The Local in Loews?

By Mashaun D. Simon

On three occasions this week I have heard the phrase, “This must be the local” while on an elevator. I assume they are speaking of the local train.

Before spending my summer in New York, I had no idea what people meant when they would say “the local train.” In New York, the public transportation system has local and express trains. Express trains stop at certain, more important stations. Then there are local trains. These trains stop at every points in the line. Most people despise local trains because they take longer.

In other words, if you’re in a hurry, forget about it.

This week, the elevators have been rather slow, according to some conference attendees. I have not had any problems. Whenever I have needed an elevator, I have always gotten one. But it did not hit me until the last time I heard someone say it.

The local in the Loews? What an interesting connection.