Project Idea

I had two ideas for my project. But after some conversation and investigation into my first idea, it really wouldn't work out. So here is my second idea that I'll share.

I am a commuter, I ride Metra in order to get to and from the southwest suburbs to my classes here at Columbia. I wan't to explore the commuter culture, in and around Union Station and on the Metra trains themselves. I have been riding Metra for years and have noticed that it has built a community of sorts. There are groups of people who sit together everyday to and from work, and have become friends through their commute. I'm sure a lot of the people share similar reasons for commuting via Metra. Ex: Cheaper than gas which is gelling less and less affordable. Multitudes of commuters opt to board the trains with a six pack on their commute home. Others sleep. Some even continue to work. It seems as if all of my classes at Columbia have been split between two types of students; commuters and residents. Is there something shared between the commuters at Union Station? What has grown from the relationships formed while riding the rails? Is there a different mindset or attitude shown by students who commute to Union or Lasalle? I am curious to explore this subject of the commuter culture at the main commuter transportation hubs in Chicago, because I am part of it. I have experienced it. I am a commuter and I feel like I am part of something because of it.