All Entries / Angelica, a College Student, Enjoys Switch toTransit After Car Broke Down
I would have never imagined using Florida Transit to go to college because I am a member of a family with three cars and two SUVs; my family members are probably the gas hogs of Kendall or for that matter, Miami Dade County. Nonetheless, the shift from driving my car to riding the train started one day when my wonderful little Toyota Corolla broke down. I was forced to take the train with my entire boutique of interior design home drawings, books, bags, and absolutely everything a design student needs. I was trying to figure how I was going to carry these items on to Metrorail, off the train, then, on to the Omni loop and, finally, walk to class.
My first experience on the train was probably the worst, because everything I had on me dropped and scattered all over the train platform. Two transit conductors assisted me in picking up my items and even wished me a wonderful day. I was dumbfounded since I’d never have thought that in Miami, one could ever find such caring people. Because of this action, a year later I continue riding the train five days a week, a pleasurable experience.
The train ride is not just a commute, it’s a social hour, going and returning with the familiar crowd. It’s remarkable all of the different types of people one meets. Any passenger can experience a taste of the variety of South Florida culture and its unique flavors of personalities. Yeah, once in a while one might come across some weirdoes, but even then, they mind their own business. It’s almost as if the train becomes a home away from home. I look forward to getting on it and just dozing off into another world, or looking out the window and wandering off into the abyss.
It is absolutely relaxing and comforting to know that in the midst of organized chaos, I rather take the train than be stuck in rush hour traffic where I would also have to battle road rage. I am the first one to admit that the train can be intimidating at first, but I can personally attest to the fact that once one rides the train, he or she will never go back to commuting by car. (Even with the entire luggage a girl has to tote)
I will be graduating from Miami International University of Arts and Design next year, and I am extremely grateful for the train system as I find it to be one of the most securely guarded transit systems in the country. I rather use my easy card than my mastercard!
