Some bait and switch on this morning’s New Jersey Transit Midtown Direct train to Penn Station.
Blackberrys were buzzing, and Clever Commuters were quizzing, as the 7:15 from Summit left the station.
As he walked through the first car, the conductor promised the nervous passengers that he would make an announcement.
“Due to AMTRAK problems, there are up to 60 minute delays in and out of Penn Station New York. Several trains are being diverted to Hoboken, but this train is not. Next Stop, Penn Station, NY.”
Some smiles, and audible sighs of relief rose above the seats. It sounded too good to be true. And sure enough, it was.
About 10 minutes later, another announcement from the conductor.
“Ladies and Gentleman, this train will be going to Hoboken. PATH trains will cross-honor fares for all NJT passengers.”
From the ongoing postings to Clever Commute, confusion and delays persisted on the other trains heading East.
So we rolled into Hoboken Lakawanna Terminal, and submerged to the PATH trains. Not much complaining; most of the passengers shrugged and took it in stride. In yonder days before the Midtown Direct, this was a daily slog for all Jersey commuters heading to New York City.