New Metro North Ticket Machines in Grand Central Terminal!

If you've ever been to Grand Central Terminal on a Friday evening, you are familiar with this sight:

That's the sight of the weekend crowd buying tickets at the largest group of Metro North ticket machines on the main floor in Grand Central (opposite Track 33, where the Public Masturbator used to pace). And that line is as predictable as my morning race to the GCT bathroom to wash my hands and take a photo.

So when I noticed the jewelry shop across from Hudson news had closed...

and saw this construction going on...

...I was thrilled to learn that *new* and additional ticket machines were being installed!

And when I arrived in Grand Central on Monday morning last week, I realized the new room was open when I saw this sign by the ramp down to the Oyster Bar (note: there used to be 2 machines where this sign is located, and it was also the site of this very annoying incident):

Turning left at that corner (and staying to your left) you will see the new room that they were constructing not long ago. Outside there is a map and digital departure display-

They replaced the "Subway & 42nd St" sign with a "Ticket Machines" sign on the arch-

And here is the inside of the new ticket machine room. There are 9 Metro North ticket machines and 1 MetroCard machine -

I was excited to post about these new ticket machines but Gothamist beat me to it! (That's what I get for working a million hours last week and being so behind on my blogs!) I was so riled up by this that I decided the only course of action was to blog about it anyway, but to also document *all* the ticket machines in Grand Central.

When I arrived back in GCT that evening, I walked all over the main floor and downstairs, taking photos of the machines.

This one is downstairs, on the Northwest side (opposite Track 109):

This one is also downstairs, on the Northeast side (opposite Track 107):

Back up on the main floor there are many more options. This is the largest room, opposite Track 33 and photographed with a long line at the top of the blog. This room contains 10 Metro North ticket machines and 2 MetroCard machines-

These 2 are located on the main floor, opposite Hudson News, on the southwest side of the Terminal (outside of the Chase ATM area):

And this one is on the main floor, towards Lexington Ave, if you come up the stairs from the 4-5-6 Subway (located on the southeast side of the terminal)

So that brings the total number of Metro North ticket machines I could find to 24 + 3 MetroCard machines, for a total of 27. But their article says there are 28. So either their information is wrong or 1 machine has eluded me. One night when I have some time to kill, or one morning if I miss my train, I intend to get to the bottom of this and find that other machine. In the meantime, enjoy your new ticket buying options at Grand Central Terminal!

Dad Takes the Subway! (Part 1)

For years, my Dad has lived in the Bronx and worked in Manhattan. And for all of that time, he has been driving to work. Geographically, it's a very small distance, probably no more than 12 miles, but as anyone who has driven in Manhattan can attest - that can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 4 hours of stressful driving.

As if that isn't fun enough, there's the parking. And the alternate side/street cleaning days/hours when he has to go outside to move his car temporarily (and move it back later). And the car being vandalized while being parked (sideview mirror knocked off, scraped and banged up by passing cars and parked cars). And once even being towed, while he was parked legally.

Anyone who lives or works in NYC figures it out pretty quickly - it does not pay to have or use a car here.

For years I have been touting the greatness of the NYC subway and suggesting he give it a try. But he claimed he wouldn't know where he was going and he'd get lost. (And though he did not say it, I'm sure the idea of going from the privacy of his own little bubble to the shared personal space of public transportation was also a big deterrent.) But every so often, I would tell him how fun and relaxing the subway is, and that you never know what you're going to encounter - it's always an adventure.

So imagine my surprise when, out of nowhere a few weeks ago, he told me that he was thinking of taking the subway!

This delighted me to no end. My Dad! On the subway! How hilarious!!!

I left him a voice mail - "Hey Dad, I have an idea, why don't we do 'Take your Father to work day?' But instead of me taking you to visit my job, I'll help you commute to yours! First, I'll show you how to buy a MetroCard, figuring out what deal is best for you. Then I will show you how to swipe it at the turnstiles. We'll figure out what stop you need and which exit is best. It will be fun!"

