Fed up with Caltrain
by BruteSentiment on Apr 9, 2009 4:00 AM PDT
83 comments
I'm sorry, but I'm going to vent...and possibly more...for a minute.
I am sick and tired of Caltrain. And I'd like to hear from others who have had bad experiences.
After tonight's game, with two friends who live a two hour drive away and who drove to my house (near the San Carlos Station) to take the train up and down to last night's fireworks game.
I'm going to leave the crazy stuff about Caltrain's new lack of parking permit machines out of this...that is a separating and also frustrating issue aside.
After the game, we walked onto the Portwalk to watch the fireworks, and then headed straight out to the train station at the end of it. As we were literally walking to the door for the express train (which shaves more than a half hour off the ride), they closed them in our faces (quite literally) without a word. I held up our two tickets (one was an eight-ride with stamps for both of them) between my fore and middle fingers, finally getting someone to talk to me, who briskly said "We leave 15 minutes after gametime, not fireworks. Read it (the website) again." and shut the door in my face again.
On Fireworks Nights, the express and local trains will depart approximately 15 and 25 minutes, respectively, after the fireworks, or when full. -- Caltrain Website
(Someone later said the train was full, but that was not a Caltrain operator, nor what I was told until the later sequence occurred)
So, frustrated, I go to the next train, which will delay me, and my two-hour drive friends an extra half hour, and get the door shut in my face AGAIN, and shunted to a third train.
I get on there, and I try talking to a conductor about this behavior, and why the express train was leaving early. That conductor tells me to just walk away or I'd be kicked off. Then another conductor yells "That's the guy who flipped me off!" I go up to her and say "Excuse me?" She says it again, and I do the motion again, showing her I was showing her tickets. She says "You are such a liar!" I ask for her name to file a complaint, and then ask for the other conductor's name when he tells me to walk away.
At that point, the Sheriff's deputy is called over to walk me away.
The deputy, surprisingly, was friendly and sympathetic, and encouraged me to complain (customer service booth, of course, was closed), and he expressed to me that the conductors are always doing this to people, and things won't change unless people speak up. I assured him, spoken up will happen with me. He was the one who told me the other train was full (which would've been an acceptable explanation three conductors could have given me, but one lied and the other two wouldn't talk to me). He also got me the conductor's badge numbers so I could make a complaint.
Complaint will be made tomorrow morning, along with demands for refunds of my train tickets, and the $95 cab fare I was forced to take.
That said, this is the most recent of a long line of Caltrain issues. This is perhaps the worst-run public transit agency I've ever seen...and we live in an area with BART. They never have enough cars, and turn away paying customers because they have spent years not having enough room for bikes. They have underestimated Giants crowds for years, often either overfilling cars or telling people to wait for trains half and hour or an hour away because they don't have the capacity for the system. The first couple of years, I figured they just needed time to adjust and figure out the way things are with baseball games. But ten years later, they still underestimate capacity....especially when for a return trip home they should know how many people they brought up and add a car or two or a secondary train?
And that adds into crazy fare increases, and at least in San Carlos, demands to pay for parking but no machines (which almost never worked even when they were there anyway).
Now, I get, having worked in retail for many years, that people get tired after many long days putting up with assholes...especially drunk ones after Giants game. I can even understand the wrong impression that one conductor got that I flipped her off. However, neither such thing accounts for being assholes to me (who, as several people can attest to, does not EVER drink), or for kicking me off the train when asking for names to file a complaint.
So I just want to know...other horror stories for Caltrain? And...is it time we stopped taking it?
Take me seriously for a moment here. This is the rate for an average Caltrain ticket within two zones (i.e. someone taking the train from Redwood City to Millbrae):
• Per person for ticket-$8.50
• Per Car-$2 parking
For a pair of people, that's $19. For a group of four, that $36. Plus the extra time leaving early or stopping at a lot of stops on the way back. I think no one will disagree that it is faster to drive home than take a train.
As a comparison, parking in one of the Yerba Buena garages nearby:
• $15 for four hours, $18 for five.
• Gas from Redwood City (As a worst case scenario, the furthest in this zone. that 26 miles. Assume 20 MPG average and $2.50 a gallon): $3.00.
Granted, in exchange for a faster ride home, it's a little longer walk. (2/10 of a mile from the park to the train station; 6/10 to the Yerba Buena garage along 3rd street) But those garages don't have any of the traffic issues post-game that happen at the lots, I can say from many first-hand experiences (including the All-Star game).
