Right now, I am sitting on the Coney Island-bound platform of the Q train. I have to go into Manhattan – but I can’t – because according to the token booth clerk, all Manhattan-bound B and Q trains are not running. So in order to reach my destination, I have to take a Coney Island-bound Q train the opposite direction from where I need to go to West 8th Street and transfer to the F train, which will allegedly take me to my destination.

Why should today be different from any other day?

I am getting so sick and tired of writing column after column about how much the MTA/New York City Transit system sucks. Not a week can go by in this City without the trains being re-routed, shut down, delayed, interrupted or screwed up. I have lost count of how many times my commute and my mood have been altered by the MTA. And the worst part is that every time this happens – myself and every other commuter forced to use this deplorable transit system to get around are left with no choice but to cooperate whether we like it or not.

In March of 2003, the MTA raised the fare for buses and subways from $1.50 to $2.00, forcing the over four million daily commuters to shell out another fifty cents for a miserable ride to and from work. And despite the enormous influx of money generated from the rate hike, the trains still smell like rotting meat, the stations are still coated in graffiti, garbage and urine – and considering the fact that I am going to Coney Island just to go back to Manhattan – the trains still provide unacceptable service…

…and the MTA could care less.

Sure the MTA has a complaint hotline, a suggestion box at most major stations – and even a link on their website that allows you to e-mail the Chairman of the MTA with any questions or comments you may have. But if you think for one second that the MTA or anyone who works there even takes the time to read those comments much less act on them – then you must also believe the morning traffic reports that proclaim all New York City Transit trains to be, “on or close to schedule.”

I have such a long day ahead of me that required me to get to my destination as early as possible – but now my tasks will be at least three hours behind schedule and my mood will be stuck between disgusted and furious – all because the MTA sent me in the opposite direction from where I need to go so I can get another train to go back the way I came – despite the fact that their slogan is, “Going Your Way.”

Thanks MTA – keep up the good work.