The smallest gestures go a long way

San Francisco - BART
Photo by Flickr user sebastiansuk.de // pitlanepics.de

BART rider Anya has this diary to share:

So BART had some serious rush-hour delays this morning. So when I got to Civic Center there was a mass of people waiting, already looking frustrated. The Pittsburg/Bay Point train pulls up LOADED with people. Naturally, when the door opens, it’s a typical battle to wrestle yourself into the train. Everyone is even more agitated and pissed.

Once we get to Powell, before the doors open, the train conductor says something to the extent of “sorry to have to start your day this way folks but look on the bright side — it’s a beautiful day outside. Forget about us and have a good rest of your day.” Everyone immediately lit up in smiles (as jam-packed as we were) and a few people chuckled.

Moral of the story: even the smallest gesture goes a long way on days like that. Thank you to that train conductor for being so positive! And to the other drivers — please try to stay positive and cheerful on the crappy days…. your words go a long way to make everyone else snap out of their angry commuter modes.

Got a BART story to share? Do it here at BART Diaries.

iPhoneography: BART busking


Photo courtesy iPhoneography. One in a series by Flickr user zphone.

BART busking fascinates hell out of me. Since I was a kid and visited big cities, I was always enthralled with musicians, etc., who did their thing for the throes, the passersby. Most of them are really good, if you give them more than a passing listen. Do that sometime, eh?

File under: Projects I’d love to undertake, in some alternative life where I have time to undertake more projects.

Weekend Photos: MacArthur Curse/Cleansing

MacArther Curse/Cleansing
Photo by Flickr user W0nginat0r

WTF on this photo? Part of me wants to say, “Only in the Bay Area.” Who knows?

Not a lot going on this week in terms of BART news. More people taking public transit, what with El Niño 2010 hitting town. Did you ride BART more often than normal? Find it cleaner and more reliable than your normal method of commuting?

The best bit of BART-related internetting this week went on over at Burrito Justice. Johnny linked to the ever-awesome Eric Fischer’s discovery of some uber-futuristic BART maps from the past. They concern that mythical beast known in many parts as BART in Marin. Check out the images now for some visual pleasantries.

Don’t forget to send your best BART stories this way. And send your BART photos to our nifty Flickr group.

Looks like we’re set to get at least a two-day respite from the wetness. Go forth and enjoy yourself!

Ticker tape parade
Photo by Flickr user moppet65535

BART blur
Photo by Flickr user jgatts

Weekend Photos: Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop

To miss out on the woo-woo train
Photo by Flickr user kayveeinc

The fare hike, that is.

Today in BART news, CBS5 reports that at least two BART board members are in favor of a new fare hike for transbay tube users. No definite word yet so stay tuned on BART Diaries to see this developing story. And remember that on Monday, MLK day, BART will be operating on the Saturday schedule.

Enjoy these moody and nearly monochromatic photos (it’s that kind of day for me today!). As always, send us your stories and pics on BART!

BART pilot
Photo by Flickr user jgatts

Oakland BART
Photo by Flickr user artbandito

every 3 to 4 weeks
Photo by Flicker user mikedthron

Ok, for giggles from the No Pants ride last Sunday. I can’t get over this man’s outfit:
No Pants! Subway Ride 2010: San Francisco
Photo by Flickr user Klara Kim

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