Melbourne’s Daily Grind
- Filed under: Wheeled Machines
- Date: Feb 21,2008
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City shock has now hit home since returning to Melbourne - this time as a car driver. Heading outbound at 3pm on the Monash it is bumper to bumper with the pace at a gruelling crawl. The daily commute consists of torturous agony for several kilometres along a four lane highway. Who’s to blame? Road works, freight trucks and Melbourne’s relentless reliance on the wheeled machine.
For the last couple of years I have been living in the smaller cities of Australia. Primarily Darwin, Albury, Adelaide and Townsville. To explain my position I will explain what is typical involved as a regional driver.
Country-bumpkin: The week day begins with a quick breakfast with Koshie, and you hop into your car to start work. Your side street is empty and you pull out. Turn the corner and you’re on a main road. Four minutes later you pull into work. Park, enter work and avoid your boss to carry on with your packed mornos. Motivated and proactive you start work.
Country-bumpkin turn Melbournite: The week day begins with a quick breakfast with Koshie, and you hop into your car to start work. You wait for the opposite neighbour to pull out then follow suit. Three lights left and you’ll be on the highway into town. First light turns green as you approach smooth sailing. Second light a solid red and you sit 11 cars back. Your left turn lane blocked by 15 cars backed up - no compassion.
Country-bumpkin turn Melbournite cont’d: 18 minutes after departure your finally on the cruising on the Monash. At 100km/hr you cruise with roads busy but traffic flowing. Red brake lights come out of nowhere. To a rocking halt you see into the distance backed up traffic and await your 1.5 hour commuter doom. Welcome to the daily grind.
What happens when you neglect calling ‘that’ number on the highway signage for a month?
Debt accumulation totalling $56.20, thanks CityLink! Alas, no-one else to blame but my own complacency.
Country-bumpkin on a busy Preston tramway: Priceless
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