This past Sunday, I rode the GO train from Guelph to Toronto and back. That’s right, we finally have weekend train service between Guelph and Toronto. This means that I can arrive in Toronto for breakfast, watch a movie at TIFF, visit the Spacing store, buy a model tram, amble around, and then ride the train home. Oh, and the return journey costs ten dollary-doos. Ten dollars, for a weekend round trip on the train. I now don’t need a designated driver, other people can smoke marriage-iguana, and no one risks killing themselves or a pedestrian. You simply sleep on the train, stare out the window or read a book. I read book five of The Expanse.
Will the joys ever end?
I noticed about eighty people at 8 AM at Guelph station, all similarly excited to ride the train. The alternative is the bus, and the bus is uncomfortable, gets stuck in traffic and is generally slow. I saw parents from Kitchener take their kids to the Santa Claus parade in Toronto, because why not? No driving, no parking hassle, and despite the diesel engine at the front of the train, our carbon emissions were tiny.
On the way back, we walked to Union Station in Toronto and happened to be behind a couple of teenagers. You know, the youngs, of which I am not. They loudly shouted about walkable cities and better transit. One was dressed like Che Guevara and rode a skateboard. Ok, that’s one choice. They also yelled about THC, vapes, and Minecraft. As we passed a school, they yelled about how the building looked like a prison and the sort of place where people get shot. Ok, it is a mixed bag with the youngs these days. I wonder if these folks vote. I sincerely hope they do.
On the train back, we were seated across from a dad and his ten year old daughter. In between reading my book, I was busy eavesdropping on their conversation. The dad worked in construction and was engaged in an adult conversation with his daughter. She appeared fairly articulate. I have full faith that this girl will grow up into an educated, intelligent, intellectually rich adult because her parents treat her like an adult, with agency and her own opinions. On separate occasions, I also witnessed parents whose kids would likely grow up to be intellectually poor because their parents infantilise them, or worse, ignore their kids entirely. I worry about these kids because the supports needed are dwindling. Teachers don’t have the resources and means to help them. Well, at least one child will be fine.