But lo and behold - he had already done it without me!

I was so amused by this, I tweeted it:

My Dad just called. Apparently he took the subway to work today! All by himself! I have been trying to get him to do that for years. Go Dad!

But I quickly realized why this might be a bad thing when I received this voice mail:

"Hello how are you? It's just me calling to say hello. I just got off the train and got in the car so I want to give you an update on that. And I believe, according to the maps I saw, is it the G train line that goes by where you live? G line? Ok. I'll be talking to you later. Hope you're well. Take care."

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. It's just a matter of time before he realizes which stop is mine and pulls a "pop in". Though I think I'm safe for now, since the G doesn't run into Manhattan and he hasn't figured out how to even *get to it* yet!

Way to go, Dad. I'm really proud of you!

Happy Anniversary to the NYC Subway!

Yesterday was the NYC Subway's 105th birthday. It's hard to believe that the transportation system that began before my Great Grandfather Mario arrived from Italy in Ellis Island is *still* in existence. (I wonder if Grandpa Mario ever took the subway? He must have!)

Great Grandpa Mario, Great Grandma Celia, my brother and me circa 1976 in the Bronx

Sure the MTA sucks. Sure the trains are late, dirty, germ infested and loud, but where would this great city be without the NYC subway? Where would we be without the miles of tracks and tunnels under and above ground that most of us take for granted every day? New York would not be the city we know and love, that's for sure. Think about it! It's nothing short of awe inspiring.

When I first moved to Brooklyn I was intimidated by the subway - sure I had grown up in NY, but I have no memories of taking the subway when I lived in the Bronx, we mostly took buses. And when I lived in Yonkers, I took the 4 Train from Woodlawn to Union Square when I was in high school and ventured into the city - but then I got a car. I had not been on the subway in years and never took it frequently enough to have figured it out. But sometime in early 2007, after purchasing my very first Metro Card and taking my very first swipe at the Bedford stop of the L Train, I knew I was hooked.

I stood on the platform and looked at the subway map in amazement. All those lines, stops, neighborhoods. It was beautiful. I thought about what it must have taken to make all of this possible - the countless hours/years of planning, engineering and constructing of this amazing system. Not to mention the number of men that were involved or the constant maintenance. It was almost too much for my mind to comprehend.

I wondered if anyone else on that platform appreciated how much work went into this subway station alone, never mind the entire system. I was guessing no one cared nearly as much as I did.

Seeing the light on the front of the train and hearing the roar as it approached the station was absolutely magnificent. I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to be here, in NYC, a resident of Brooklyn, and now a subway rider.

Though I've been taking the subway almost daily for a few years now, I still have the utmost respect for it and think it's nothing short of amazing. I still get excited when I see it approaching. I still get excited when I'm on the Lexington line and another train is passing at the same time - sometimes slower, then faster, then slower, and watching the people on the adjacent train, wondering about their days and lives. I still get excited when they call out my stop. I still get excited when I get on a train that has a mixture of old orange seats and new blue seats. And I still get excited when I take the 7 to Court Square, and that moment the train comes out of the tunnel and you make that severe turn where you can see the 59th St Bridge, Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. It's a million dollar view that will only set you back 2.25.

I love New York. And I love the NYC Subway. Happy Birthday, and thank you for everything you make possible! I can hardly wait to ride you tomorrow!

Celebrity Sighting in Grand Central: Judah Friedlander!

So what if this happened 4 months ago? I'm so behind!!!

Back in June, a bunch of friends were visiting from out of town and I was going to show them a few sights. I was meeting up with them in Grand Central in the afternoon, a time I would never be there if I were commuting, and the timing could not have been more perfect...

