Metro-North.

Frankly, guys, things have been pretty good between us of late. You guys kicked ass regarding that Slippery Rail thing, and I told our readers as much. My rides have been mostly pleasant. I feel like I’m getting a mostly fair return for my 208 bucks every month.

But I have to speak up about the Grand Central platform you steer me to each morning. As in, enough of the Track 39, folks. It’s been several long months since my morning train has been pulling into Track 39 which, if you don’t know, is a few blocks east of freakin’ Weehawken.

Do you know how many steps it takes me to get from from Track 39 to the 6 train? Of course you don’t, how could you? It’s 372. 372!

Don’t get me wrong, there are worse places to walk through than Grand Central each morning (three come to mind: Cite Soleil in Haiti, Fallujah in Iraq, the Smithhaven Mall in December). But doing it day in and day out, well, let’s just say I wouldn’t mind it if some other Metro-North riders shared the burden of those far west platforms.

How about dealing me a nice Track 29 or so, dump me right out in the middle of the concourse? Hey, at this point, I’d even settle for something down in the cellar, as long as it was centrally located. Geez, gimme Track 110, and I’ll still get to the 6 train much quicker than I do now–and maybe even grab some grub from the Oyster Bar as I go.

I know, I’m being petty. And I do mean what I say about all the good work you’ve been doing. I’m just saying, next time you work your scheduling black magic, and it’s between me and some scowl-faced suit from Cos Cob as to who should shlep from Track 39, I say make the other guy walk.

Warmest regards,

TrainjottingÂ