there any more because it's too crowded. The TTC would be the better way if there were less users.


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