That afternoon, I got off the 7 Train and ascended the same 3 escalators to the main floor that I ride every morning. When I got to the top landing, who did I see coming towards me but Judah Friedlander! Now, on one hand, I hate to randomly talk to people because it happens to me often and I know it can be annoying. But on the other hand, he's rich and famous, so I figure part of that lifestyle includes a little adoration/harassment. Not only that, but he's on my favorite network show, 30 Rock!

So considering both sides of that coin, I decided to approach him. It went something like this "Oh my god! Judah Friedlander!!! I can't believe it! I'm a huge fan of 30 Rock, can I get a photo of you?!" (shameless, totally shameless - in fact, it was probably even more embarrassing and uncool than that.)

He was so nice about it - he stopped what he was doing and took the time out to talk to me and even suggested we get a photo *together* instead! I managed to stop a passerby, who was kind enough to oblige-

We chatted for a few minutes - about 30 Rock, his book deal, my awesome retro look, Silvercup Studios in LIC (I know they shoot there, just a few miles from my apartment), Greenpoint (he said he used to live here), and I even got to tell him a brief version of the story about when I met my super celeb crush, Alec Baldwin, and how he broke my heart.

Before we parted, he gave me a postcard with his artwork -

and told me to friend him on Facebook, which I did. And a few days later, he actually accepted. How cool is that?

But perhaps the best part of the encounter was the unsolicited High-5 that he initiated. It's as if he knew what a huge fan of the High-5 I am just by looking at me!

Thank you, Judah Friedlander, for being so awesome, approachable and patient with me in Grand Central that afternoon. I think you're great!

Thank you, Richie!

People are always surprised when I tell them this, but I love my crazy commute. There are things I look forward to every morning and it's always an adventure - There's the fun of a subway, bus *and* commuter train; the amazing sights, and of course, the people I see everyday.

When I arrive in GCT, after I wash my hands and take a photo in the upstairs ladies room, I head for Track 24. And that's where I am greeted by 3 Metro North track workers that I lovingly refer to as my "Fan Club". Every morning, these men make me smile and laugh and give me tons of compliments. Needless to say, I adore them!

I mostly tell them about my outfit that morning, or my weekend plans, or when I appear in the media, or my bike and gym adventures. They are kind enough to listen to my narcissistic ramblings and continue to inflate my ego larger than it already is. But in addition to that, they also look out for me - They alert me to track changes and Jack once managed to have the train held when he saw me running for it!

And two weeks ago, when I arrived on Tuesday morning, I was delightfully surprised with a lovely bouquet of flowers from Richie! (Richie is the quiet one, but I have had a soft spot in my heart for him ever since I noticed a button he wears on his vest that says "Talk Nerdy to Me". How adorable is that?) I can't remember the last time I got flowers. I think it's been about 2 years! Isn't that sweet? Here we are:

Thank you, Richie. That was so thoughtful and I totally appreciated it. I will see you tomorrow morning @ Track 24. Don't forget: it's Vintage Hat Tuesday! I might wear the pink one. Oh, and, talk nerdy to me! ;)

xo
*Bitch Cakes*

Spotted: The Wild Haired Man from the 7 Train!

You may recall my Open Letter to the Wild Haired Man from the 7 Train a few months ago. I had not seen him since perhaps March or April. That was, until just this past Friday!

I arrived in Grand Central nice and early and had plenty of time to carry out my bathroom ritual in the Station Master's Office on the main floor, taking a photo -

and then washing my hands.

I left the restroom, kicking the door open with my right foot as I always do (since my hands are clean) and there he was! The Wild Haired Man from the 7 Train! He was filling something with water from the fountain!! I couldn't believe it!

I actually considered approaching him with a "Hey, wild haired guy from the 7 train, remember me? Where have you been?" but decided against it. Instead, I got behind him to photograph him, but not before noticing his beard was just as thick and crazy as I had remembered it, and so was his hair. His outfit changed slightly, but it was *definitely* him.

I'm glad he's back. I missed seeing him, his wild hair, and trying to figure out what his deal is. The mystery continues...

