Transit Strike

A wonderful holiday message from the MTA

Wow, you never actually realize the things we take for granted until it’s taken away from us. Sure our subway system SUCKS; we often criticize how filthy and unclean it is, or it’s needless heavy security, aggravating delays and it’s constant construction, or it’s uncontrollable overcrowdedness. But despite of all that, we forget that without our “sucky” MTA (sorry for the lack of a better word), we are surely helpless and paralyzed.

Today is Day 2 of the strike and we find ourselves in apathy of going to work or school.. In my case, I had no choice but to go since I had already called out 3 consecutive days and I could’t afford to miss one more (besides, I need some serious $$$). So with the contingency plan in effect, I had to leave the house at 5:30 in the morning just to catch the Long Island Rail Road, the only train in Queens unaffected by the strike.

It was still dark while I was waiting an hour in line for tickets. There were multiple delays as angry, frustrated commuters wait for the train to arrive in the crowded platform. Then, as the door opened, everyone would rush in carelessly, pushin’ and ramming themselves inward to grab the nearest empty seat. People have no patience. I was this close to shoving this elderly woman for thrusting her whole body to me, but I thank God for giving me patience.

And speaking of being thankful, I thank the Lord for giving me strength and perseverance to get to work. It was a grueling hour and a half walk from Penn Station to the Financial District, where I work. Dawn was breaking over me as I prayed while walking in a blissful morning of this historic event.