‘F’ Train Culture

Today I took the bus to the train, as usual. It’s part of my morning routine. When I got to the 179th street station, I was sad to discover that there were “switch problems” at 36th street. Now, what exactly does “switch problem” mean?

• It means that there will be hundreds of people waiting at each stop to get on an already packed train.

• It means that people will start fighting and pushing and yelling to get to where they want to be.

• It also means that you will be late to your destination.

I think that trains are a great invention, but I can’t help but feel like the MTA is not trying its hardest. Let’s face it. There are thousands of people that take the trains each day, and to be honest, I have witnessed some awful things on the train; but that is not enough to make me give up. I don’t even think they disinfect the train poles when they are cleaning. Actually, I know they don’t because there are a number of times that the trains pull into the 179th street station and they clean the floors, take the garbage out, but they don’t wipe down the poles or the seats. I have even seen roaches in the ‘F’ train; disgusting. Think of all the germs that are growing, manifesting, multiplying each day and that is why my friends, germ gel is a good thing to carry with you at all times. For $2 each way from millions of people, I think they can afford to at least wipe the poles at least once a day. I can’t say that I have a solution, because I don’t; but sometimes it really gets frustrating.

Leaving your house on time does not mean that you will get to work on time, especially if you are a native New Yorker.

somahpersaud

12 Tips when visiting NYC!

According to NYC & Company, here are some important things tourists can do while visiting New York City. So, here goes:

1. Call 311 or 212-NEWYORK for all information about the City.
2. 5th Ave. divides Manhattan into the east and west side.
3. When getting directions, always ask for the cross streets, it will help you understand NYC and you will reach your destination faster, with less complexity.
4. In Manhattan, if you walk 20 blocks north or south, you have walked 1 mile.
5. If the number on the top of the taxicab is lit, it means the cab is available.
6. It is customary to tip 15-20% to waitstaff, bartenders and taxi drivers.
7. MetroCards work on both buses and subways, and transfers between trains and buses(only) are free.
8. Free wireless internet is available at many public parks.
9. Many businesses, including pharmacies and delis are opened 24 hours.
10. If there is a huge green ball on top of the subway station, that means that the station is opened 24 hours.
11. Looking for subway directions? Just visit http://www.hopstop.com for all your subway directions
12. Have a question about the lovely NYC? Just ask the locals, go to any information/visitor center in and around NYC or call 311.

somahpersaud

Home For Thanksgiving

Extra Thanksgiving Service

Going home early for the Thanksgiving holiday … or heading into Manhattan for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
The L.I.R.R. is providing extra trains that include Wednesday afternoon’s (November 21) getaway period, when eight extra eastbound holiday eve trains will run from Penn Station, and one will operate out of Hunterspoint Avenue. They include:

• Three trains to Babylon
• Two to Huntington
• One each to Hicksville, Great Neck and Far Rockaway
• One to Montauk (from Hunterspoint Avenue)

On Thursday morning, November 22, (Thanksgiving Day) we will provide six extra westbound “parade” trains:

• Two from Wantagh (7:13 AM and 7:43 AM)
• Two from Ronkonkoma (6:27 AM and 7:10 AM)
• One from Speonk (6:08 AM)
• One from Port Jefferson (6:27 AM).

Details are available in your branch timetable.

We also run extra trains back to Long Island after the parade:

• Three on the Babylon Branch, four on the Ronkonkoma Branch
• One Port Jefferson
• One Huntington and
• One terminating at Speonk.

On the Friday after Thanksgiving, the unofficial kickoff day for holiday shopping, The L.I.R will operate on a regular weekday schedule, but off-peak fares will be in effect all day.