Commuting to NYC

We moved here in October 07', so I have been doing 'the commute' from Scotch Plains to downtown Manhattan for about 8 months now. I don't really mind the commute to be honest. I take the train out of Fanwood/Scotch Plains Station every morning. The trains run about every 25 minutes- so typically I will take the 7:27 or 7:44am train to Newark Penn Station (approx 24 minute ride). From Newark Penn Station I jump on the PATH to the World Trade Center station (about another 22 minutes). I am at my desk about 8:30 or 8:50am. Not too bad.

I typically read or email on the train ride to Newark Penn Station. Once I get to Newark - it is time to transfer to the PATH train. If you have never commuted to NY for work - it can be quite 'interesting'. Commuters have their routine. Many will typically stand in the same place everyday while waiting for their train and sit in the same seat or train car.

For those that transfer to the PATH (as I do) when you arrive Newark Penn Station - this is a whole other story. Commuters line up on both sides of the train track- waiting for the PATH to roll in (it comes every 1-2 minutes during rush hour). Smart commuters know just where to stand, so that the train door will open up right in front of them. The train doors alternate which side doors open first. Once the doors open- it is FAIR GAME. It is an adult version of 'hot seat'- each person for themself. The winners will get a seat for the 24 minute ride to NYC. For those commuters who really do not want to stand- they wait on the platform for the next PATH to roll in. And if they are 'smart commuters' they have kept track of what side doors opened first and they are sure to stand on the opposite side - waiting for the next round of 'hot seat'!