So, for four friends from RC, the choices are:
• Train - $36, less walk
• Car - $21 tops, and possibly as low as $18 here or there, quicker to and from games.
The differences are the same for further zones south, except the train rides are MUCH longer in comparison to a similar car ride down there. And families may be able to take youth tickets, but the cost remains lower (lets say two youth tickets, and the 4 person family is $27).
Is taking the train really worth it? Financially? Environmentally, sure...but it's bad enough when you have to deal with the a-holes on the train who start this vicious cycle I was caught up in tonight. When it's also the conductors acting like a-holes...well, there you go.
Caltrain has gotten it's last ticket from me, at least until I receive a compelling reason not to avoid it. And I say this as a person with gout, for whom walking longer distances can be a frickin' trial. I'd rather deal with that than the people who I've dealt with not just today, but for the past decade.
Anyone else got feelings on this?
This FanPost is reader-generated, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of McCovey Chronicles. If the author uses filler to achieve the minimum word requirement, a moderator may edit the FanPost for his or her own amusement.
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What a crappy experience.
I could take Cal Train from the So San fran station, but it’s hardly worth it.
I love BART and I work downtown, so I often go straight from work to a game and then take BART home like I do after work. If I’m coming from home (Pacifica) I usually drive and park on the street. There’s usually parking on Townsend pass the train station or if you turn the corner on 7th. It’s a little longer walk that some of the lots or garages, but it’s really easy to jump on to 280 and it’s free! Free! FREE!
From the Daly City BART station, the roundtrip is about $5.80 and there’s usually at least two of us, so spending about $4 bucks on gas is worth it. Plus I can listen to the post game wrap from the car.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
It is cheaper for me
Coming from San Jose with 3 friends to pay for parking and drive than it is to take Caltrain.
For public transit to be functional, it needs to be at least one of three things as compared to driving:
1.) Cheaper
2.) Faster
3.) More convenient
Caltrain fails on all 3 almost all of the time. It is faster commuting SF-SJ in full on rush hour, but just barely.
From San Jose (Zone 4) it's $12.50 round trip. That's $50 for a group of 4.
by FairweatherFan on Apr 9, 2009 7:44 AM PDT up reply actions
You can buy an 8-ride for a little less
Sorry to say the round-trip fare for 4 zones has been raised to $15.50 this season.
However, they have an 8-ride ticket you could use. You are allowed to make multiple punches when traveling in a group. So one 8-ride would work for a round-trip for your group—4 punches on the way up and 4 punches on the way home. The 8-ride is $52.75.
The train is “economical” for me going to a game alone, and maybe break-even for 2 people (when you consider insurance and wear and tear, rather than just gas and parking). However, for more than 2 people, the train easily costs more. The only reason I continue with the train is that I bring noise-canceling headphones and my laptop and/or a book and do some reading, which I can’t do if I drive alone. If the train is full of rowdy people, reading gets difficult.
Hmmmm
Its $15.50 roundtrip from the Lawrence station which is also in Zone 4. I think you’re cheating :-)
That being said, I tried Caltrain about 5 or 10 years ago and hated it so much that I didn’t even think about taking it to a Giants game until some friends forced me last year. Now I think its great. Its worth it to me not to try and fight my way through traffic for at least an hour and then search for parking which can take forever too
Instead, buy my ticket (and $2 parking ticket) at the machine, sit back, relax and drink a few beers on the train and talk about baseball for the 60-70 minute ride with whoever is going to the game with me and any potential Giants fans sittin around us. Maybe I am just patient, but its worth missing a train here or there for me for the convienence. Until the Giants come up with a whole lot more parking spaces, I am takin the train. Sorry for your troubles OP, but it works for me
Like I said on the other thread, where the new guy ( Jibblescribbits ) was also dissatisfied by Cal Train: we took Cal Train once – I seriously, seriously doubt we’d ever do it again. We were staying in Palo Alto and it took FOREVER, hell we can almost take Amtrak in from Sacramento in less time than it took to take Caltrain from Palo Alto to SF!
On the way to the game people were drunk, loud and obnoxious. We delayed going back to avoid the sardinized drunken hordes. Less drunks, less crowding, still slow as Bengie turning a triple into a single. Horrible, horrible experience.
Coming in from Sac Mr. Merope usually drives, when I go to games by myself, I prefer to take Amtrak.
