KASSIE MACKAY | Culture
TRANSIT TRAUMA
A Wellington commuter is this morning regretting her decision to catch the train, realising that it requires her to spend a little too much time with other members of the public.
Sarah Mack, 28, works in the not-for-profit sector and is a strong advocate for public transport as an affordable and accessible way of getting to work. In her spare time, she regularly takes on the role of keyboard warrior, telling fellow Facebook users about the importance of switching cars for train carriages and writing to her local MP to request more bus services.
However, Mack typically works from home.
So, when invited to an important schmooze-fest in the city this week she jumped on the chance to practice what she preaches.
“I couldn’t wait to catch the train earlier this week. Standing shoulder to shoulder with my commuting comrades, ready to show the world what a joy Mass Rapid Transit could be!”
She said that after years of commuting from her bedroom to the spare room for work, it was a real thrill to experience a proper morning commute. But after three days, the thrill has worn off.
“I guess I didn’t realise people are so gross….” She reflected, clearly disappointed in her fellow human.
Mack reported that day two of her city commute was especially confronting.
“I couldn’t believe that as I was waiting on the train platform, a woman just took out her feet and started clipping her toenails. Right there in front of everyone, little keratin tips flying everywhere!”
To top it off, she reported that while boarding the train, an unknown man sneezed into the back of her neck.
“It was chilling.”
The issue of icky travellers has got Mack re-thinking her views on public transport.
“I guess I’m wondering…. What if the trains had like, one little carriage for each passenger?”
The idea, Mack said, would reduce disease transmission and shield passengers from the repellant effect of interacting with other people.
The single passenger carriage is a solution Mack is taking seriously, and she intends to email Waka Kōtahi later today.
“Single passenger carriages would honestly be a God send. Better yet, we could drive it on the tracks ourselves too: just chuck in a little engine!”
More to come.
