planet, and has the dubious distinction of having some of the worst traffic. To alleviate some of the
traffic, I would build a bullet train, on an elevated platform, to run between Los Angeles and San Diego. The train would reach speeds of 300 MPH, and would be a complete paradigm shift for
commuters. I know people would complain about the costs but, this is not different than the billions of tax payer money that goes into building roads that is proving more futile as the 405 freeway expansion has so eloquently displayed. Mass transportation is the only way for Southern Californian to work its way out of this traffic nightmare and improve the environment.
Ceres: Do you have any tips learned over your years commuting that you want to share?
Richard: Use some of the time you gained on the train to read and learn something new. It's awesome to be able to learn while commuting!
Ceres: What advice would you give to rookie commuters?
Richard: The train is a great way to get connected with others and get out of your boring car commute, but be prepared for frustrating delays.
Ceres: What is the best thing that has ever happened on your commute?
Richard: I thing the best thing about the commute has been the people that I have met through the years.
Ceres: What is the worst thing that has ever happened on your commute?
Richard: To me, there has been frustrating things that have happened through my years commuting, but none are more
frustrating than the multiple hour delays that happen during a malfunction or suicide.
Ceres: Any good stories?
Richard: Riding the train has afforded me a plethora of good stories to pull from, but I would
like to share one in particular that just came to mind. This story has to do with a couple of friends
of mine that were having a discussion in French and English. One friend of mine is a native French speaker, while the other had studied French for a
few years. The conversation was concerning the proper French words for ceiling and floor. As the two of them debated which word was correct, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with the passion and comedy involved in the conversation, as my friend who has studied English kept inverting the words on purpose to most of my French speaker friend’s dismay. It was hilarious!
Ceres: I think I remember that one!
Richard: Certainly not an experience you would have when riding in your car by yourself.
Ceres: I must agree!
Photo by Lands of Void
77 - Ceres Magazine - Winter 2016