I wasted three fucking hours of my day waiting for the light rail that was supposed to open today. I have been waiting for this day since I moved to Denver. But the fuckwads at RTD forgot to mention something important. The light rail really wasn’t opening today, it was just a big tease that no doubt pissed off a lot of commuters. Like a good commuter, I got the new schedules a few nights ago, and just about memorized the times for every train that would get me to work. I was at the station well before the train was supposed to be there. And I waited for a train that never came.
Ok, first day of the new lines, I thought. Gotta be some bugs in the system that only popped up now that passengers are riding it. Give it a few more minutes. Nope, no train yet. Damn. Then, over the hill, there it is finally! I am curious to see what line it is, so I squint at the display… F line? H line? no, it was “Special Service”.
What the fuck is “Special Service”?
I pieced it together. Today, special service was available along the new portion of the light rail lines only, and would stop at the “Broadway Station” (major transfer station). From there, I had to get off and wait for another train. But thanks to the very infrequent “Special Service” and the very slow speed of that train, I just missed the line that would get me to work on time. So I was Late. And I had left my house with time to get me to work an HOUR early.
Thats One Hour You owe me, RTD.
But Wait, the story doesn’t end there. Lets fast forward through a very stressful night at work, and get to the pub, where I was relaxing over a Guinness with a few coworkers. I was offered a ride as I was unsure of the train schedule, but I declined, thinking I could take the bus if the trains were uncooperative again. (selfless fool that I am, didn’t want to make a friend go out of her way). I get to the downtown station at the worst possible time. The trains are only running every 30 Minutes now, and I just missed the last train that would connect with the last bus to get me home. So much for plan B. My own fault. OK, if the trains don’t get me home, I will call a cab from Broadway Station, and stand in the heated shelter. while I wait. It was getting colder and colder, and I was freezing my ass off. It was warm enough for shorts this afternoon. Now, everyone was asking me what the hell I was doing in shorts in 40 degree weather.
So I get to Broadway station, and there are at least 2 dozen people standing around the platform for the new lines, and I see a train about ready to come pick us up. That train sits there for 5 minutes or so, then comes to the station, stops, and waits another 5 minutes without opening the doors. “Out of Service” rolls across the display, and I begin to doubt that this train is going to get me anywhere. Soon, it leaves the station, no doubt headed for the yard, leaving a lot of unhappy people wondering how they are getting home.
OK, Plan A is a bust, Plan C time… Cab. I call the cab company, and look for a place to wait. The heated shelter seemed to be shut down, and it was getting below 40. I wait, and I wait for the cab but it is “closing time” and obviously the busiest time of the night for cabbies. Some stranger asks if I have two fives. I get a ten back, and he says, “thanks for the money!” I am so tired and irritated, I don’t even know if I got ripped off in the deal.
An RTD employee shows up with some good news, around 1:30. A train is on its way that that can take us to our desired stops! The is some confusion about when it will be here, and what stations its going to, but it makes no difference to me. My stop is before the “split” in the tracks, so I am happy so long as it gets me there. I wait for it inside the heated shelter, which some how has been turned back on now. 15 minutes pass, and the train is here, so I call and cancel my cab, which still has not shown up. I get on the train and sit down in the warmest place I have been in an hour, the the operator tells us whats up. The train won’t be leaving for 45 minutes. Now I wished I had not canceled my cab.
Whatever… I am going home! The 45 minute wait was entertaining, with an assortment of drunk, high, and angry people, all ranting and carrying on about such a pathetic train system. One baked individual decided we should all get out and push the train. Then he demanded coffee or beers for making us wait. When 2:30 arrived, we were off. The train left Broadway station with thunderous applause, and a standing ovation from the stoners in the back. Of course, a standing ovation on a moving train is not such a smart idea. We get to my stop, and I see my car glazed with frost. Five minutes later, I am in my apartment, cranking up the Furnace, and pointing firefox to the STMB.
Two more wasted hours. Bleh.
So, RTD… get your heads out of your asses, please. If you post notices everywhere saying the light rail will be open on a particular date, Open the god damn thing on that god damn date. If you intend to offer only limited service at first, put that on the fucking flyers.