What is the sand for on the Trolley?

Dear Matthew Alice:

Can you tell me what the sand under the seats on the San Diego Trolley is for?

-- Tracy, the Net

Yes, I can.

* * *

Sorry, Tracy. Just an annoying little know-it-all's joke. Anyway, the sand is secreted in the bowels of the trolley car and released automatically onto the tracks when the train loses traction on slippery rails. Keeps you from gliding through wet intersections or sliding backwards down hills.