Like I said in the same thread Merope is talking about, I have taken CalTrain all of once; Opening Day.
I thought it would be more convenient since the game would be letting out at the same time as Rush hour. But I ended up not getting home until 8:00 that evening in San Jose. Part of that was not CalTrain’s fault, since some idiot in a car decided to challenge the train in front of us, and lost.
But all-in-all we spent ~ 4 hours on the CalTrain, paid $31 for tickets (plus 40 minutes & $5 on VTA lightrail), when we could have spent ~2&1/2 hours in the car and paid $20 for parking. I probably will never take CalTrain again.
the game would be letting out at the same time as Rush hour.
Already fitting in. You capitalized “Rush”.
by Lars The Wanderer on Apr 9, 2009 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was trying to make the Sharks game that night. Normally, I leave earlier but with the Giants game and a busy work day, I was trying to catch the 6:14 express. The crash happened around 5:30.
I ended up being only 15 minutes late to the game, but you feel so helpless. Also, they were happy to take my money before I knew about the problems. They said no refunds when I considered going back home and watching the game on TV. I mean, really. You have a crash and can’t tell me when trains will be moving again, but I can’t have my money back if there is no point in making the trip?
Light Rail, in general, sucks
(1) It is the worst of two public transportation technologies; it has the inflexibility of rail, and the speed of buses. It also has low capacity.
(2) The capital cost alone per passenger mile is very high.
(3) In practice, light rail systems cannibalize bus systems, and so lower overall transit use
Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.
Caltrain is heavy, commuter rail
Hi oldjacket, Caltrain is heavy commuter rail. SF Muni operates light rail to the stadium, but it only helps those who live in the City or who can take BART. We have such a hodge-podge of transit agencies here that it is maddening.
My mistake, I’ve only taken Caltrans a couple times and it seemed like a light rail system.
Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.
That is especially true here in Sac. You used to be able to take buses to get places, now for the most part the buses go to the Light Rail station where you must then transfer. I used to commute everyday until I just got fed up with my 6 mile commute taking 45-90 minutes… one way. I saved up and bought a car!
ahh. the joys of public transportation.
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on Apr 9, 2009 8:53 AM PDT reply actions
Public transportation in the city is amazing though. Try using it here in Sacramento. Most lines stop running after 6pm. There is little to no service on weekends – where there is service it is usually once an hour, miss your connection and you are skee-rude.
I took Amtrak to Sac once on a Sunday, then light rail. I had to walk the last mile or so to where I was going because the bus schedules didn’t work well at all.
SF is considering drastic transit cuts to balance its budget, including stopping some community lines at 8:30 pm. These lines go into the hilliest residential areas. It’s crazy. They are also considering eliminating N line service along the Embarcadero (in front of the ballpark) on weekends. The N train is packed on game days.
I take Caltrain regularly the other way—from SF to Sharks games. I am coming to the same conclusion. The games typically end around 10 pm. The last train departs at 10:30 pm, but I don’t make it home until 12:10 am (if everything goes perfectly). One time, there were freight train delays and I missed my connection and didn’t get home until 12:45 am. I could drive and be home about 11:10 am.
Some Sharks games start at 7 pm, usually Saturdays, therefore ending around 9:30 pm. The only trains on Saturdays are at 9 and 10:30 pm, regardless of what time the game ends. So 7 pm starts stink for us train riders.
For weekdays, it’s impossible to get to the station in time for the 9:30 departure, so you have to wait about 50-55 minutes. The station building closes at 10, so you end up waiting outside (in typical winter conditions).
Caltrain is great going to the game, because I can jump on an express train, but the local train going home is awful. Some of the conductors on the night trains seem to think everyone is automatically drunk or otherwise obnoxious.
I used to take CalTrain more often to the games (though only from San Bruno/SSF). Going to the game was fine, no problems there. After the game was another story, especially after night games.
First, you’d have to leave right after the last pitch to get a seat (thankfully, I never had to catch the express train). Then, you sit around for 30+ minutes either waiting for the express train to leave first or for police to comb through the train looking for someone. Sometimes, that last step would be repeated at each stop. When I get off (3 stops later), I realize that in that same time, I could’ve driven from the park to home and back again. Combine the asshole drunks with the asshole staff (some, not all), and it’s just one big enjoyable experience.
I’ll consider CalTrain for day games, but now, most of the time, I just drive, because in the end, the cost is about the same for a group of 4, even after paying for parking.
