Thursday, March 13, 2014

On the rise? Jumping onto the BART tracks

According to SF Weekly, there are about 100 attempted suicides related to BART tracks each year.  On Tuesday, March 11th, there was another one-- this time at Balboa Park station where someone jumped in and  was stuck under the train.  This caused massive delays systemwide, trapping many commuters on the platforms and preventing more from even entering the stations.  It took my husband more than 90 minutes to get home.  On top of this BART mess, there was also a big fire at Mission Bay/SOMA, causing traffic jams, MUNI delays, etc.  It was definitely one of the worst commuting days in the Bay Area and a great evening to stay late at work or go dine in a nice SF restaurant somewhere instead of heading home!

I don't have the numbers handy but it seems like so far this year, there have been more frequent suicide attempts.  This sounds awful but aren't there more effective ways to take your own life?  Or we people all motivated by House of Cards, watching how Frank Underwood got rid of his Zoe Barnes problem?

When I'm caught in a delay and I hear that it's a suicide attempt, I am a bit more understanding but know that I won't be getting home for a long time.  When I hear that it's due to a broken door (caused by selfish passengers who hold the door opens as they close automatically), I am not so understanding and I get pissed.  When I hear it's a medical emergency, which usually isn't a real emergency, but it causes at least a 20 minute delay because they have to treat the patient INSIDE the train, I am annoyed.
Whatever the cause of delay is...rain, train track problems, earlier back-up....BART generally is off schedule during prime commute hours.  Sometimes by a couple minutes and sometimes by 8+ minutes. We are more or less used to it and don't expect on time arrival consistently.  But if you want to know why BART riders are so miserable and grumpy and anti-social?  That's why.


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Responses I get when I ask for a seat...while VERY pregnant

Pregnancy is certainly not an excuse for the long hiatus I've taken from updating this blog.  But nevertheless, I am 9 months pregnant now and ready to not be anymore.

I really didn't start showing until past 7 months and felt fine standing even in the most crowded conditions.  However, the last 4 weeks have been tougher and there really isn't a doubt that sitting is safer than bumping left and right on a brake-happy train.

I find it easier to ask on behalf of other people in need of a seat than for myself.  It's a little different for me, not sure why.  I try to avoid it if I feel physically strong for the day but there are times when I feel completely worn out and in need of resting my numb legs after a long day.

You'd be surprised the type of responses I get.  Here are a few examples for your amusement, and mind you, mostly from men:

1) You're pregnant? You don't look big enough to be?
2) Don't cover yourself with a jacket, how am I supposed to know you're pregnant?
3) Yeah, yeah, just take it, I'm getting off at the next stop anyways
4) Sigh...ugh....let me finish up an email

To be fair 90% of the time, there is someone who voluntarily offers his/her seat.  And they do it very willingly and politely.