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Message |
    
Charlie
Citizen
Username: Cking27
Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 9:06 pm: | 
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Hello,
First time poster and lurker for a couple of days after we stumbled upon Maplewood during a recent house hunting excursion. We're recent transplants from Chicago and have been renting in the Westchester as we search for a house. We met with a local real estate agent and fell in love with your town. Prior to this weekend we we're almost certain we'd end up in Westchester (if we ever found something that met our price/house criteria..no luck so far) but that all changed after we got a chance to see what Maplewood had to offer. We had a few questions and hope you could help out:
- Are the morning trains into NY standing room only? Is it a relatively peaceful commute or do you feel like you're boarding a Southwest plane every morning, stressed out you might not get on?
- Can you make use of your time on the train? We were drawn to the midtown direct line because we're not interested in busses, nor a drive to Jersey City, park, PATH, to subway ordeal. To much stress.
- Is it reliable? Only because I have heard that it competes with Amtrack.
- Are there any known changes NJTranit is making that will improve or negatively affect the trains as they stand now?
Thanks in advance,
Charlie |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 1881
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 9:37 pm: |
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The trains are crowded, but the earliest ones (by 7:35 in South Orange) have seats to spare. I nearly always get a seat, but then I know by which door to stand (even on the 8:22)! (and you will, too!)
I think the train ride is almost too short to be useful from a work perspective. I used to take the train 1 1/4 hours one way -- this train ride is about 30 minutes. You can read, get started on a document, etc. but that's about it.
Well -- the Metro North trains from Westchester are probably better from what I hear vs NJ Transit. That said, they are usually on time, and unless Amtrak has a broken down train, things usually move pretty well. But you will need to be familiar taking the PATH in and out of Hoboken -- for the times when trains don't run in to Penn Station and when Penn Station is closed b/c of some issue or another. Believe me, its a pain, but when it happens, if you act quickly, it won't add more than 20 - 30 minutes onto your commute. It happens maybe a half dozen times a year. On the bright side -- its another alternative.
I can't imagine NJ Transit making any notable changes one way or the other. If anything, if Amtrak goes bankrupt -- then it will be interesting to see if Mr Bush gets his way and NJ Transit takes over the lines. That might be good from a transportation perspective, but perhaps not for our pocketbook!
In short -- its a good commute into the city. I know plenty of New Yorkers -- in Riverdale, Bronx, QUeens, who commute longer than I do into mid Manhattan! Can't beat that!
Good luck with your choice! (I live in South Orange, be sure to look in both towns!)
Pete
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Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 1417
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 10:10 am: |
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I take the 8:29 into the city every day (NY Penn), and it is extremely reliable, never too crowded, and quite pleasant. On the way home, I take the 5:20 out every day: same thing. We have the same conductors in and out, so you get to know them and they get to know you. I haven't had to stand in years. The worst thing that happens is you have to sometimes squeeze into a middle seat (between two strangers), but that is usually only if you're running late for the train in the evening. I find the commute is long enough in the AM to read about 1/2 of the New York Times (I read it pretty exhaustively), and in the PM I either finish the Times or do the crossword. You'll hear people complain about NJ Transit, but by and large I find it to be quite reliable. |
dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1573
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 10:20 am: |
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Where in Manhattan do you work? What time do you need to be in and when do you normally leave? I ask because there's a big difference between Penn and Hoboken, and every train has its advantages and disadvantages.
Welcome and good luck in your search. |
themp
Supporter
Username: Themp
Post Number: 2727
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 10:37 am: |
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It is a relatively crowded train. I think the windows that are scheduled for our trains to go through the tunnels are pretty tight. If you ever accidentally stumble onto a different NJ Transit train at Penn Station in the PM, the first thing you notice is how many more seats are free.
In my PM commute, I basically see 100% full trains every day.
At Penn station, they annoyingly call the platform number about 6 minutes before the train leaves, so there is a mob press to the narrow staircase. Not so bad once you get used to it, but a little offputting at first. Why they can't use the same platform every day no man can say.
Overall, I think the train is great, and its reliability is much better now than it was. There are weather delays, and the odd tunnel fire, but no more than once a month are they significant.