I still believe in Bowkermania.
by rightcenterfielder on Apr 9, 2009 9:21 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Adoptive parent of Noah Lowry. Because he was awesome once, and, goddammit, he shall be awesome once again!
I hope.
by Cookyman on Apr 9, 2009 9:25 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
One more thing...
[sorry if this was mentioned and I missed it]
You should also cc the Giants Customer Service on this. They actively support the use of public transportation and will need to do more as the Lot A development begins. They want you to be happy and have a lot more pull with CalTrain as they are a major provider of customers.
Good luck with getting satisfaction.
They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long
good call
Maybe the MTC? And your local state reps. I don’t know how CalTrain is organized but they must have a board of some kind too.
You might start with a certified mail letter to whatever the customer service address says. Then after you get no response for two weeks, or some lame response, move on to the Giants, MTC, whoever.
And keep documenting your problems and complaining. Screw them.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
by natteringnabob on Apr 9, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m not necessarily defending CalTrain but on the flipside of things, I have had good experiences EVERYTIME when I ride it to the game. My usual schedule consists of taking an express train to the game (based on the website’s schedule). That train comes ontime and I’m ontime to the ballgame. I’m a firm believer in staying until a game is OVER so no matter what, after the last out, I’m walking right back to the station. I’m not talking about 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth and I’m rolling. I’m talkin’ three outs. Sometimes I even go to the restroom before. But I walk promptly to the express train, get on and head straight for the first stop San Carlos without problems. I’ve always taken the San Carlos train to the game so I know EXACTLY where the parking meter is which might be an unfair advantage. I’ve never been shut out, I’ve never been talked back to, nothing. Now, your situation was probably complicated by the fact that it was fireworks night so I can see that happening. But on an otherwise regular night, Caltrain runs pretty smooth for me. And yes, I can justify the price because a) I don’t want to drive to the game (in traffic) and from the game (tired and maybe buzzed), b) I hate waiting in traffic to get out of lots, and c)it’s just so much more convenient. I’m not trying to rain on your parade but I’m just giving you my personal account of how I like the Caltrain system.
-D
I appreciate the flipside...
…and I also use the San Carlos station…it was that express train that was shut in my face.
However…please tell me where the parking meters for San Carlos are now? Because they are not where they have been for ten years.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Apr 9, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions
This is a huge surprise to me
Like dw above I’ve never had a single problem riding Caltrain to a game or anywhere else. It’s way superior to sitting in traffic (my personal hell), and also way better than Muni. Sorry you had a crappy experience though! I hope you get a quick response from the customer service dept.
Still backing Notgardo, wheresoever he may wander. (Don't forget to wriiiite!)
I always take BART. Coming from the Dublin station it’s a bit of a ride to Embarcadero, but overall it’s a simple process with little hassle. Having heard several stories like this about Caltrain, I think I’ll just stick to my usual routine.
Wall-E for Best Picture 2008
This. I’ve been in the East Bay all my life, and I’m moving to San Jose in August. I might just drive up to Millbrae and BART in for Giants games. I’ve had almost no problems on BART. The only problems were other asshat passengers.
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Apr 9, 2009 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
re
Brute – just park behind Foodville, save 5 bucks and walk the blocks.
Pedro Feliz would look great in Dodger Blue.
Not a surprise...
I have had the same attitude issues with the employees—always amazed that they’re able to act that way.
The train that i take is San Carlos as well. Frankly, if I plan to drink, I’ll take it. But, with a group of four and at least one who’s not going to drink?——Driving is the much better bet. Christ, you can park at Momos for $30, and that’s about top of the line on the convenience scale…By your accounts, that’s only $33 to drive/park in front of a great outdoor bar that’s across the street from the park. No waiting in lots, save time and money.
shite, did I just give away my secret?
nighttime parking
Can’t you basically park for free around the CalTrain station after 6? I don’t know what your arrival schedule is like; maybe all the spots fill up but I have friends that drive all the time.
There are enough Giants fans around to make me feel safe walking for a few blocks in each direction around the park even at night, especially in a group.
Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti. "I treat Timmy differently from most pitchers: I leave him alone."
Brute
I feel your pain. I got kicked off a train for being “inappropriate” with my old girlfriend about 4 or 5 years ago. I explained that we were just kissing but my pleas fell on deaf ears and we were removed from the train.
I still dont mind Caltrain in some aspects, as it is better than driving to millbrae and taking BART up, but i might reconsider that if they keep pulling stuff like this to good fans that really are only creating a scene because of rightful confusion.
