Clarity

Two months. That is how long I have been in law school. That also corresponds to the amount of time that I have spent in a cloud of haze and in the shadow of confusion. But finally, the clouds have parted, the haze has burned off and clarity has set in. What brought about this clarity you might ask? Well, it was the response I received from Houston Metro regarding my email about the shi...crummy "service" that they have been providing for the last day, week, month or year.

My email basically asked one simple question: What is Houston Metro doing about the high traffic volume and the crummy service?

Here is the response I received back. It explains soooooooo much.

"Dear Mr. Frink,

I believe there were a number of reasons for the higher than usual traffic volumes that contributed to the lane operating at lower than desirable travel times. Notwithstanding, please know that we are monitoring the facility...[and] that METRO plans for future operations to include additional technology that we believe will sharply mitigate unauthorized use, help regulate traffic volumes, and keep the lane flowing smoothly. Such technology is expected to be operational on the I-45 North HOV lane by the summer of 2010.

Sincerely,

Crummy Service Provider"

Let me translate this real quick before I need to skedaddle to do some more legal busy work.

"Dear Mr. Frink,

There are several reasons reasons for higher than usual traffic volumes, none of which we could actually pinpoint. However, my belief is that the higher than usual traffic volumes is due to higher than usual numbers of cars in the HOV lane. Please rest assured that we will continue to take note of the volume of cars and do nothing about it. Actually, come to think about it, we do have a plan to take action...in two years. In the meantime, please continue to bend over and take it in the rear and make sure to do so with a smile.

Sincerely,

Crummy Service Provider"

I had one possible rational solution to the problem: raise the number of passengers required in the HOV lane from two to three. This is not a drastic measure because it would line up the policy with the other major headache in Houston (i.e. I-10). But I guess that would make too much sense.

I hope that this explanation has provided as much clarity to your life as it has mine.