Dear BART,

You and I have been a pair for quite some time now.  Things started casually back in 2006 when I moved to San Francisco and I’d take trips to the East Bay occasionally.  Things got serious about two years ago when I moved to Oakland.

You know how I adore you.  All the games Muni played with my emotions — I was ready for something stable, something reliable.  And there you were. Always on time, often with a seat for me.  Then you had a sweepstakes — I won.  It was love.  I showed my adoration for you by riding at off-hours.  I know those cars can get lonely between 10am and 4pm.   I bought a car last year — I’m sure someone told you.  But nothing changed between us.  I was still there for you, four days a week, at least.

I’ve recently had to change my routine and start riding in the morning.  I elbow my way onto crowded cars, searching frantically for something to hang on to.   I know things aren’t the same between us.  I’m annoyed because 6-foot men lean on the poles and I’m forced to reach on my tip-toes to avoid being tossed about in the transbay tube.

You’ve started acting out.  You delay the train; and worse, you don’t say anything.  I need you to communicate with me.  When I’m stuck in the Oakland tunnel for 15 minutes at 8:30am I need some reassurance from you — will I ever get out?  Will I make it to work on time?

I know you heard I was considering commuter checks.  It’s nothing personal, I promise.  I just need to do what’s best for me right now.

Will things never be the same between us?   I miss those magical 2pm trips as much as you do, but we both need to adapt.  And, if we can’t communicate, I fear our relationship will become strained and eventually fall apart.

Please talk to me BART.  I’m begging you.

Much love and admiration,
Chelsea