He put a spell on her…
They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long
I just wish BART would circle the south end of the bay, and run up into Marin, and extend out to Livermore.
It would be expensive and all that, but I think traffic problems would be pretty much taken care of for decades.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
the ferry from Larkspur to the park is the single greatest thing ever
by WTF on Apr 9, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions
We hope to do that sometime this summer, in lieu of a “real” vacation. One weekend when the forecast high for Sacramento is 110º and the Giants are home, we’re going to stay at a hotel in Marin and take the ferry over to a game, or 2.
Glad to hear it’s grrrrrrrrreat!
I haven’t been on the ferry boats since …kriminey… ’89 ?
You've got it wrong
I have been traveling via caltrain to and from work for years.
Yes it has its problems, Ive seen lots of people get angry. But only ONLY because
A. they have not purchased a ticket prior to boarding and are getting a stiff fine.
B. They are hopped up on something or other and are in a belligerent state of mind.
and C.
Right after Giants games.
Add a few thousand Giants fans during the rush hour commute when the trains are full and you have disaster written all over it. From reading what you were saying, I would venture to state that you were going out of your way to make life difficult for the conductors. And since they obviously hate the post giants game crowds, and its not their fault if trains were packed, I would say that the onus was on you to be a gentleman. Only you were not.
Wow
Having read hundreds of Brute’s posts over the years, I’m pretty sure he’s not a jerk.
Having read just one of yours, I’m pretty sure you are.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
Wow
way to reaffirm Goofus’ first impression
Wall-E for Best Picture 2008
McCC = McClain Chronicles
by Useful_Idiot on Apr 9, 2009 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions
50-50 shot
That Goofus rules in favor of Goofus
Jonathan Sanchez. He's left-handed, like Barry Zito. His fastball breaks 80, unlike Zito.
To be fair, Goofus, I am a jerk.
Ask Martin.
But I try to only be a jerk to people who deserve it. Just because someone has a ton of people to deal with doesn’t justify become one yourself. If you can’t handle working with crowds or dealing with people….then get a new job. Seriously.
And, again, I say that as someone who has and continues to work retail, and has dealt with the exact same Giants crowds in that capacity.
Someone else treating you like a jerk is no excuse to treat me like one.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Apr 10, 2009 12:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I know
I retrospect, I should have said “Brute may be a jerk, but he’s clearly not as much of a jerk as you.”
:-)
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
10:30 PM is a rush hour commute?
And I would say it is their fault if the trains are packed…if anyone should know how packed a train going home it would be, it’d be the people running the trains up. With a 4-5 hour window, they should be able to add extra cars in preperation.
Similarly, closing a door in my face (Twice) and then lying to me about the reason for it…that’s okay for them to do why again?
I was neither an unpaid passenger (hence flashing the tickets) nor was I hopped up on anything (anyone here who knows me will tell you I have been sober for nearly 20 years). And yes, I have dealt with the crowds when I worked at the games and been angered and frustrated by them…but I still treated everyone of them with decency until I had a reason not to.
Was I angry and frustrated? You bet…but I feel very justified by their behavior.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Apr 10, 2009 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't be hard on him...
Part of the reason I posted this is to get opposing viewpoints, and see whether this sort of behavior is widespread or if my experience was isolated.
What I think we are seeing a pattern of is that the majority of baseball fans have had bad experiences or don’t care for the train, while it works for what the system is clearly aimed at: the daytime work commuters heading to either major end of the system.
That said, I would hope that Caltrain would be able to adapt for both sets of ridership…the way they present themselves for games is what would advertise them for new riders to use. They are not leaving us fans with a good impression, obviously.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Apr 10, 2009 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
So you add a few thousand Giants fans going the opposite way of commute, and then have a few thousand Giants fans when there’s no one else on the trains.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
Kevin Frandsen should be with the big team.
both CalTrain and BART are horrendous
They are highly overpriced, provide shitty service and are very limited in where they will take you. Just two very very shitty public transportation programs.
The only good thing about CalTrain is that you can drink on it.
wait, what?
Gameday trains suck, but limited-stop trains for commuters are the bomb. During the brief, unlamented time I commuted south to Shallow Alto, the only thing I didn’t like about Caltrain were the delays when it ran people down (leading to my wife’s nickname for it, ‘Killtrain’).
