Monthly Archives: March 2007

An Open Letter To:

Posted on March 30, 2007 by TJ

…the woman on the 6 train platform at 42nd Street who nudged my knapsack forward yesterday. The train was jammed tighter than Das Boot. I was the last one to get on. Dozens shuffled impatiently on the platform as they … Continue reading →

Posted in Das Boot, Open Letter | Leave a comment

April 1 Fun With the MTA

Posted on March 29, 2007 by TJ

Metro North is announcing new schedule changes, and true to form, the railroad picked April 1 to launch them. The changes include better early PM peak service on the lower Hudson Line, more service on the Harlem Line thanks to … Continue reading →

Posted in New Canaan | 2 Comments

Ask Engine Bob: Should Conductors Hold the Door?

Posted on March 29, 2007 by TJ

Q: Some fellow LIRR travelers say that the conductors won’t hold the doors for a passenger who’s boarding in the morning with a cup of coffee in his or her hand, because that suggests they’re lackadaisical about making the train. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask Engine Bob, Engine Bob, LIRR, Schedule-padding | 1 Comment

The First Annual “When Will Metro North Be On Time?” Contest

Posted on March 28, 2007 by TJ

An otherwise normal trip home on the 6:10 slowed to a crawl just before Scarsdale. After several minutes of putt-putting along, we got the dreaded announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, there’s a stalled train on the track between Hartsdale and White Plains, so we’re … Continue reading →

Posted in 6:10, Late trains | 1 Comment

PeterFromPort Says Move to the Right!

Posted on March 28, 2007 by TJ

I view the need for instructions on shampoo bottles as a serious indictment of our school system. But the real condemnation has to be the big doh! that easily adds four minutes to my commute every morning. Any doubts were … Continue reading →

Posted in PeterFromPort | 1 Comment

Unpleasantville

Posted on March 28, 2007 by TJ

Generally, I like the Australian accent. It reminds of me beer and cute party girls named Sheila who backpack all over Europe and America. But crikey, did the Aussie lady on the train this morning grate on my nerves. Sharing … Continue reading →

Posted in Pleasantville | Leave a comment

Who’s Got the Worst Commute in America?

Posted on March 27, 2007 by TJ

This is sort of funny. In conjunction with National Stress Awareness Day (yes, a real thing–April 17), Dodge is sponsoring an “Avenge Your Commute” contest in which the winner gets to beat on a car with a sledgehammer and drive … Continue reading →

Posted in Avenge Your Commute | Leave a comment

Phlegm Monster on Long Island Railroad!

Posted on March 26, 2007 by TJ

My ride this morning convinced me that Long Island has a serious health problem on its hands. Yes, TB is back. I know because a sufferer was on my train, hacking up a lung aboard the 8:18.  I’d stag-leaped into … Continue reading →

Posted in PeterFromPort, Ratso Rizzo | Leave a comment

Word of the Week: PREMATURE EVACUATION

Posted on March 26, 2007 by TJ

PREMATURE EVACUATION: \PREEmachooer EEVackuayshun\ noun: The act of rising from your train seat and standing in the group at the door as Grand Central approaches, only to have the final few blocks last several minutes–causing one to wish one had remained … Continue reading →

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I Thought My Commute Sucked Vol. IV

Posted on March 26, 2007 by TJ

The NY Times has a story about the increasing misery of riding the El train in Chicago. The trains and tracks are old, and there’s no money to replace them. The president of the Chicago Transit Authority (didn’t they sing … Continue reading →

Posted in Chicago Transit Authority, El Train | 1 Comment