The Best Birthday Present Ever - Exclusive Tour of Grand Central with Dan Brucker!

If you follow my other blog, you may already know how I spent my birthday. Whether or not you read that blog, you have not seen these photos yet. And there is something that all lovers of Grand Central Terminal and transit nerds will enjoy-

The week before my birthday I got it in my head that I had to meet Dan Brucker. You likely have no idea who that is, so I will tell you: He's the spokesman for Metro North (the commuter train I take out of Grand Central Terminal everyday). I've seen him on the television show "Secrets of New York" and I also once spotted him on the floor in GCT one morning. I could tell he was quite a character, even from afar, and all I wanted was a chance to meet him and tell him that I was a fan.

Two days before my birthday, that wish came true! A friend of mine who works in the terminal brought me up to Dan's office to meet him. Dan was one of the most animated people I ever met in my life, and highly entertaining. Not only did he agree to take a photo with me...

...but he invited me on a tour of Grand Central Terminal, which just happened to land on my birthday!

The morning of my birthday finally arrived, and I had to look good -

I made it to the terminal, as I do most mornings, but the light was very different at this time of day -

I met Dan at our predetermined spot. He was with two sailors/photographers, who were on shore leave and somehow managed to arrange a tour. I was just lucky enough to tag along. Here are of my favorite shots that were taken by one of the sailors, Sean Leahy. (All photos shown here with his permission. You can see Sean's website here)

First, we took the Met Life escalators up to the landing that overlooks Grand Central's main floor. I had no idea why - until Dan told me to pose, and told the guys to photograph me!

Then I asked Dan to get in a shot with me, here we are:

After that we explored the substation several stories below GCT. It was well over a hundred degrees down there. Here I am next to a piece of equipment from 1913-

And here Dan points out something else in the room as I look on intently-



After Dan showed off the stairs, he told me to go up the landing and pose. I did.

After we left the substation, Dan retrieved hard hats for us. I wasn't sure why. We headed back up the Met Life escalators, through the lobby, and onto Park Ave. I had no idea where we were going. We walked a few blocks, stopping outside of a gold door around the corner of the Waldorf=Astoria. At that time, Dan explained how very careful we needed to be when we got 'down there'. Then as he began talking more, I immediately knew where we were going - to see the train car that transported FDR's presidential limo! I was so excited. This was something I never expected to see with my own eyes! (note: the rest of these photos are mine, not Sean's)

After seeing that amazing piece of history, we walked back into Grand Central and Dan treated us to one more thing - a visit *inside* the information booth in the middle of the main hall! I have passed this thing several thousand times and never expected to have the opportunity to go inside it!

For one thing, there's a spiral staircase inside- I never realized that!

Here are some photos of the terminal taken from inside the booth -

It was an absolutely unforgettable experience and a truly memorable birthday. Dan, I can't thank you enough!

How a bus ride went from annoying to awesome!

On last night's B61 ride home from Queens to Brooklyn, I sat in the back row, in the middle seat - which meant I could see everyone on the bus. Directly to my left, in the seats perpendicular to me was a young Hispanic couple. They appeared to be very in love and they were not shy about showing it in public.

Now I'm no prude, but I really don't enjoy being subject to public affection. It was nothing obscene, but it still irked me. He had his arm around her the whole time, pulling her closer, kissing her every 3 seconds. I wanted to shout "Leave her alone already!" or the ever popular "Get a room!" and thought 'If that was me, I'd never tolerate that much touching and grabbing. Isn't she annoyed? Because I'm annoyed for her!'.

But they continued the public display of their love as they hugged, kissed and giggled the whole time. Sure, they looked pretty happy, but I didn't want to see it.

I did my best to keep my gaze to my right, looking outside the window, so I could keep them out of my peripheral vision. I also had my iPod on so I didn't have to hear them. But any time my head drifted toward the center of the bus, I could tell they were still at it.

