You Don’t Know What You’ve Got…
Oh, F train. You sweet, sweet Culver line you. I’m sorry for all of the bad things I’ve ever said. I’m sorry for criticizing your “signal troubles” and whining about your slow service. I’m sorry, so so sorry.
Because now that I’ve moved, I’ve jumped in bed with the 4/5/6, and I miss you terribly.
I get on the 4/5 at a busy stop, and then I transfer to the 6 at a busy stop. I haven’t sat down during my commute (morning or afternoon) in a week. On several occasions I’ve been smashed up men and their junk. I’ve been so close to puny high school boys and their earbud headphones that even if they’re listening to their music at a reasonable level, I’ve been forced to listen to Lady Marmalade. On repeat. The F was relatively empty at both of my stops, I usually got a seat; sometimes next to a smelly patron or a crying baby, but it was still a seat.
The 4/5/6 is also significantly tighter. This is because the numbered trains are the former IRT line, and their cars are about a foot shorter across, leaving me with a constant feeling of claustrophobia. The lettered trains are former IND and BMT lines, and suddenly feel like spacious mansions.
My commute time is about ten minutes shorter, and my number of stops was cut from 19 to 11. Perhaps my complaints are unwarranted, maybe I’m just a whiny bitch who needs something to be annoyed about. But I don’t think so. Now I’m simply another member of the “when is the 2nd avenue subway line opening?” bandwagon, hoping maybe that will remove some of the congestion on my train. In fifteen years or so, when it actually happens.
Again, F train, I’m sorry. Will you ever forgive me?
I also despise the 4/5/6. So much so, that I walk further and ride the train for a longer time on my way home to avoid it. I can tolerate it in the mornings because it’s quicker (and somehow I usually get a seat on the 4/5 in the am), but on the way home? No way. I don’t want to ride pressed up against the back of another commuter. Not worth it to get home ten minutes earlier!