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grownup25
Citizen
Username: Grownup_25
Post Number: 24
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 10:47 am: |
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i think the 7.39 out of maplewood is the one to avoid. that one gets crowded. the 7.05 is great, a direct line to nyp. the 8.29 is the relaxing lounge-ride in, but you're in that much later.
i usually try & take the 6.20 home and find that it's on time if i'm running late, and running late if i'm on time. otherwise trains are pretty reliable. there are days where you'll need to vent to somebody about your ride, but not too often.
i think njt will be making changes with the advent of the moynihan station west of penn in the city whenever that gets finished, including double-decker cars with better capacity and no 3-seaters. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1442
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 10:59 am: |
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I take the 7:01 train from Maplewood and there are always seats. Sometimes I take the 7:39 train, and it's more crowded, but I still always get a seat. I usually take the 6:16 or 6:43 train home. Coming home, it can be standing room if you get to the train as it's about to leave. Otherwise, you'll get a seat if you get to Penn about 10 minutes before the train is scheduled to leave. I agree with pete - the train ride is almost too short to be useful for getting much done, but it's a great opportunity to read and relax.
NJ Transit actually is pretty reliable, and delays and issues are occasional. They're frustrating when they happen, but I don't think it's often. NJ Transit is cheaper than Metro-North also. It's $151 monthly from Maplewood. I remember paying near or over $200 monthly from Katonah, and that was 10-15 years ago. I would say Larchmont is about the same commute time as Maplewood, and even that's more expensive than NJT.
Amtrak does own the rails, so they get preference if there's a conflict. But, I think it's only occasional that it happens. As Dave mentioned, you also have the option of going to Hoboken - if you work downtown, that's a great option.
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Charlie
Citizen
Username: Cking27
Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 9:48 pm: |
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Thank you all for your posts. I 'll be travelling up to 52/53rd in midtown between 6th/7th so the E train looks like my best bet once I get to Penn St. We're heading back to Maplewood this weekend (South Orange too!) to get a better feel. We're planning on revisiting Maplewood on Saturday to try and get better feel for things.
Thanks,
Charlie |
The Libertarian
Citizen
Username: Local_1_crew
Post Number: 1831
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 12:19 am: |
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have fun with the taxes. |
Amateur Night
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1799
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 7:24 am: |
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Hey Charlie, I work at 55th bet. 6 & 7th so we'd have the same commute. If you can do it, take the 8:29 (or, as we in S. Orange call it, the 8:32). Quite relaxing. Get on near the front, and look for the stairs to the subway/LIRR rather than the mainconcourse when you get out. This puts you on the same level as the subways. A quick trot to the E, and the ride to 53rd and 7th is about five minutes. If I take the 8:32, I am generally in my office by 9:15 -- a very civilized commute.
My only complaint about the trains is that, for someone who works a bit late, it's sometimes tough to time them going home. If I miss the 6:43 I have to wait until 7:15 for my train to South Orange. At that time of day I'm in NO mood and just want to get back.
One other pitch -- unless you find something right near the station, try to get something on a jitney route (I take either the S Orange Newstead jitney or the free West Orange jitney). Convenient and pleasant.
Good luck -- wsix years ago I decided to move to in W-Chester, too, and here I am! |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 491
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 7:38 am: |
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Amateur, I think you have it backward...on the mornings, you want to sit at the rear of the train, and when you pop-up in Penn, bang a quick left and you are right on the E-train...I did that commute for a couple years. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3307
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 7:52 am: |
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Definitely look in both towns, but be aware that parking for the train station is much tighter in SO (waiting lists measured in years, from what I hear) than in Maplewood. If you aren't on a jitney line or within walking distance of the station, this could be an issue for you. |
Amateur Night
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1800
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 7:52 am: |
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That's funny, smarty! I definitely sit at the front, and it pops me up near the E. Wonder if there's something in the way the tracks run through the station.... |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 495
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 8:45 am: |
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The E-Train runs along 8th Avenue through Penn Station (back of the train) with the 1-2-3 along 7th Avenue (front of the train)....I'm not sure how we both could have this correct :-) Unless Penn station is on a diagonal, one of us has been adding an unnecessary walk on our morning commute!
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brooklyngirl
Citizen
Username: Brooklyngirl
Post Number: 34
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 9:00 am: |
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I am with Smarty on this one. E is in the back of the train.
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Zet
Citizen
Username: Zet
Post Number: 14
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 9:31 am: |
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Definitely back of the train for the E. |
Spqr
Citizen
Username: Spqr
Post Number: 79
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 1:13 pm: |
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Charlie - I think its possible that you will be working in the same bulding that I work in. I usually take the 8:29 train from Maplewood. I get on at the front of the train which puts you at the 7th Ave end of the platform in Penn station. This will bring you up to the NJT area of Penn which is very close to the 1,2 and 3. I then take the 1 two stops to 50th and walk 5 minutes to 52nd between 6th and 7th. I find this is easier than taking the E, especially in the evenings, because the E is always more crowded than the 1. |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 498
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 1:29 pm: |
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I've done both, and since the 1-2-3 runs more frequently than the E, I agree with Spqur that it's a faster option. |
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