Sunday, April 10, 2016

Othello's Bus Delay Terminology Translator

Hi all, today's story comes from a guest, who we'll call Othello. He takes a NJ Transit bus each day, and just as we Long Island Rail Road denizens have to translate terms like "track condition," Othello has to decipher bus euphemisms.

I travel into NYC via NJ Transit bus. The service is mostly reliable, but the rush-hour commute into New York by vehicle is brutal. NJ Transit has no magic wand to fix the the inevitable issues that slow traffic, so we all have to endure delays as a fact of life.

Just as Eskimos have hundreds of words for snow, NJ Transit has many terms to describe the usual, everyday, slow rush-hour service. Here are a few of my favorites.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Friday, March 18, 2016

Nothing Has Changed... WHEW!

Hey TTIV followers. You haven't heard from me in a while, and that's because I've been distracted by a personal situation. But today, I am on the train from Hicksville to Penn Station, and ready to once again share my thoughts, rants, and general exasperation.

My main observation today is that NOTHING has changed.

Monday, February 08, 2016

Get Up For Pregnant Women!

We all share the instinct of protecting children, and that sentiment usually extends to expectant mothers. So why is it that when a woman who is clearly with child boards the train, people pretend to not see her?

To be fair, you may not know for sure if a woman is pregnant. She could be, er, "built abundantly," making you unsure if she's with child or not. But we're talking about the obvious case of a glowing lady with a big round belly.

TTIV asked readers about their experiences and opinions on this topic. As is customary here, contributor identities have been changed to Shakespearean names.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

The Triangle Of Disdain

The Triangle of Disdain
Today's story deviates from train-related material, but it's still about commuting and getting around New York City.

As some of you know, I'm a recent Citi Bike convert. It's a fantastic New York City quality of life improvement. If Citi Bike were a religious cult, I'd wear a robe, shave my head, and live at the airport. I'd hand out flowers, gear shift knobs, and pamphlets to travelers.

Given the amount of time in Manhattan I spend 1) walking, 2) biking, and 3) occasionally driving, I've noticed a personal behavior pattern. Whichever method I'm using, I have great hostility for those doing the other two.

I call this behavior pattern the "Triangle of Disdain." While trying to get from point A to point B, the "green ball of grouchiness," represented by Oscar the Grouch, falls somewhere on the triangle.

I suspect I'm not unique. Let's have a look at how it works.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Gas Mask Guy

The interesting Penn Station person of the day is Gas Mask Guy. Gas Mask Guy sweeps the very busy Amtrak men's room wearing a mask. He works mornings. I wonder what the hell I'm breathing when I use the facilities.

Never mind. I don't want to know.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Come Here Often to Repent?

Stood on the corner of 34th and 7th this evening, trying to get to Penn Station. A “Repent Ye Now” guy stood with his tall sign and warned us all of impending doom. In between fervent claims of eternal hellfire and misery, he lowered his voice and attempted to flirt with women passing by.

I wonder what his God would think of that.