Category Archives: LIRR

Tunnel Boring Machine Condemned to Life in Hell

Posted on July 25, 2011 by TJ

The infamous “cutter” tunnel-boring machine has nearly reached the end of its mission, and will be rewarded for its hard slog by being entombed under Park Avenue South for, conceivably, eternity. The 200-ton drill, which will bring New Jersey Transit … Continue reading →

Posted in Grand Central, LIRR, Park Avenue South | 2 Comments

I’m CooCoo For New Metro-North Texting Service

Posted on June 10, 2011 by TJ

The morning was a bit weird. It was Little G’s “graduation” from pre-school up in Priusville (can any male of a certain age hear “Pomp and Circumstance” anymore without thinking of “Animal House”?), so I attended, then shot over to … Continue reading →

Posted in LIRR, Little G, Pleasantville | 1 Comment

Amtrak Fouls Up LIRR Commute

Posted on May 8, 2011 by TJ

LIRR is severely screwed Monday morning thanks to an Amtrak derailment under the East River. Check local listings to see how bad it is. From MTA: As a result of an Amtrak derailment in one of the East River tunnels … Continue reading →

Posted in Amtrak, LIRR | Leave a comment

In Defense of Penn Station. No, Really.

Posted on November 23, 2010 by TJ

A pair of bold writers has taken it upon themselves to defend the indefensible in today’s NY Times Op-Ed. No, they’re not defending Duane Reade stores, or the musical ouevre of Wham! But close. They’re defending Penn Station in their … Continue reading →

Posted in LIRR, New Jersey Transit, Penn Station | Tagged | Leave a comment

Karate Kid ‘Waxes On’ About Hamburger Choo Choo

Posted on November 10, 2010 by TJ

With The Missus, Little G and Little Miss C away over the weekend, I finally got to watch the PBS documentary “Hometown Huntington,” about the Long Island town where I was reared, that had been hogging up space on our … Continue reading →

Posted in Huntington, LIRR, Little G, Little Miss C | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

An Open Letter To:

Posted on September 30, 2010 by TJ

Trainjotting. I know, I know, it’s been several days since I’ve posted. I apologize. You’re mad, I know. Yes, there is that other blog. It’s late-model and attractive, I know, and commands a lot of attention. I know from experience … Continue reading →

Posted in 8:16, Don Draper, LIRR, Metro North, Monthly Pass, Open Letter, Slippery Rail | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Cape Crusader Back in the Saddle

Posted on August 30, 2010 by TJ

Back in the saddle after a ten-day break, a spell enhanced by our furloughed Fridays here at the salt mine. The break featured our annual summer block party, during which I chatted with a man who recently moved into the … Continue reading →

Posted in 1-3/4-Seater, LIRR, Little G | 1 Comment

The Case of the Quarter-Million Dollar Conductor

Posted on June 4, 2010 by TJ

Nearly a quarter of the L.I.R.R. employees make six figures, reports the NY Times, including one hale fellow who took in $239,000 last year, thanks to lots and lots of overtime. The MTA is under tremendous financial duress, as we … Continue reading →

Posted in LIRR, MTA | Leave a comment

The Work-From-Home Dilemma

Posted on May 5, 2010 by TJ

As companies cut costs and wireless technology improves, we’ve seen a handful of co-workers get pushed into permanent work-from-home status. The company shaves off some overhead, and the worker avoids commuting costs–and hassles–as he or she sets up the home … Continue reading →

Posted in LIRR, Metro North, New Jersey Transit, Stench Bench, Subway, Telecommuting | 6 Comments

Straphanger Joe Remembers When LIRR Guys Made Money the Old-Fashioned Way

Posted on April 8, 2010 by TJ

Old-School Disability There used to be a break room at Penn Station somewhere between track 15 and track 18, back before it was upgraded to a “modern” station. My grandfather worked as a conductor for the LIRR starting in the … Continue reading →

Posted in LIRR, LIRR Scandal, Penn Station, Straphanger Joe | Leave a comment