Train Commuting

Commuting by train, in and out of the city is more than just a means of getting to work, it’s an experience.

It’s a daily routine that many of us have been forced to embrace. It has its quirks, its positives and negatives but regardless of where you’re coming from, be it catching the Metro-North from the suburbs or hopping on the LIRR, train commuting offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards.

Let’s look at the reality of what it’s really like to ride the rails, every damned day.

The Downsides of Train Commuting

Let’s get the negatives out of the way first.

Train commuting isn’t always smooth sailing.

While most days the trains behave as they should, delays are common and honestly, a complete frustration.

What can start as a minor 10 minute delay, can snowball, making you late for work, an evening appointment, or just completely destroying your evening routine.

And if you miss your train…man. Especially during rush hour, where you’re stuck waiting for the next one, often crammed into an overcrowded car sardine-style, with little room to breathe.

Standing room only situations are no joke either.

If you don’t time it right, you find yourself wedged between other commuters, holding on for dear life as the train lurches and sways all over the place.

The cost of commuting isn’t something to ignore either. Monthly passes add up quickly, and it feels like you’re shelling out a small fortune just to get to and from work, made all the worse with the current cost of living.

The Silver Linings

But here’s the thing, train commuting has its perks and they can really make a difference in your day. This has something I’ve become really passionate about over the years, having spent countless hours on trains.

In between, when I’m forced to commute via other means like the car, that train time suddenly didn’t seem so bad.

Straight up, it’s this chunk of uninterrupted time that’s yours. No traffic, no road rage – just a seat (hopefully) and time to do nothing but relax.

This “me-time” can be incredibly productive or restorative, depending on how you use it.

It’s a chance to catch up on reading or just scroll through the news on your phone.

Podcasts make the time fly by, keeping you entertained or even learning something new while you’re on the move.

And if you’re someone who struggles to find time for meditation or mindfulness, the steady rhythm of the train can actually be pretty conducive to zoning out and decompressing. I’m not typically into this kind of thing, but find myself doing it from time to time and honestly, it really helps.

Then there’s the scenery. If your commute takes you along a scenic route like the Metro-North’s journey along the Hudson River, you get treated to some unexpectedly breathtaking views, especially during the fall. It’s a moment of calm before diving into the hustle of the city, and a nice way to unwind on the way home.

Finally, there’s something about being in your own little bubble on the train that’s oddly satisfying.

You’re surrounded by people, but you’re not obligated to interact with anyone. It’s your time to recharge, to mentally prepare for the day ahead, or decompress after a long day at work.

By the time you step off the train, you’re ready to tackle whatever comes next.

In The End – It Aint All Bad

All in all, train commuting isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B, it’s an opportunity to carve out a little time for yourself in the middle of a hectic day.

Sure, there are frustrations and those frustrations can SUCK – literally ruining your entire day, but they’re far less frequent than the days where everything goes along normally, and those benefits can make it all worth while.

Here’s my train commuting essentials, let’s go!