Every time I get on a train, I take a quick glance down the platform to see if there is a "Bar Car." There's more room to stretch out in these cars, and I'm more likely to have a range of potential commuters to sketch and draw inspiration from. Recently in the press, it's been lamented that the days of the bar car numbered as the Metro North Commuter Railroad replaces aging railcars, including the symbolic bar cars. Although there has been talk of the next generation "Cafe Car" no funding has been set aside for construction. As one columnist pointed out, the need for seats trumps the need for booze - I'm sure I might find a few happy hour commuters who would disagree.
Nevertheless, I will miss these cars for their sheer convenience. Let's face it, unlike the regular cars, there's never a question of "filling the middle seat" with the bench style seating. The lack of contoured seating makes it easy to move, and make way for one more. And more importantly, everyone's more friendlier when they have a beer or plastic cup of spirits in their hand - this was especially the case for all those who have experienced summer commutes when the air conditioning wouldn't be working. So Cheers to the Bar Car - here's too a few rounds (and a few more rides) for they're gone.