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manhattan congestion tolls


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23 hours ago, 956 Worldwide said:

There is nowhere in the United States with first rate public transport.  The problems here are many and manifest. Generally the right likes to starve it of funding so it crumbles. The left refuses to implement the social controls needed to maintain it.  

This reminds me of the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) light rail issue recently.

Cities with low to very low ridership (compared to Dallas proper) who are helping to subsidize the whole program are wanting their taxes rightsized and it's potentially existential (or will cost taxpayers more):

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Six cities — Plano, Irving, Rowlett, Highland Park, Carrollton and Farmer’s Branch — have said they want to reduce the funds they put into DART by a quarter.

https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2024/07/darts-existential-crisis-another-city-wants-to-cut-funding/

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9 minutes ago, Vegas64 said:

This reminds me of the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) light rail issue recently.

Cities with low to very low ridership (compared to Dallas proper) who are helping to subsidize the whole program are wanting their taxes rightsized and it's potentially existential (or will cost taxpayers more):

https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2024/07/darts-existential-crisis-another-city-wants-to-cut-funding/

Gotta keep expanding these systems or they might fade. It creates a network effect. If they're not worthwhile expanding them, then perhaps they should be retired.

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I only uber anywhere I go, even NYC. I never fly into JFK so didn't even know of those train options. I'm an Uber from LGA to the City guy. Heck, I'll take a $30 Uber from Chelsea or West Village to Midtown or Hell's Kitchen every day of the week. Add $15, sure, why not. Just not interested in riding public transit. I still even have a Clipper card in my apple wallet in case I thought I wanted to ride from Oakland to San Fran, but never did and just Uber'ed.

Good luck to you people who live there and I hope it works out for you in whichever way you want it to!

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57 minutes ago, Vegas64 said:

I only uber anywhere I go, even NYC.


I use a helicopter. It's a little touch and go at busy intersections like 42nd and Broadway, but the helicopters make so much noise and those blades are whipping around real fast and nobody wants to take a chance on being decapitated. 

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On 1/8/2025 at 7:55 AM, TreatyOak said:

Thanks heavens there hasn't ever been a convenient train to and from JFK to Midtown Manhattan. All those other major cities around the world have made the mistake of implementing one.

Making everyone take taxis has really made life much better for everyone and makes so much sense.

You can thank the taxicab lobby for that forward-thinking planning. They did it to help everyone. 

I always told people who were flying out of JFK to just take the subway and skip paying 80 plus dollars for a cab ride. You just had to plan ahead and you can save the money to waste on tourist trinkets and cheap clothing instead.

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16 minutes ago, UpperWestside said:

I always told people who were flying out of JFK to just take the subway and skip paying 80 plus dollars for a cab ride. You just had to plan ahead and you can save the money to waste on tourist trinkets and cheap clothing instead.

Yes, but is there even a direct subway to JFK, or do you have to change to a sketchy bus, like the good, ole days?  Also, carrying luggage up and down subway platforms is fun and rewarding. 

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4 minutes ago, TreatyOak said:

Yes, but is there even a direct subway to JFK, or do you have to change to a sketchy bus, like the good, ole days?  Also, carrying luggage up and down subway platforms is fun and rewarding. 

The AirTran connects every terminal directly to tons of LIRRs (not a subway, has luggage racks) directly into either west or east midtown Manhattan at all hours of the day, for $15.

The AirTran also connects every terminal to 3 subways lines go to Manhattan. Much slower option

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On 1/8/2025 at 12:42 PM, 956 Worldwide said:

This little scheme works as long as you don’t have anywhere important to be at a required time. 

Little detours like that can snowball into major detours in Manhattan.  It's a $9 toll I think.  Not worth the risk.

*****************

I'm debating driving into midtown tomorrow or taking the train. I guess it depends on the snow forecast.  If I drive I'll let you know how it went.

15 minutes ago, TreatyOak said:

Yes, but is there even a direct subway to JFK, or do you have to change to a sketchy bus, like the good, ole days?  Also, carrying luggage up and down subway platforms is fun and rewarding. 

The E train

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On 1/8/2025 at 2:26 PM, gsoda3 said:

How are you defining that where NYC doesn't qualify?

Come to Union Square subway in August and experience the fun.  

Many of the subway stations and signal systems haven't seen any upgrades in generations.  

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27 minutes ago, TreatyOak said:

Yes, but is there even a direct subway to JFK, or do you have to change to a sketchy bus, like the good, ole days?  Also, carrying luggage up and down subway platforms is fun and rewarding. 

Bullneck beat me to it. The E was an easy trip for 2.90 and the LIRR is quicker. Cost is negligible there as well. Better than the cab ride farce. I only did Uber when my mom came to visit since she needed to travel faster to where I lived.

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26 minutes ago, Reynolds Woodcock said:

The AirTran connects every terminal directly to tons of LIRRs (not a subway, has luggage racks) directly into either west or east midtown Manhattan at all hours of the day, for $15.

The AirTran also connects every terminal to 3 subways lines go to Manhattan. Much slower option

Thnx. Both options sound somewhat flawed.
Take a train to the LIRR station, then take a separate train to Penn Station. 
Take the train to local subway lines through sketchy Queens subway stops.  

