For Your Weekend Viewing Pleasure 02.28.09
Transit News Digest 2.27.09 02.27.09
For today’s installment, we begin with Matt Yglasias, who found a cool detail in the omnibus budget proposal our president recently sent Congress: $1 billion a year for high-speed rail on top of the $8 billion given through the recently passed stimulus package. Hip-hip, hooray!
Zeroing in on the Bay Area, numerous news orgs are covering planned protests at Fruitvale BART this evening, largely expected to shut the station down and make your Friday commute a little more hellish than it otherwise would’ve been.
And even closer to home in San Francisco, Rescue Muni details the impending action Muni might take against Kavai Muao-Harris, that cranky Muni union worker who f*#ked everyone’s day up a few weeks ago just ‘cuz.
As a reminder: Critical Mass is tonight, so if you’re planning a Muni commute, get ready to wait.
For up-to-date Muni and BART news, follow us on Twitter. And poke around our list of who we’re following, too. There’s just too many awesome sources of information out there to ignore any longer.
And as always, if you’ve got Muni news, tips, stories, or advice, we’re always accepting.
Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Muni Diaries
Arm cast = disabled? 02.27.09
Some of our most popular stories center on the issue of being disabled — whether you’re blind, pregnant, or elderly — and how the rest of us iPod-wearing, briefcase-toting zombie commuters could stand to … stand on a crowded BART or Muni bus.
In some cases, being oblivious to a pregnant lady will get you tripped on a bus. In other cases, being this guy on a crowded BART train will get certain pregnant contributors to this website to shame you and your seat-hogging ass.
In still other cases, some people don’t need seats, but will insist that they do.
Time Portal at the Embarcadero Muni Station 02.27.09
Did anyone see the time portal at the Embarcadero Muni Station, disguised as a clear trash can? The Muni yellow jackets hovering around were claiming it was a bomb-safe trash can. A technician was standing guard with rubber gloves on and an impressive tool box, diverting questions about whether it was bulletproof and why people couldn’t throw their trash in it. I should have taken a picture of it, but I was too mad and crabby that five Embarcadero trains arrived in a row so I had to wait 30 minutes for an N Mission Bay train…
Manly Men Drive The 14 Mission 02.27.09
Late this morning, after waiting far too long on Mission and 8th Streets, a crowded 14 finally arrived. When attempting to board this jam-packed asylum on wheels, the driver screamed at the top of his lungs,
“BACK DOOR!!! BACK DOOR!!! BACK DOOR!!!”
Not one to pay my fare needlessly, I make my way to the back door, but not without telling the driver, in a tone of sweetness and light, that he really doesn’t have to yell at us. Because really, he doesn’t. As soon as the bus is lumbering again down Mission Street, over the speaker he says, “I wasn’t yelling, that’s how I talk. That’s how a man is supposed to talk.”
Mmmmmmmanly!
Extinguishing Social Graces 02.26.09
A few weeks ago, I came across a new study published in the journal Pediatrics, from the Scientific American. The study summoned a new phenomenon called third-hand smoke. As an ex-smoker and frequent Muni rider, the study held my attention. Third-hand smoke refers to the particulates, such as cyanide and lead (which has been shown to lower IQ levels) that stay on clothes, furniture, and other areas adjacent to a smoker’s fumes. In short, third-hand smoke is the residue left behind after the smoker has stopped smoking. Second-hand smoke, on the other hand, is the actual smoke that bystanders inhale as smokers puff, puff away.
So why do I bring up this subject on Muni Diaries? ‘Cause the other day on the 43-Masonic, some guy took the seat next to me, reeking of smoke. My mind immediately pedaled back to the story about third-hand smoke. I didn’t exactly panic, but thoughts of a lowered IQ somersaulted frenetically in my head. What if by just sitting next to this guy I’d reduced my life by seven minutes? What if the cigarette particulates somehow get transferred from the guy’s clothes to mine, and then spread rampantly across my flat, to my clothes, sheets, all the way to my dog’s fur?
Power Lines Down? 02.25.09
Many a tweet tonight about power lines down in the Mission, causing delays on several bus routes in the area.
If you experienced tonight’s form of Muni Meltdown™, let us know in comments, or send us a diary.
Photo by Flickr user limonada
Is this what your morning commute looked like? 02.25.09
Enhanced by wet clothing and umbrellas, of course.
Photo by Brian_Brooks from the Muni Photos Flickr pool.
Fast Pass Hike: The Rumors Are True 02.24.09
SFist reports on a suspicious missing element on March Fast Passes. The fare increases will be coupled by a hike in the price of the monthly passes beginning in July.
(oh, and when will all you prominent bloggers stop all-capping Muni, eh? it’s not, and never has been, an acronym. the persnickety copy editor in me is talking to you, Greg and Brock. — Jeff)
Ex-Tribune Reporter Dies From Muni-Accident Injuries 02.20.09
Former Oakland Tribune reporter Bill Brand has succombed to injuries sustained in a February 8 accident. Brand was hit by the N-Judah near Second and King Streets.
Many of us here at Muni Diaries, in addition to advocating safety in and around Muni vehicles, are journalists or former journalists. We send heartfelt condolences to Brand’s family and friends.
Please be careful out there.
Ride Muni like a boss. Our Fast Pass Clipper card holders and Muni Diaries T-shirts are all on sale 
