Commuting on the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) can be both a blessing and a curse. As someone who has commuted on the LIRR for 16 years, I can attest to both the advantages and disadvantages of this mode of transportation. In this article, I will take you through a typical day commuting on the LIRR from Babylon, giving you an insight into what it’s really like to ride the rails.

First, let me give you some background on the LIRR. The LIRR is the oldest commuter railroad in the United States, with its origins dating back to 1834. Today, it serves over 85 million passengers annually, making it the busiest commuter rail system in North America. The LIRR has over 700 miles of track, with 124 stations, and runs on seven different branches.

My commute started in Babylon, which is located on the Babylon branch. The Babylon branch is one of the busiest branches of the LIRR, serving over 32,000 passengers daily. The branch runs from Babylon to Jamaica, where passengers can transfer to other branches or to the New York City subway system.

I typically catch the 6:23 am train from Babylon. This train is an express train, which means it skips many of the smaller stations and gets me to my destination faster. One of the biggest advantages of taking the express train is that I have a better chance of getting a seat. During rush hour, the trains can get incredibly crowded, and it’s not uncommon for passengers to stand for the entire ride.

As I board the train, I’m greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of the LIRR. The hum of the train as it pulls into the station, the announcements over the loudspeaker, and the hiss of the doors as they open and close. The train itself is a double-decker, with seats on both levels. I typically head to the upper level, where there are more seats and a better view.

One of the pros of commuting on the LIRR is that I can use the time on the train to get work done. Many of the trains have Wi-Fi, which allows me to check my email, catch up on the news, or even work on a project. I’ve also seen many passengers using this time to study, read a book, or just relax.

Another advantage of commuting on the LIRR is that it’s relatively safe. There are conductors on every train, and the stations are well-lit and patrolled by police officers. However, like any public transportation system, there is always the risk of encountering unpleasant or dangerous situations.

The ride from Babylon to Penn Station takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. During this time, I can’t help but notice the changes in scenery outside the train window. The view of the Long Island suburbs, the bustling city of Queens, and finally the iconic New York City skyline. It’s a reminder that I’m not just commuting to work, but I’m part of something much bigger.

Once I arrive at Penn Station, the real adventure begins. Penn Station is one of the busiest transportation hubs in the world, with over 600,000 commuters passing through its halls every day. The station itself is massive, with multiple levels and corridors. Navigating the station can be a challenge, especially during rush hour when it’s crowded and chaotic.

One of the cons of commuting on the LIRR is the cost. The fare from Babylon to Penn Station is currently $15.50 one way during peak hours, and $12.25 during off-peak hours. Over the course of a month, this can add up to a significant expense. There are some options for commuters to save money, such as buying a monthly ticket or using pre-tax dollars to pay for the fare, but it’s still a significant cost for many people.

Another disadvantage of commuting on the LIRR is reliability. While the LIRR has made improvements in recent years, strikes, delays and service disruptions are still a common occurrence. Weather, equipment failures, and track work can all lead to delays or cancellations. This can be frustrating for commuters, especially when it affects their ability to get to work on time or get home to their families.

Once I make it through Penn Station, I head to the subway to complete the final leg of my journey. This is another aspect of commuting in New York City that can be challenging. The subway system is vast and complex, with multiple lines and stations. Navigating the subway during rush hour can be especially difficult, as it’s crowded and often involves transfers between multiple lines.

Despite the challenges of commuting on the LIRR and the subway, there are some definite advantages. For one, it’s much cheaper than owning and driving a car in the city. The cost of parking alone can be prohibitively expensive, not to mention the cost of gas, tolls, and maintenance. Commuting on the LIRR also means that I can avoid the stress of driving in traffic and the time it takes to find parking.

Another advantage is the sense of community that comes with being a regular commuter. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many of the other regulars on my train. We share stories, commiserate about delays, and even celebrate milestones like weddings and new babies. There’s a sense of camaraderie that comes with enduring the daily grind together.

In conclusion, commuting on the Long Island Railroad from Babylon to Manhattan has its pros and cons. The cost, reliability, and challenges of navigating Penn Station and the subway can be a source of frustration for many commuters. However, the ability to use the time on the train to get work done and the sense of community that comes with being a regular commuter are definite advantages. Ultimately, whether commuting on the LIRR is a blessing or a curse depends on the individual and their personal circumstances.

Author’s note:  I commuted on the LIRR from 1984 to mid-1999.  All this commuting on the Babylon Branch.