by Avon Esor

Created on: June 13, 2008   Last Updated: March 20, 2012

In West Palm Beach, Florida, suburban lifestyles reign supreme, and unlike many other cities, public transportation is often viewed with utter disdain. After all, who would want to park their beautiful fully-loaded SUV to ride on the Tri-rail train? Not many people find it appealing to be schlepped from one town to the next, train station after train station to get to their destination. Two years ago, the idea of riding to work on the train for some people would be met with multiple excuses of why the option was really not viable.

However, we are living in the United States in 2008 and now we have no choice. Poverty is spreading its ugly wings and we are racing to get away from its chilly cover. The threat is looming dangerously close to the SUV-driving, middle class homeowner and it is scary. With fuel prices reaching record highs this summer and climbing as I write, the choices are getting narrower and narrower by the day. Onboard magazine produced by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority reports that in April 2008 Tri-rail carried more riders than during any other month in its 19-year history. The magazine also stated that the Tri-rail recorded a resounding 28 percent increase over April 2007. The once unsavory mode of transportation is becoming the one of choice.

It is not unusual at 8 am to see well-clad business people parking their expensive SUV's and sports cars then juggling laptop and briefcase while running to catch the train. At 5 pm, the same crowd can be seen on the platforms of the train stations awaiting their ride back to suburbia. Employers have taken the extra step to encourage their staff to ride the rails with very creative incentives. Some have joined the discount program of the railroad company so they can allow their employees to save. Airport pickups are now seen as asking too much of friends and neighbors, so we take the train. Many people even take their bicycles on the train so they can ride the second leg of their journey.

We are taking an important step in saving not just our pockets but also our neighborhood. No longer do we subject ourselves to solitude and radio talk shows while fighting off road rage and unending traffic. These days, we are spending more time saying "hello", "do you need help?" and even "good morning".

It is a peaceful trip on the Tri-rail allowing time to read a book, meditate or just simply enjoy the scenery along the way. Maybe we are not just saving on gas; maybe we are saving our sanity.

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