Category Archives: Transit

KCA to NYC

Posted on May 18, 2023 by sputterpub

Though born and raised in Berkeley, she’s too muchfor Westerners to tolerate with ease.She fills a room and ambles fast. She’s sucha driven worker, friends and enemiesretreat from competition. Expertiseis what she likes, employing pull and torqueshe had from birth … Continue reading →

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The Decline of BART

Posted on May 2, 2023 by sputterpub

I used to ride BART to the city and backfour work days or more every week,preferring the last car, where crowding was slack,employing an end seat technique,enjoying my privacy, able to viewwhose ride was proceeding near mine.But that was the … Continue reading →

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Police Action

Posted on April 22, 2023 by sputterpub

Returning from the city, I detrainin downtown Berkeley, Wednesday, 8 at night.Emerging, no one waiting can explainwhy half of Shattuck’s blocked, and every lightwe see is from patrol cars angled rightand left across from us. There’s nothing dreador obvious. I … Continue reading →

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Muni Metro Benches

Posted on April 15, 2023 by sputterpub

They made the Muni seats too deep or high.I see a lot of passengers whose heelsdon’t reach the floor when sitting back. Now whydid some committee choose to so construct?Although the rides are short, most riders Iexamine are of shorter … Continue reading →

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Plane Snax

Posted on March 28, 2023 by sputterpub

So used to mini-pretzels and the sweetof Netherlands, they gave me a surprise –a choice of little packages, completewith popcorn or new crackers met my eyes.I chose two crisps of quinoa snack to eat.They weren’t bad, and though I don’t … Continue reading →

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Caldera Lake

Posted on March 25, 2023 by sputterpub

I try to spot Mt Shasta when I flyfrom SFO to PDX – half-wayit makes my milestone. I couldn’t spyits loftiness in yesterday’s display.The sky was clear, but so much snowfall laybelow our path, the mountain didn’t stakeits usual command … Continue reading →

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BART Whiz

Posted on March 15, 2023 by sputterpub

The station seemed unclean, as did the trainI boarded Saturday a week ago.The weather was inclement – chilly rain.The passengers were sodden, rags on showand bags abundant. Homeless they appeared,exhausted and not loud at 10 a.m.Nobody bothered me or acted … Continue reading →

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Blue on Blue

Posted on March 3, 2023 by sputterpub

I’ve ridden rails for over 50 years,and often disapproved of how they spendtheir funds, complain of loss, and cringe at fearsof deficit while eating each stipend.But now with age and Covid, it appearsthe stress is real, while contractors extendenhancements pre-approved, … Continue reading →

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Big Kids on Little Seats

Posted on February 11, 2023 by sputterpub

I ride the bus with students frequently,and here’s an observation lately made.They’re college kids, who quite compliantlybehave like every rule must be obeyed.They seem to read the caution that’s displayed –Stay seated till we do not move at all –as … Continue reading →

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The Relative Traveler

Posted on January 22, 2023 by sputterpub

“I can’t keep track of where you are,” Mom said.My brother asked, “You’re flying off again?”My oldest friend observed I often headup north to spend some days with family.I have no wanderlust. In fact I dreadmy absence from the nest … Continue reading →

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