How hard can it be? - disgruntled

How hard can it be?

As my train approaches my station in the morning I do the following:
Get up and move towards the door, positioning myself so that I can press the button. Transfer my newspaper and other documents to under my right arm, get my ticket out of my pocket and remove the ticket from its little plastic wallet. Open the door as soon as the little light goes on on the button. Walk smartly to my chosen ticket gate (there are only two exit gates at Kew Gardens). Put my ticket in the slot, check to make sure it doesn't say 'seek assistance', take my ticket, and walk through the gate. Move away from the gate before stopping to put my ticket back and heading off for work.

I do not:
Wait until the last moment to try and get off the train, after other passengers have started to get on board. Stand blankly staring at the doors wondering why they are not opening and blocking access to the button. Press the 'close door' button by mistake. Hover irresolutely in front of the exit gates blocking both of them while rummaging in my bag for my ticket. Put the wrong ticket in the gate, or put it in upside down, or both. Fail to see the 'seek assistance' message on the gates and attempt to get through a closed gate or, worse, go through on the person behind's ticket leaving them to 'seek assistance' in my stead. Attempt to put a rejected ticket through the gate again, repeatedly, holding up everyone behind me. Let my small child attempt to insert my ticket because it is sweet. Allow my small child to have a tantrum in the gate because it can't insert the ticket properly.

OK, I will confess. I did try and put my ticket into a gate upside down at the weekend. But I had the grace to be embarrassed about it. It's not rocket science, guys, it's getting through a ticket gate quickly. Just how difficult can it be?

26.4.05 17:02

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To date 2 Comment(s) TrackBack-URL

Bob Red / Website (21.6.05 12:22)
Aha! so im not the only one who is prepared upon leaving the train!
Finally, someone who also gets it!!!!
Dont you just hate it when people stand over the door buttons and pretend youre not there when you want to get off!
And what about those who think that repeatedly inserting their ticket into the barriers when the seek assistance light comes on will win them a prize or something!
From one commuting veteran to another
Nice blog mate
RED

(24.6.05 21:47)
Thanks! only just saw this. Enjoyed your a-z rant. I don't have that sort of stamina of pissed-offedness, I think I'd get to about E and then collapse in a sea of lethargy