The results of the inaugural “Trainjotting Puts Metro-North to the Test” study are in: the Harlem line was on time 41% of the time in July.
How it worked: We kept track of every ride we had in July, giving Metro-North a 59 second cushion before it was deemed “late.” (In fact, the British term “trainspotting” actually refers to keeping track of train times, not shooting dope and enjoying the fruits of Scottish socialism with friends Sick Boy, Spud and of course Franco.)
Out of 32 rides on the Harlem Line, the train came in early or within 59 seconds of its scheduled arrival time 13 times, or 41%. It was a minute or more late 19 times, or 59%.
The numbers are not as bad as I figured, though a far cry from the 99%-plus on-time figures Metro-North gives itself, thanks to its generous six-minute “on time” cushion.
We suspect our findings actually flatter Metro-North, as July is a big vacation month, with fewer riders. We may try it again in September.
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