Then I saw the man's arm reach toward me (the one not wrapped around his girlfriend) to get my attention. I pulled one of my ear buds out and it turned out he wanted to compliment my tattoos. I actually hate when people ask me about or even mention my tattoos, but I was gracious and thanked him. Then his girlfriend (still under his wing) chimed in "You are SOOOO pretty! I've seen you before and I love your 40s style." She even went on to tell me that she thinks I'm beautiful. (She said even more highly flattering things, but those are the few I remember.) And because I'm a sucker for a compliment, I smiled and gushed and thanked her profusely.

And just like that, the previous 10 minutes of love induced nausea I was experiencing were gone. My mood had been lifted and I was thinking "What a lovely couple! I hope they have a terrific night, those lovebirds!"

My instant turn around reminded me of something an ex once told me (during a break up) - "You don't like anyone that doesn't worship you."

I hate to admit it, but I think he was right.

Metro North Missed Connection

After my awesome birthday week off, followed by a less fun family funeral, I was not looking forward to going back to work last week. But on Wednesday, I had no choice but to return.

That morning I was procrastinating about leaving and was looking for a distraction, so I did something I rarely ever do anymore, I checked the NYC Missed Connections on Craig's List. I was just skimming over titles when I found something that stopped me dead in my tracks. There was a Missed Connection for ME!

(click image to go to Flickr and enlarge, but I transcribed it below-)

boo berry where r u?

we take the 7:40 to white plains together but i haven't seen u in weeks. did u get a new job? r u avoiding me? it's not my fault that i can't keep my eyes off of u. you're just so beautiful & i <3 your 40s style. i feel alone when you're not on the train and i'm surrounded by mundanes.

So that means that someone on my usual morning train noticed my fantastic beauty and style as well as my absence and actually posted an MC for me! But who could it be?

(If you read my other blog, you may recall that the last time I found a Missed Connection for me and replied, the guy got scared off and didn't buy me the refreshing beverage of my choosing that he offered in his post!)

So who was this Metro North admirer, I wondered?

I never noticed anyone looking at me on that train, and no one speaks to me - which is fine. I am not a morning person and like my peace and silence on the morning train. I tried to deduce who it might be based on the post itself. Here were my "clues" and hunches based on the clues-

1- The person knew who Boo Berry is. That is fairly uncommon. I know this is uncommon because since getting that tattoo, I've been asked no less than a thousand times "Who is that? Casper? Grimace?" No moron, it's BOO BERRY and if you don't know who Boo Berry is, frankly, you're not someone I wish to be around. But the people who have recognized the character tended to be close to my age. So, because of that, I guessed he was in his 30's. Around 35.

2- He used "u" instead of "you". This made me think he might be younger than I had originally thought, but I do know a few people around my age that use "u", so I ruled that clue out as inconclusive. Between that and the lack of capitalization, however, I know for sure that he is not as uptight as I am. I refuse to ever use that abbreviation - I wouldn't even use it in a text or IM.

3- I assumed he was white. And before I get called a racist again ("Matt on India", I still want to meet you and settle this nonsense) on this blog, I will explain my thought process thusly:
a) My train is mostly white men
b) In my decades of experience as a woman, I am spoken to/hit on/sexually harassed on a daily basis. In that time, I have noticed a pattern. I would estimate that 95% of the street harassment comes from non-white men. Therefore, I thought if this was a non-white person, they would have already said something to me.

4- The use of the word "mundanes" threw me. I thought perhaps this made him European. I would think that "norms" or "normal people" would be a more common term than "mundanes".

5- He identified my look as "40's" which means he has a decent knowledge of decades and styles (I have been told by strangers on the street that my look is everything from 20's to 70's. People often do not know their decades). That one made me wonder if he was artistic in some way. I think your average joe doesn't equate my look with 40's. They might call it retro, but not 40's.

Who was this guy?
Did she write back?
Did they meet?
Were her hunches right?
Now what?

