The LIRR: A Love and Hate Relationship

I’m sure you’ve heard a thing or two about the LIRR and yes it’s true, it sucks (sometimes) My 8:33 am train is precisely five minutes late on Mondays and Fridays. However, I need those extra five minutes because you can count on me for being late. The LIRR isn’t the train you hop onto on a scorching summer day that takes you to the Hamptons. It’s basically a lifeline for commuters like myself. It’s known for its flaws but only we can insult it because we endure its fiascos. So, here’s to our dysfunctional love and hate relationship with the LIRR.

Why We Hate It

Your daily exercise

As soon as your train is called at Penn Station it’s basically a 5K because everyone wants to grab a seat after a long day of sitting in front of a computer screen. You would think your train is leaving within seconds then you realize you have ten minutes till it moves.

The purse is always more important

As you’re on a crowded train you spot a seat. Once you reach the “empty” seat you realize a lovely woman has her purse on it. Once you tell her politely to move her $25.00 purse she rolls her eyes because she feels as if her purse is more deserving of that seat more than you. 

The waiting game

There you are on the platform five minutes earlier than usual now the question is: will my train be late? Or will it be my lucky day. 

Why We Love It

It’s better than the subway

It’s definitely cleaner, the seats are comfortable and you have cell service. The commute is not too bad when you have your favorite Netflix show playing.  

It’s nap time

As long as I get my window seat, rest assured I’ll be getting my 30-minute nap in while on my way back home. I make sure to set an alarm. I can’t afford to end up walking up four stops after mine again. 

We need it

Yes, it’s expensive and we have to deal with its mishaps throughout the year. But it gets us to and from work. We're able to sit on a train for a bit rather than sit in traffic for hours. And as much as we complain about it, we need it. You can’t live with it and you can’t live without it.