Here's What It's Like To Suffer Through A 90-Minute Commute From New Jersey Every Morning And Evening
My commute is better than many people's. I only have to go around 20 miles, which takes 50 minutes on the train and 90 minutes total.
It starts with a drive to the nearest train station.
A single overly long red light could be the difference between getting to work on time or not.
My daily schedule is dictated by NJ Transit.
Commuters who get to the train platform early can colonize certain sweet spots that all but guarantee a seat on the train.
These sweet spots quickly become crowded.
But sweet spots don't always work, such as when a door on NJ Transit train doesn't open.
The interior of the newer NJ Transit trains is sleek and feels almost like being on a plane.
Older NJ Transit trains feel more like an old fashioned doctor's waiting room, complete with leather chairs.
On either train, NJ Transit leaves you longing for legroom.
Sleeping is a popular way to pass the time, while other people read, play games, or work.
Once the train pulls into New York Penn Station, there is a huge press as everyone hurries out.
Getting off of the platform, on bad days, can take anywhere from five to ten minutes.
Leaving Penn Station proper during rush house can be almost as difficult as leaving the train platform.
The station is almost constantly backlogged as commuters from various subway lines, NJ Transit, and the Long Island Railroad all push their way above ground.
Once you finally get above ground, the next challenge is getting to your office (unless you transfer to a subway from underground).
Then you work hard all day and in the evening you do the whole thing again, and tomorrow the same.
You've seen what commuting into NYC is like ...
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