I'm sure you have all these questions and more, dear blog readers. And those of you that I am close to in real life know the answers to these questions. But if you're reading this blog to try to figure out what I'm up to because you're nosy (you know who you are), then you are out of luck. Because I'm not posting the outcome here.

An Open Letter to a young woman on the B61

To the young woman who was on my morning bus on August 11th-

It was a regular Tuesday morning as I boarded the bus. There were plenty of seats to choose from but I made my way to the back of the bus so I could sit in one of my favorite seats - the one right next to the rear door.

That is when I saw you. You were sitting in my favorite seat, which - while mildly annoying to me - is not a big deal. I don't own the bus. It just so happens to be my seat of choice. I sat across from you instead, and just watched you. I could not believe what a rude and inconsiderate passenger you were.

You did not see me however, because you had your eyes closed and appeared to be napping. That also didn't bother me. What did disturb me - quite greatly, in fact - is how you were using the seat and the accompanying seat.

If you do not recall this particular day and bus ride, allow me to refresh your memory. Here you are:

That's you, sprawled out across two seats with your DISGUSTING feet and shoes ON THE SEAT! What on earth possessed you to think this was appropriate behavior? Do you have any idea what your shoes pick up walking around NYC? I won't even bring mine into my own home and walk on my own floors! Yet you put the filthy soles of your shoes - flip flops, mind you, which barely even qualify as "shoes" - on a public seat! I don't care how tired you are - go ahead and sleep. But do NOT put your feet on the seats!!! What in the hell is wrong with you?! Where did you grow up?! Do you do this in your own home?!

I watched you that entire ride. From stop to stop, as people boarded, you shifted a little in your seat, but you kept your feet up, taking up two seats. What if someone needed to sit? Granted, they wouldn't want to sit there seeing that your feet had just been there, but you didn't even act like you cared about the fact that you were taking two seats! That's illegal, by the way. So now you're not only vile, but also a blatant law breaker.

I honestly couldn't believe anyone could be so inconsiderate and selfish! I considered saying something to you, but instead gave you death looks. I was hoping you'd open your eyes and feel my cold steely glare. You did not.

To make matters worse, I saw you the very next morning! Same seat, same routine with your feet up! Only this time, the bus was more crowded and you actually put your feet down where they belong. I'm sure it was very challenging for you, but bravo!

I have not seen you since but perhaps next time you could invite me over for dinner? I'll sit in your upholstered dining room chair - scratch that, you have plastic chairs or milk crates, if anything. I'll sit on your couch (more likely futon) and put my feet up on it, with the soles of my shoes pressing into the fabric. It'll be a great time!

Wait - what was that? You have a problem with that? Oh, you find that gross? Unappealing? Why is that? OHHH because you have to sit/sleep there later. Well guess what, bitch? Someone has to sit on that public bus seat later. And now they're collecting all the filth and germs from your feet and footwear. To add insult to injury, you might even have stained someone's clothing with whatever soil you deposited there. Nice work! I'm sure your parents are proud.

Do us a favor - until you learn how to be respectful of your fellow passengers and public property, do not board a subway or bus. In fact, stay home until you figure out why I'm so upset about this and why it's so wrong. I'm sure it will be difficult for you, so take your time.

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Bitch Cakes

MTA Text Alert Fail.

A while ago, I was thrilled when the MTA announced its text alert service. Just two months after that blog post, I began having more problems with this 'service' than I care to admit. In fact, starting in February I realized I had not received a single text alert to my phone in weeks, yet I was still receiving them in my email, so I knew there was a problem. I initially reported this to the MTA back on March 9th:

Customer (Sheryl) - 03/09/2009 08:50 AM
Hi,
I noticed about 2-3 weeks ago that I am no longer receiving text alerts. I am still receiving the email alerts, but the texts are not going to my phone. I've logged in and checked my settings numerous times, even hitting "save" again hoping it will refresh the database and start up again, but so far I have had no luck. Is there a system wide issue? Should I delete my number and sign back up again? Any other ideas?

