Had an extended lunch at a mates house today. Washed down 8 or 9 brews from 12:30 till about 8:30, when I decided to sprint to catch the 8:39 at Glenalta station.
I didn't realise that the second part of the sprint was going to be up a steep hill. Didn't help that I had a gut full of grog and BBQ meat.
The train pulled into the station when I was still 30 metres away. With every ounce of willpower I propelled myself forwards, arms flailing wildly to catch the attention of the driver. Managed to stagger to the door, tear it open and collapse into the nearest seat - right in front of the conductor and security guard.
The conductor, appraising my heaving, sweaty mass, convulsing on the seat, noticed I was reaching for my wallet to get the ticket out and said "take your time mate, do it when you're ready". A few minutes later she offered to take the ticket from me and validate it for me so I didn't have to get up.
Now that's service - and far better than the attitude I usually get from TransAdelaide staff!
