Philosophers on Trains: "$4.25"

Yesterday was my TV script-writing class in NYC, so naturally I had to take the train yet again. My class was sadly canceled, and we all left early. I luckily snagged the 7:44pm train and was happy to know that I'd be home by 9:10pm. But dark clouds were gathering.

You see, the 7:44pm train is considered to be a "peak" train. That means a lot of people tend to be on the train at that time, so the powers that be at the Long Island Rail Road decide to charge more money for each rider. So my ticket that was originally $21.50, now jumped up a whopping $4.25 because yuppies flood the train cars.

I felt as if the lady conductor was mistaken when she told me that I owed an additional $4.25. I wanted to explain that I'm not a rich yuppie traveling home to go antiquing. I'm trying to make it in the entertainment biz and as such, am low, low, low on funds. But I couldn't help but feel as if my words would not matter.

But, lucky for the LIRR, I have a suggestion for them. They should only charge the peak prices for people in a full suit. That way it's obvious those with jackets, suits, and ties can afford the annoying peak charge, while us norms can enjoy being screwed at the normal rate.

To me that sounds fair!