NJ Transit is going to upgrade windows on trains, upgrading the travel experience (L.A. PARKER COLUMN)

NJ Transit will spend $15 million to replace train windows made opaque by nearly two decades of air friction and weather elements — acid rain, heat, even ultraviolet rays.

A typical travel ritual involves boarding a NJ Transit train with my partner, then moving from car to car in a mad effort to find a clear window. In that rare experience, my female friend will shout, “Found one!”

A debate occurs about whether we should take the discovery or head off for a potentially better window. Mind you, a found less-dirty window is worth two in the next compartment.

Part of the appeal of train rides involves looking out the window at passing scenery. Excitement occurs when the train pulls into New Brunswick and eyes catch a glimpse of the Health & Life Science Exchange (HELIX) development effort. The $750 million private, public project includes a 42-story, mix-used building.

Seated in NJ Transit grayish canisters inevitably conjures a potential scene for a sequel to Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, a post apocalyptic novel that features themes of survival and mental challenges of struggle.

Of course, train rides from Trenton to New York City pay tribute to musician Steve Winwood’s Night Train.

(Out of the night burning with light
Train shining black, I won’t look back, life is running.
Hoping some day someone will say
I got it made, pull up the shade, let the sun in.
Down on the night train, I feel the starlight steal away,
Use up a lifetime looking for the break of day.)

Nice to know that NJ Transit plans a complete overhaul of windows, an upgrade that will improve the traveling experience for commuters and train riders.

Okay, big finish with the Fifth Dimension (Ten million people just asked, Who? Black late 1960s forward pop rock group with major hits including two Grammys.

The day will arrive soon when all NJ Transit train riders can sing the group’s smash hit Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.

Let the sunshine (You got to feel it)
Let the sunshine in (When you open up your heart)
The sunshine in (You gotta let the sun come on in)
(And I see in the mornin’)
Let the sunshine (And late in the evening)
Let the sunshine in (Open up your heart).

L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.