Yes, I was late for work today -- but it wasn't my fault, again.

Have you ever used that line? Well, you will. It does happen, and for some of us who rely on public transit, it happens more than we'd like. So first, the reasons, then the excuses.

The reasons in my case are simple -- I take the commuter rail, and they're doing track work up and down the line. That, along with signal problems, switching problems and equipment problems, makes my commute vary from 30 to 90 minutes. (Note: if a public transit line is doing track work, you have to believe it's long, long overdue, and I think I'm happy about it despite the delays.)

The excuses: well, I could use the old "I was delayed by a rip in the space-time continuum", but around here you just mention train problems and pretty much everybody nods in sympathy and understanding.

So the real deal is this -- how do you prepare for this type of disruption in your well-ordered life and schedule?

In my case, it's a combination of things. For one, I try to take care of as many things as possible remotely, in the evenings. I know this is not an option available (or desirable) to everyone, but it makes sense for some.

Second, if you know there are likely to be on-time issues (whether your fault or not), talking to your boss about it in advance is always a good idea. Maybe the two of you will arrive at some agreeable solution, maybe not. But at the least, there will be communication about a (potential) work problem, and that's good for everybody.

Third, make sure you have contact numbers and/or email info for your boss as well as co-workers programmed into your cell phone. If something happens, you want to be able to call, or text-message.

I know you've all had problems with "tardiness" as they used to say in school. What would you suggest? No, seriously!