Metra: Stupid Idiots

This morning I had to run to an alternate train station to pick up a train ticket. Both of the stations where I get on and off the train don't have a ticket agent. And being the slacker I am, I never plan in advance to get a new 10 ride ticket. So, I occasionally have to make these out of the way runs. This morning I knew I was cutting it close in terms of being able to run into the station, buy the ticket and still catch the train. But that was clearly my fault so I wasn't going to get all worked up about it. Well this was not the case for some of my fellow train station companions.

When I got in line at the station, there were 4 people in line ahead of me and about three minutes before the train was about to come. The first person breezes through like nobody's business. Then, Stupid Bitch #1 (there weren't any more stupid bitches, but I like the way that sounds) gets up to the window. She's buying a ten ride ticket with a check and the check isn't filled out at all when she gets up there. As a side note, figuring out how much your ticket costs is not rocket science. There is a giant chart on the wall with an easy to read matrix. Well she immediately gets in a huff when Ticket Guy, who absolutely reeks of old cigarettes by the way, tells her she'll need to step over to the counter and fill out her check before she can purchase a ticket.

This allows Luck Lady to step up to the front of the line. She too is buying a ten ride and paying by check, but her check is already filled out with all of the proper information and she has her driver's license in hand. She breezes by in about 10 seconds.

By this time the bells are ringing and the train is coming into the station. I realize that I am fucked. Well then Impatient Jackass gets up to the front of the line. He's freaking out that the train is here and he's trying to buy a ticket to the next stop which in a pinch you could probably walk to. He is so agitated he ends up dropping his change on the floor when he walks way. He goes out the door just as the train is pulling up.

At this point, Stupid Bitch #1 jumps back into line in front of line in front of Unlucky Man and me. Apparently, she felt she was entitled to do so after her first go round with Ticket Guy. While I realize this is a shit move, both Unlucky Guy and I don't say anything as Stupid Bitch #1 is clearly having a bad day. Ticket Guy is not so nice and takes advantage of Stupid Bitch #1's bad mood. He suddenly gets picky about her not having a work telephone number on her check. This move delays her just enough for her to miss the train and throws her into what can be clearly described as a blinding rage. At this point both Unlucky Man and I are laughing at her misfortune. That made my morning.

People, here are some words of advice for commuting on the train and probably on buses for that matter. First, the people that sell the tickets at the train station are not to blame for you being late to the station. Don't be a fuck face to them, because they can screw you over in an instant. Second, the people around you are not to blame for you not making it to the station on time; it's probably yours. Don't bring their morning down by being a shitty asshole in their presence. You only end up looking like an idiot and they'll laugh at you when you fall on your face. So, lay off that last glass of vodka at night so you can get out of bed on time and make the train. At the very least if you are going to be late, do it with a positive attitude.