Category Archives: Penn Station

Jersey Jim Locked In ‘Portal’ Combat

Commuters on New Jersey Transit often worry and complain about crossing the river to and from Manhattan, but the mighty Hudson is often wrongly accused as the wager of our woe. It’s the Hackensack River that we should worry about. As … Continue reading

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Piece of Penn Station Shifts to GCT

A 45-pound stone eagle sculpture that once loomed over Penn Station has found a (temporary) home in Grand Central, reports the NY Times. The eagle made a detour to Freeport, Long Island and Poughkeepsie in between the two stations. He’s apparently one … Continue reading

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In Defense of Penn Station. No, Really.

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

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A Mighty Wind: Where Were You When the Tornado Struck NYC?

Well, that little storm kind of snuck up on us, now didn’t it? I was actually heading to Citi Field for the first time all season, Metsies tix for my birthday, compliments of the generous Missus. G. Francis and I … Continue reading

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THE TRAINJOTTING READER: The Big Bam

Seeing as I live about a mile from the Sultan of Swat’s grave, I just finished reading the Babe Ruth biography, The Big Bam. The book, by Leigh Montville, is almost as much about riding trains as it is about baseball. … Continue reading

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JerseyJim’s 3-Hour Evening Ordeal

I took the late train home last night. Actually, it seems everybody on NJ Transit took the late train home last night. Boarding my usual 5:17 Gladstone train in Penn Station, all seemed normal. But soon after we boarded, the … Continue reading

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JerseyJim Assesses ‘The Situation’

It’s been a week full of surprises on New Jersey Transit, but riders are taking it in stride. As commuters absorb the increased delays and cancellations, and no A.C., summer has certainly left the station.   This morning’s train missed … Continue reading

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THE TRAINJOTTING READER: FDR’s Funeral Train

I’m pleased–and mighty relieved–to report that Robert Klara’s FDR’s Funeral Train, which I finished last night, is very, very good. I’m relieved because ol’ Engine Bob is a pal (and former Trainjotting columnist!), and it would be really awkward if … Continue reading

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‘Commuter Nation’ Hits Penn Station

The commuter-advocacy group Commuter Nation is at Penn Station today, espousing the virtues of mass transit and even giving out a few iPads. Says CN: Commuter Nation campaign is back this year to educate commuters in the greater New York … Continue reading

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

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

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