They replied on May 14. May fourteenth! Over two months after I reported it! Their response, and subsequent replies were inane and did nothing to solve my problem -

---

From: NY MTA Support
To: xxx@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 5:51:06 PM
Subject: Fw: I'm no longer receiving text alerts

Sheryl,

I sent your password and authorization email to the email registered. Your account was not authorized to receive alerts and I did not see a cell phone number listed.

----- Original Message -----

From Sheryl

To: NY MTA Support

Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 15:15

Subject: Re: I'm no longer receiving text alerts

I've been having this problem for over 2 months now. I can't believe you JUST responded!!! I was getting alerts prior to reporting this issue. What do you need from me? I log in as xxx@yahoo.com and my cell number is 914.xxx.xxxx I even sent you a screen shot where it says I am getting the texts (and emails). The emails still work, the texts stopped in late February or early March.

I'd appreciate some (timely) assistance in this matter!

Sheryl

---

From: NY MTA Support
To: *Bitch Cakes*
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 6:48:58 PM
Subject: Re: I'm no longer receiving text alerts

Your cell phone provider is Verizon correct?

----- Original Message -----

From: Sheryl

To: NY MTA Support

Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 16:45

Subject: Re: I'm no longer receiving text alerts

Yes, that is correct. I even attempted to 'reauthorize' it tonight, it texted me the authorization number, I entered it in the appropriate box on the 'customer management' page, and it said it was already authorized.

Thank you.

From: NY MTA Support
To: *Bitch Cakes*
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 8:11:55 PM
Subject: Re: I'm no longer receiving text alerts

I will speak to the developer and see if there are any known issues with text alerts.

Note the date on that email- May 14th. That is the last I heard from them. I even reached out to them one last time, but never heard back-

From: Sheryl
To: NY MTA Support
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 10:48:19 AM
Subject: Re: I'm no longer receiving text alerts

Hello,

Have you heard back from the developer? I continue to have this issue. I still get the email alerts, but not the text alerts.

Thank you,
Sheryl

It has now been over 3 months, and I have given up. Since then, my text alerts have been hit or miss. Sometimes they work beautifully -

But more often I get none, or I get fun stuff like this:

This service has proved to be frustrating and unreliable. But it was such a great idea, and I was upset that it didn't function the way it should have. So imagine my delight when I discovered that there are MTA updates on Twitter, which you can easily send to your cell phone!

This link is for all NYC Train updates, but from there you can also sign up for any particular subway line's alerts! It's genius. It's free (for the MTA *and* you) and most importantly, IT WORKS.

So the MTA text alert service cost what? 10-15 million dollars? to implement and it failed miserably. Why should I be surprised? Then Twitter comes along and provides a working service for free. All it costs the MTA is for the staff that types and sends the updates, which I assume are the same people that are already sending the info to the email and text alert system.

Thank you, Twitter, for helping the MTA do what it obviously could not handle on its own. Perhaps we can get you to show the MTA other ways to streamline their processes and reduce waste?

An Ode to Mornings on the 7 Train

One of my favorite things about the morning commute is the brief and silent ride on the 7 Train. For the most part, everyone is on their way to work, and everyone understands the unwritten rule: You keep quiet. Occasionally this silence is interrupted by kids or jerkoffs, but for the most part, it has always amazed me how peaceful the subways are in the morning.

I wrote a haiku for the 7 Train last year, but I think it deserves a few more, with some of my favorite photos from the train or the stations:

Perfectly silent
Mornings on the 7 Train
Calm before the storm

Queens to Manhattan
LIC to Grand Central
Just a stop away

Just missed the 7!
Should not have to wait too long
Here comes the next one

Orange plastic seats
With the occasional blue
I love that combo!

Oh, 7 Train, what would we do without you? I may have been slow to find and embrace you, but now I would never let you go!