New Schedule Bliss

NJTransit released a new schedule, and for the first time since I've been a passenger, the adjustments are extremely beneficial to my commute. Its about time.

Currently, the Monclair Boonton line has two trains that depart NY Penn station in the six o'clock hour: 6:18 and 6:40. Additionally, the overly crowded 6:54 Morris Essex train provides a rare third option, but requires switching at Newark Broad to a crowded hoboken train where seats are a premium.

During the week, I usually have two appointments until 6:30, and subsequently take the 6:54pm on those nights. People invariably end up without a seat, and the aisles are filled with chaotic bi-directional traffic. Its not a good time for anyone. Until March 13th, that is.

NJ Transit has decided to move the 6:40 to 6:56pm, meaning no 6:54, no switching at broad street, but no double deckers. Hey, I'll take it. A "one-seat ride" is highly underrated.

Night Crawlers

I decided to stay in the city and hang with a friend on monday night. I had the pleasure of riding in the partially filed 11:21pm train to Montclair State, sitting in front of an unruly peanut gallery.

The ride began with an individual from the group seated behind me loudly announcing that he will arise at 7am for his 8am class. Others joined in with their morning schedules, as well as thoughts on the evening's activities. This convo clearly identified the group as students, likely high school. They were initially seated in both 3 seaters directly behind me.

As the train took off, the seat behind me decided to put their feet on the seat back. At first, it wasn't a problem. I don't sit back against the seat back, so I tried to ignore it. As the train moved, the kids gradually pushed harder (without realizing it), causing the seat back to push forward abruptly, and forcing me into the seat in front of me.

I currently suffer from hypermobility, and events like this are very painful unfortunately....time to escape from the evil clutches of the annoying coeds!  Or so I thought. Just as I moved up, they decided to push my vacated seat forward, such that my old seat is facing theirs, AND they now sitting behind me once again.  I can't shake these kids, and can only hope to contain them!

Thankfully, a parental figure appeared like the lone ranger to corral the troops, and marched them off into the darkness at Glen Ridge.

Its always a party when someone sits on me.

Yesterday, Amtrak was up to the usual debauchery, and somehow managed to disable a train inside the East River tubes leading from Sunnyside Yard to New York City. As a result, many NJ Transit and LIRR trains were cancelled and/or combined. I can't think of a more fitting close to Super Bowl Monday.

Thankfully, my NJ Transit train wasn't canceled, and I was spared the mob scene that ensued at Penn Station. However, the train was packed to the gills. The aisles were crowded and all three seaters were full.

"At least I have a seat, and am not stuck in suspended animation between the seats or at Penn," I thought.

The train slowly emptyed out with each new station. I couldn't wait for one of the passengers currently seated in the same three seater as I to exit, and provided room to breathe. Patience is a virtue.

Finally, the individual on the aisle gets up to exit. "Woo hoo!" I thought. However, instead of sliding over to the aisle seat, the remaining person in the middle picked up her laptop bag and purse, and set them in the vacated seat.

I watched and waited for another seat to open.  When trying to leave, this person wouldn't move out of her seat to let me by. Thankfully, I was small enough to squeeze past her....to freedom and space two rows ahead!

This incident prompted me to start this blog as a means to vent my frustrations (and document the hilariousness) of commuting to NYC.