BART, on the other hand, really does suck. Even Muni looks good next to BART.
by wcw on Apr 9, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I rode BART every day for nearly five years commuting to work/school. I take it every time I want to to go Oakland or SF, or to SFO. I’ve never had issues or problems riding the trains.
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Apr 9, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions
..unless cost or time are issues, sure
I also used to commute to Oakland. BART took me 11 miles in roughly 16 minutes for roughly $3. CalTrain took me 32 miles in roughly 35 minutes for roughly $3.50. On cost especially, but with the limited stop trains also on time, CalTrain crushes BART. On cost, but not on time, even Muni crushes BART.
When Muni is better than you are at anything, you have issues.
I’m not an expert on the different public transportation systems, but I think Muni has more of its annual budget subsidized by taxpayers than BART or Caltrain does, so it would be natural that it’s a better bargain for the rider.
I don’t ride Muni much and it certainly is better than it was 10 years ago. As far a efficiency, timeliness, cleanliness, comfort and speed go, I’ll take BART over Muni any day. I only have 3 complaints about BART:
- When it’s rush hour and they run less than 10 trains
- They don’t run trains later into the evening/early morning
- At the Daly City station, there are two SF Bound platforms. When there are trains on both platforms, they often fail to announce which train is leaving first, leaving people to guess at which train to get on.
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
BART is that rarest of things: a public transportations system that (most of the time) pays for itself.
Randy Winn is going to catch that. And he'll do it real classy-like too.
Yeah the rush hour trains leaving from SF with less than ten cars is a pain in the ass, but otherwise it’s fine. Maybe it’s also a regional thing too; I do the majority of my BARTing in the East Bay to and from San Francisco. I don’t know if it’s better or worse going up to Berkeley, Fremont, or the peninsula although I have used BART to travel on those lines sparingly.
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Apr 10, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
I don’t go to A’s games that often, but when I do, it seems like they only run 4 and 5-car trains back to SF. I know the A’s have attendance problems so maybe they feel like there’s no problem with that, but even so it’s still like Tokyo at rush hour.
I was THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME (for 3 days in 1995).
by Mike Benjamin Hit King on Apr 10, 2009 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Called Caltrain today to file the complaint
It was more of a phone-form than anything, though the lady on the other end was sympathetic. However, she said it’ll take 10 business days to hear from anyone regarding this. Wow…either they move slow, or they have a lot of complaints to file through.
By comparison, at my retail job, if we get a complaint, a manager will call them within 24 hours if humanly possible to try to apologize or come up with a resolution.
Still not impressed…but I’ll keep people updated if they want to hear how Caltrain responds.
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Apr 10, 2009 12:21 AM PDT reply actions
After reading through everyone's comments
It seems like Caltrain is very good at what it’s designed for… the commuter going to or from work. but when it comes to gameday and overflow crowds they don’t seem to have much of a clue.
that’s just the general impression I get from everyone above. I’ve only taken CalTrain the one time, and the length of the trip, for the price I paid, wasn’t worth it at all. I have friends who live(d) in the City and commuted to Sunnyvale for work and loved CalTrain.
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 10, 2009 7:33 AM PDT reply actions
I’ve been on Caltrain a handful of times. I took it once to get to and from the South Bay for a Giants game. I can’t say their gameday trains are the best option. But, again, the worst problems I’ve had on the trains were from all the smug white people who can’t be bothered to use manners when dealing with other passengers.
"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.
by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Apr 10, 2009 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Hey! Smug White People?
I resemble that remark!
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Apr 10, 2009 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Down with Caltrain
I took it to and from work mostly without incident for about four years. Its too expensive but when you can easily use the express trains its worth it.
But then one morning they hit me with a $329 ticket for what was at best a disagreement – had to sprint to get train, and immediately asked the conductor to stamp my ticket, as I’d been told to on roughly 1000 consecutive weekdays by some other conductor. (Then lost my court appeal on the basis that I swore at the conductor). Really a piece-of-sh*t move after I’d used their train honestly for years. Now I’ll go out of my way to not use Caltrain.
by Stoned Slacker on Apr 10, 2009 11:40 AM PDT reply actions
SCREW IT I'M RIDING THE FERRY
That would be pretty cool though, if I lived out of the city.
Judgment Day is coming
comics | art | Nattowear
A South Bay/Peninsula ferry would rock!
SFDugout.com is BACK! See the Top 50 Giants Prospects!
by BruteSentiment on Apr 10, 2009 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions
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