CalTran Qualms

Someone broke down this morning in the left lane of a two-lane on ramp. As a seriously busy ramp, the traffic hurdle caused a delay all the way up through the freeway near my house. I definitely feel horrible for that person on the receiving end of all the that's-why-we're-stuck-in-traffic fingers, but the worst part was that there was a cop in the shoulder just sitting there watching it all happen.

And here, dear cohorts, is the crux of the problem: California transit police (called CalTran) clearly lack in helping traffic problems. There's an accident? Let's let the commuters fend for themselves around the debris. There's an event? Let's let the commuters fend for themselves through the intersection. There's a broken down car? Let's let the commuters fend for themselves around the car.

Maybe instead of just watching the traffic pile up around you, you could get off your cell phone and help direct traffic or help push the car safety to the shoulder with you. (I can tell you from first-hand experience that a Maryland highway patrol man helped me push my car from the left lane of 83 to the right shoulder three lanes later. It is possible, and since CaTran is so keen on stopping traffic with their crazy swerving action, you know they wouldn't mind doing it. So do it!)

Crazy CalTran. What do you get paid to do?