Re: “LIRR Continues to Fudge On Time,” Larry Penner.
I agree with the author that if the LIRR is fudging on time statistics (I can’t say yes or no), it shouldn’t be. I agree with the author that 5 minutes is a liberal amount of leeway.
However, there is a very simple way to arrive at work on time. Leave earlier.
In 2015 I separated from my wife, which led to depression ranging from minor to severe. I took two trains, the 6 and then the 4 or 5, eventually ending up at Borough Hall in Brooklyn. My flex time at the timer was 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Due to my depression from the failed marriage (or so I told myself), I left my house every day in just enough time to arrive at work on time.
My “aha” moment came one day when I boarded the train in just enough time. Then they announced delays, and I cursed to myself. I arrived at work on time, but realized my luck was going to run out. The next day I arrived at work at 8:30 a.m., then began arriving at work at 8 a.m.
I have enough stress in my life I can’t control. I choose to control the stress I can.
The subway is very noisy. I can’t control that. I wear earplugs to drown out the noise. That I can control. The subway is not always reliable. I can’t control that. I can control that the earlier I leave the less likely there will be issues with the subway.
If indeed the work on the East River Access tunnels won’t be completed until 2029 (and the author has not told us how he knows this and I’m sure it could always change), then maybe the LIRR commuter should consider leaving 15 minutes earlier. In a perfect world (s)he wouldn’t have to, but this is not a perfect world.
Nat Weiner
Bronx
