RTD is not the Cal Train
August 7, 2008 by Greg
When I heard about people in California using their lengthy train commute to start their work, I thought I should implement this plan in Denver. However, after spending a few weeks situating myself amongst the other passengers and angling my laptop to avoid the sun, I’ve realized this isn’t the most comfortable of working positions. After riding an hour long Cal Train from San Jose to San Francisco this past weekend, I’ve realized the missing piece. The Cal Train.
The Cal Train utilizes bus cars complete with two levels and spacious full back individual seats. It’s most certainly not a desk, but it’s a far way from perching on a shared bench on a local commuter train. Somewhere in between an amtrack and business class, the Cal Train is actually a workable solution. The RTD on the other hand, is more of a priority work only situation.
I know someone with a Kitchen Aide Mixer… It’s real nice.
While I can’t speak to the RTD I can say, after spending the last month riding Caltrain nearly two hours everyday that it’s a perfectly viable commuting solution and makes living in SF and working down in Silicon Valley an enjoyable arrangement. Greg’s description is spot on. The cars are comfortable, many seats have access to power outlets for the many laptop users, Caltrain is fast, and far cheaper that driving a car every day. I highly recommend it.