I am really trying with this public transportation thing

[stormkeeper_lovedoris]

So, not long ago I posted an enthralling account of my attempt to use public transportation to get to and from Doris's house, so as to lessen my impact on the environment. One of the biggest problems I faced was how to get myself from my house to my local train station. It's too far to walk. Last time I parked at nytshd3's house as she lives within a reasonable walking distance. nytshd3 is the kind of friend who'd give you the shirt off her back, and I don't want to have to rely on inconveniencing her this way (she'd have to move my car each time she wanted to go anywhere all weekend).

So I researched my other options. And I found that I have about none.

I learned that there are several commuter parking lots near the station, but they all have waiting lists. There's a parking deck but it does not allow overnight parking -- I can't find really anywhere near the station that allows you to leave your car overnight. There is a shuttle but it doesn't run on weekends. A restaurant near the station has a sign with a phone number to call about train parking, but when I dial it I just get a phone that rings and rings without anyone (human or voice mail) answering.

I don't know what to do. There's a laundromat near the station; maybe I can ask the manager if I can park there. Maybe I need to call any business within walking distance of the station and just ask. My friend Chris works near the station, and maybe he's got some ideas.

Maybe I should just keep driving my hybrid and say that I honestly tried.

Comments

[selve.livejournal.com]

It's like you said: There's a reason why cars are so popular in non-urban areas. I wonder if the oil industry is behind suburban sprawl, or at least has a vested interest in it.

You did try, though. That's more than a lot of people would have done.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

You did try, though. That's more than a lot of people would have done.

*Hugs* And I haven't given up yet either (though I am pretty dang exasperated). There's gotta be somewhere near the station that I can leave my car overnight on a weekend. I'll keep looking. I can always ask my friend if I can leave my car on her driveway again. She didn't truly seem to mind but, like I say, she's such a giving person that I worry I'm abusing that generoscity.

[denisia.livejournal.com]

You definitely gave it a really good try. Not everyone would make such an effort, and it's a real credit to you that you even attempted this.

The only thing I can think of...would it be possible to take a taxi or car service from your house to the train station? Then your car would be safe at your house, and the taxi fare might be less than the cost of parking overnight (of course I'm thinking NYC parking prices here).

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

That is a great idea! I think you may have suggested it before but I forgot. The tough part will be that I'll need to find a place that you call in advance and arrange it in advance, because there aren't any taxis just driving around here. And it could be difficult if I don't know exactly which train I will be coming back home on. But it is worth a try.

[denisia.livejournal.com]

Is that a happy Simon I see in your icon? :)

Where my Mum lives, it's the same situation, sort of--you have to call a car service as there aren't any taxis on the street. And when I was up in Maine, it was the same thing. I always had to call for a car to bring me home from my radio show late at night. Generally they've always been able to show up anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes after we've called them, provided it wasn't not a holiday or a day with bad weather where everyone wanted a car.

Coming back, if you called them from Union Station or when you were on the train, it'd probably be enough lead time for them to pick you up at the station. Of course I'm speaking only from NY and Maine experience here, but hopefully it'd be just that easy where you are too. :)

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

Is that a happy Simon I see in your icon? :)

It was indeed. :)

And hey guess what? I got through today to that place that had a sign offering train parking. Their rates are really reasonable, and they offer "occasional" parking if you don't need a spot regularly. So I think I now have a solution!

[nytshd3.livejournal.com]

aww, its ok if you want to leave it here. last time i just put it in the garage and i parked in the driveway.

i dunno tho. i think its great that you're trying to make the effort, but like you said, it seriously cut into your time with her, and you ended up stranded at the train station.

you really did honestly try. and maybe you could do it once in a while. but like you said, theres just not really any good options around here.

[stormkpr.livejournal.com]

I really do appreciate it. And that you dropped me off and picked me up!

And I finally got some luck in this area...that tiny restaurant near Belmont said I can park there for $12 on Saturday and Sunday. They said to just get there Saturday morning, walk in and pay. It sounds do-able. So now I have a spot at the station...if only the trains would run on time too! :)