Do They Mix? Which is Smarter?
Most of us use AI. We find it helpful. We might find it confusing. But we need it, and it makes things easier and helps our lives in countless ways. Now it’s time to discuss how AI interacts with public transportation. In my case, it is the NYC subway system. I am sure all of you can take your city’s public transit system and write your own dialogue. Do it and let’s compare notes.
A few days ago, a buddy I haven’t seen in a decade texted me to ask if I wanted to go to the next day’s Yankees game, v Houston. I immediately asked how much and where the seats were. He texted back images of seats in Field Level Section 110 right between first base and right field. We all know Judge has been out for too long. So, I wouldn’t get a close-up view of his plays.
Nevertheless, I jumped at the opportunity and was thankful. For the record, I miss Paul O’Neill in RF. I trust him more than Judge.
My real worry was the rain. I have been to a few games where Mother Nature was not my friend. The rain delayed the start of the game for only ten minutes. I am sure by the end of the night the Yankees wished the game had been delayed forever or forgotten.
I rarely go to night games. Getting home is not easy. Lately, day games, with all the subway changes, have turned into a trip from hell. I need to take the 4 line from 161 Street – Yankee Stadium and transfer to the Queens-bound R at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue.
What to do? The LIRR usually works decently. Yes, I could write an essay about it, too. I could transfer to it. But those trains run hourly. Sometimes late at night the subways run hourly. No, they are not supposed to, but they do. So, I used AI to check my options and checked the respective MTA service change sites and the individual line maps and schedules. Hell, the game was a disaster. I needed something to keep me entertained.
AI told me the R would be running its regular route in Queens. At night, the R doesn’t usually run all the way into Queens. It makes one stop, and you need to transfer to the E. That line is known as the hobo or public restroom train.
AI claimed it pulled this from various MTA sites. I checked myself and the information was mixed. Mixed up, that is.
With my head down after our loss, my friend and I exited the Stadium and walked to our respective subway lines. I took the 4 and decided to transfer to the Queens-bound R. AI told me it was gonna go to my stop. I boarded the R, and it ran it’s one stop, and I transferred to the E. I do have to say, the trains ran on time and didn’t have their usual delays. So, I was better off doing this v. transferring to the LIRR. Sure, I would have rather taken two trains than three. I wish I’d gotten better advice.
I do not blame AI. I blame NYC Transit. AI is getting there. NYC Transit is still trying to get us there.
Mitchell's thoughts, photos, etc. 