Clearing the Transit Track

Midday required an outdoor patrol to inspect the municipal transit lines. I marched three blocks down the sidewalk to the open tram platform. Beside the steel rail bed, an abandoned aluminum drink can was wedged right against the grooved track flange, threatening wheel traction. Flange obstruction compromises mass transit flow. I stepped down off the curb, planted my boots firmly on the packed gravel ballast, and gripped the crumpled can with both hands. Bracing my heels, I gave a sharp sideways yank. It broke free with a crisp metallic crunch. I hauled the cylinder into the concrete recess behind the shelter support column. Flange cleared. Rail corridor is fully operational.