Things To Know About The Metra
Start writing a post
Travel

11 Things I've Learned After Riding the Metra For A Month

I'm basically a pro now

Emma Scovill
Jun 11, 2018
University of Dayton
120
11 Things I've Learned After Riding the Metra For A Month
Wikimedia Commons

Before last month I didn't have any experience with public transportation. Zilch. Zero. Nada. Needless to say the first week of riding the train was nerve-wracking. I had no clue what I was doing, where I was going, or how anything worked. But now after a month of riding the train four days a week I am an expert. In these four short weeks I have learned many valuable lessons about the Metra, so to help future clueless Metra newbies here's a guide to everything I've learned in the past month.

1. The train is always late

Without fail I have found myself waiting five ten or even fifteen minutes for the train in the morning. The wait seems to be longer whenever I really really really need to be at work on time. The moment the loud speaker goes on in the train station and I hear that there has been a hold up or mechanical issues I know I'll be late to work.

2. Except when it's not

Without fail whenever I'm running late the train is running on time. There's nothing like fast walking so you don't miss your train.

3. There's a student discount on train tickets

I just learned this one today, three days after buying my monthly ticket for June. I could have saved almost a hundred dollars. Don't make the same mistake I made. Use the student discount.

4. The train cars with larger windows are newer

I learned this one my first train ride from my dad. The larger the windows the nicer the car. The more you know.

5. The back of the seats move so you're always facing the way you're going

It took me way longer than it should've to figure this out. I literally spent weeks trying to figure out how in the world I was always facing the right way until I saw someone change the direction of their seat by pulling on the metal part on the back of the seat and changing the direction. I don't know what I thought happened but it was not that.

6. People walk with no sense of urgency

I HATE being behind slow walkers and everyone who rides the Metra is a slow walker. Literally everyone. When I get off the train the walkway is narrow and there are poles in the way a lot of time. It's like being stuck in traffic, but you're not in a car. To try and get where I'm going faster I tend to weave in between people. Effective but hard to properly master.

7. How to use the escalator properly

The right side of the escalator is for standing. The left side of the escalator is for walking. Make sure you are on the proper side. There's nothing I hate more than a stander on the left side of the escalator holding everyone up.

8. Stick your ticket under the bottom prong

So on each chair there is a metal prong on the top of the chair. There is two places you can stick your ticket the top prong and one underneath it. Use the one underneath it. The ticket sticks there better despite seeming like it won't fit.

9. People who sit up top get off the train first

I know this one seems like it makes no sense, but trust me it's true. Even though the people on the second level already sit by themselves instead of next to a stranger they still get off the train before the people on the bottom level. It's totally unfair and really dumb especially since I never sit up there.

10. People who sit on the outside side of the seat first are the worst

The worst people on the train are the people who sit on the outside of the seat first and then when you ask to sit in the seat with them get up and make you sit on the inside. These people are almost exclusively white old men.

11. Don't sit in the seats facing each other

The end of the train car is always two seats facing each other. The people who sit there always have their legs pushed together. Plus instead of sitting next to one stranger you have to sit next to three.

chicago
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
10871
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
286415
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
86483
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
149195
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
52411
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments