Ticketing

In order to experience my fascinating train ride, I had to buy a monthly pass for the train and the car park to park my car in the open spaced park-and-ride facility at the station. I could just go the station anytime and buy it from the ticket machine. So I thought. There is no machine. That’s fine, I can buy from the ticket agent at the station. The ticket office is closed weekends and open only from 4:45 am –  10:15 am M-F. I was doing some night work then and couldn’t get to the station before they close at 10:15 am. It took me a full week to actually make it to the station. It felt as if I’ve accomplished something after I bought my monthly train pass. Who knew buying a train ticket could be this rewarding.

Parking

“Do I get the parking pass also here?” I ask. “No, that’s the parking authority. You have to call them. Here’s their number.” I call them from my cell phone, as I walk towards my car. I hear a recorded message that pleasantly informs me that parking passes are handed out only on first and last Mondays and Wednesdays of the month. The message doesn’t tell me where I can buy them. If I still have any questions, I can leave a message for them to call back. That’s it. I already missed the first week of the month. Daily parking it is then. I check the signs for rates $3 per day. Not bad. Much better New York rates, of course. I look around for the parking meter. I spotted one that looked similar to the New York muni meter. Alright, I know how much it cost and I know where the meter is. I am all set.

My First day getting to work was eventful as well.