“According to a new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, Suicide rates in the United States are actually highest in rural areas of the country – not urban ones. The suicide rate is 50% higher in rural areas than in major cities (Department of Health and Ageing, 1999).” 

I grew up in Los Angeles, which more or less is a city that runs on cars, and it can be isolating.  People barely even carpool and you find people alone as they navigate through their day.

This is not the case in New York City.  There is a public transportation system that crosses all walks of life.  Rich, poor, black, white, the variety of people allows you to be in physical contact with fellow human beings.  When I lived in New York it was on the train that I found solace and comfort, even if I was riding alone.

Now I am back in LA, back in my car, and know this has an effect on my mood.  The handful of times I have taken the bus or train, I find myself stimulated, alive, and refreshed.  It’d be nice if Los Angeles found a way to expand their public transportation system.  Los Angeles is a culturally divided city.  The Westside has no trains, and they say the city is going to eventually build a subway connecting East LA to West LA.

What’s the hold up?  Does your public transportation in your city affect your mood?  If so, how?

POEM: THE RED LINE

Wild rapture

Underneath

The subway light

Tearing your eyes around to find him

Someone to dissect in your writing mind

Or talk to

A non-rush of

I need to reach out

A touch

A voice

More than a drink of water

Open and close

More people step on

And walk out

And you are excited to know that there is another flock

Of wild bugs caught in trench coats

Waiting to sink

Into their seat

It doesn’t stop

It swirls in cession

With atoms of the universe

And peels away people’s emotions

Brushed on their gestures

On the train.

Tram photo available from Shutterstock

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    Last reviewed: 21 Mar 2013