LIRR — Local services in New York

One can only sustain Penn station as five stars if one winks at its many flaws, and finds in its chaotic mash veiled truths about the hustling humanity it wreaths.

Of course there are the barefoot or sandaled unhoused, the dropped coffee cups spilling cold black fluid, the screeching of train wheels and incomprehensible announcements. And yes, there is endless construction, and the swirl of orange vests making repairs and renovations decades overdue. Unlike the shiny new Moynihan station next door, with its first class food choices and airport terminal vibes, Penn station remains a living monument to New York’s pre-Seinfeld era. All races, all classes, all workers, and all sorts hum and patrol its 1980s mall decor, haunted by the ghosts of “fear city.”

But if you are one of the regulars who comes to observe its tiny corners routinely, and who ceases to look for something akin to the Oculus downtown or the Vessel to the west, you can find satiation even with the over-priced bottled water: there is decent enough sushi, a Starbucks with friendly staff, fresh bagels with fresh lox to top cream cheese, a bar where you might find the “Billy Joel crowd” on random weeknights, and, once a year, some Xmas decorations that ring like a set from the film Elf.

There is even some lilting magic if you pass through it enough…seeing the same faces fluttering on your commute, the synchronized rush of passengers once the platform number is posted, the strange uneven steps by the 32nd street entrance, the dizzying spell of overheard conversations blasting all emotions, the stoical expressions of the many officers still wielding weapons in the long aftermath of 9/11, the stories of the desperate who need a ride somewhere with empty pockets. It’s not exactly “crossing Brooklyn ferry,” but it’s hard to say Whitman wouldn’t find someone here to cruise.

And if you do want to taste and sip a bit of the mighty Penn? Grab a bag of hot, fresh, salty popcorn by the NJ Transit halls, and a tall can of cheap beer in a brown paper bag to go wash it down. And then head out of the city in the afternoon past the Hudson, with a window seat facing the east, and try and remember how empty the city became during Covid, and how many people you met and grew to love right there in those...

I have been using the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) for over a year now, and I must say that it is the best commuter railroad in North America. The LIRR is the oldest railroad in the United States still operating under its original name and charter, and it shows in the quality and reliability of its service. The LIRR serves 126 stations in Nassau and Suffolk counties, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, and runs 24/7, with different schedules depending on destination and time of day. The trains are fast, comfortable, and clean, and the staff is courteous and helpful.

The LIRR offers a variety of fares and payment options, such as peak and off-peak tickets, reduced fares, and Mail&Ride accounts. The fares are reasonable, especially considering the convenience and efficiency of the LIRR. I can get to my destination in a timely manner, without having to worry about traffic, parking, or weather. The LIRR also has a real-time service information system, called MTA TrainTime, that allows me to check the status of my train and plan my trip accordingly.

The LIRR is more than just a railroad, it is a part of the history and culture of Long Island and New York. It has been serving the community for over 180 years, and it continues to improve and innovate. The LIRR is a great way to travel, whether for work, leisure, or anything in between. I highly recommend the LIRR to anyone looking for a swift and reliable transportation option. The LIRR is the ultimate...

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is one of the busiest commuter rail systems in the United States, serving the densely populated region between Long Island and New York City. Among its many services, the New York-bound trains—often simply referred to as “the New York train”—play a vital role in the daily lives of thousands of commuters traveling into the heart of Manhattan.

Originating from various points on Long Island, such as Montauk, Babylon, and Port Jefferson, these trains converge toward major terminals like Penn Station and the newer Grand Central Madison, which opened in 2023. The convenience and efficiency of the LIRR make it an essential part of New York’s transportation infrastructure, offering an alternative to congested highways and supporting the economic link between the suburbs and the city.

Riders on the New York train experience a smooth and relatively quick journey, often with amenities like Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and mobile ticketing through the MTA TrainTime app. Morning and evening rush hours are the busiest, highlighting how critical the train is to the region’s workforce.

In addition to its functional importance, the New York train symbolizes the connection between urban and suburban life. It’s a daily bridge between home and opportunity, supporting both the individual commuter and the broader economy of the...