Not everything about riding the train is ideal. I had to adjust to the transit system's schedule. It's hot in the rail cars on summer afternoons, and there's not always a seat available if I hit a busy time of day. Every now and then, I end up sitting next to someone who smells like a hobo who has been digging in a refrigerator full of rotten food.

And sometimes when I'm working during the ride, I worry about people reading over my shoulder. (By the way, buddy, thanks for catching that spelling error.)

But overall, riding the train has been good for me. I arrive at work better rested and less frustrated, because I haven't had to deal with morning traffic. And I can catch up on work during the trip, which gives me more time to attack the things I have to do in the office.

Best of all, I've found that I am getting home earlier, because I make sure I leave work in time to catch a certain train. Riding TRAX has, in that way, forced me to be a little more organized, and I think that's always a good thing.

So, if any of you other office drones have yet to try public transportation because you have been loath to give up the freedom of your own sweet ride, I advise you to reconsider. You may find that riding the train or bus will save you frustration and time, as well as money, all while making you a better-rested, more-productive employee.

Give it a try, and let me know if you agree.

Or, if you have a financial question, I'd like to hear that, too. Send your correspondence to gkratz@desnews.com or to the Deseret News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110.

---

E-mail: gkratz@desnews.com