Every other major city in the world has a train direct from the airport to the center of town. It's insane that NYC doesn't offer that. 

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9 minutes ago, TreatyOak said:

Thnx. Both options sound somewhat flawed.
Take a train to the LIRR station, then take a separate train to Penn Station. 
Take the train to local subway lines through sketchy Queens subway stops.  

Every other major city in the world has a train direct from the airport to the center of town. It's insane that NYC and every other major city in the US doesn't offer that. 

 

fixy

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11 minutes ago, TreatyOak said:

Thnx. Both options sound somewhat flawed.
Take a train to the LIRR station, then take a separate train to Penn Station. 
Take the train to local subway lines through sketchy Queens subway stops.  

Every other major city in the world has a train direct from the airport to the center of town. It's insane that NYC doesn't offer that. 

That is effectively what they’ve done with Airtrain to LIRR. Yes, there is a stop, but this way, they can use existing tracks. There are limited crossings of the East River. Manhattan is slightly different due to it being an island.

That said, I live on the east side, and it’s easier to car for me with my luggage. Getting to and from Penn station can sometimes take as long as a car to JFK.

Subways and buses are fine. If you see a crazy person on the subway, just go to a different car.

Like @Reynolds Woodcock, I live and work in the congestion zone, so I support the rules.

 

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14 minutes ago, TreatyOak said:

Thnx. Both options sound somewhat flawed.
Take a train to the LIRR station, then take a separate train to Penn Station. 
Take the train to local subway lines through sketchy Queens subway stops.  

Every other major city in the world has a train direct from the airport to the center of town. It's insane that NYC doesn't offer that. 

If someone would just bring it up publicly to Eric Adams I feel certain we could get him to say in a press conference that he’s a train expert and that he’ll get a direct line built in a year. 
 

Public transportation in the US, especially subways and trains, are really lacking to be kind. When I was leaving last month NYC was finally finishing the Q line to 125th. That’s been on the table for decades I believe. Whatever person got my apartment though will now be able to walk one block up to 106th and get on the train quickly. It’ll be working for someone I guess.

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Just now, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

That is effectively what they’ve done with Airtrain to LIRR. Yes, there is a stop, but this way, they can use existing tracks. There are limited crossings of the East River. Manhattan is slightly different due to it being an island.

That said, I live on the east side, and it’s easier to car for me with my luggage. Getting to and from Penn station can sometimes take as long as a car to JFK.

Subways and buses are fine. If you see a crazy person on the subway, just go to a different car.

Like @Reynolds Woodcock, I live and work in the congestion zone, so I support the rules.

 

The mentally broken are usually going to be found in the last car. That’s almost a guarantee from the extensive amount of time I spent on the subway. 

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21 minutes ago, TreatyOak said:

Thnx. Both options sound somewhat flawed.
Take a train to the LIRR station, then take a separate train to Penn Station. 

It sounds harder than it is. In reality it’s  super easy. Take the AirTran to Jamaica, get off, walk for 30 second, take a left, walk 30 seconds to the LIRR, and in 20-25 mins you’ll be in Penn Station or Grand Central. 

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3 minutes ago, Bozo_Casanova said:

It sounds harder than it is. In reality it’s  super easy. Take the AirTran to Jamaica, get off, walk for 30 second, take a left, walk 30 seconds to the LIRR, and in 20-25 mins you’ll be in Penn Station or Grand Central. 

This right here. Make sure you are on the right platform number or you’ll wind up going out east towards Amityville or Massapequa or some other random Long Island hamlet.

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12 minutes ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

That said, I live on the east side, and it’s easier to car for me with my luggage. Getting to and from Penn station can sometimes take as long as a car to JFK

Why are you using Penn Station from the East Side instead of Grand Central/Madison?

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12 minutes ago, High Plains Drifter said:

Every other major city in the world has a train direct from the airport to the center of town. It's insane that NYC and every other major city in the US doesn't offer that. 

fixy

I am sure I'm senile at this point, but I could have sworn I took a train from the airport directly to downtown in Paris, London, Stockholm, Amsterdam and Barcelona. 

We lived in Manhattan for 20 years, and now my younger daughter is there, so I get back every chance I can. Older daughter got engaged there last November and 40 people flew in for the surprise party on the top of PUBLIC Hotel. That was probably the most fun day of my life. Tom and Jerry's in the East Village is our official family bar. 

I would love to move back. Not sure that is feasible. Anyway, sorry for the ramblings. 
 

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7 minutes ago, Bozo_Casanova said:

It sounds harder than it is. In reality it’s  super easy. Take the AirTran to Jamaica, get off, walk for 30 second, take a left, walk 30 seconds to the LIRR, and in 20-25 mins you’ll be in Penn Station or Grand Central. 

Thanks. I will try it next time. 

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17 minutes ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

That said, I live on the east side, and it’s easier to car for me with my luggage. Getting to and from Penn station can sometimes take as long as a car to JFK.

Subways and buses are fine. If you see a crazy person on the subway, just go to a different car.

Like @Reynolds Woodcock, I live and work in the congestion zone, so I support the rules.

 

I'm jealous that you live in the city. What do you do for work? 

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6 minutes ago, Bozo_Casanova said:

Why are you using Penn Station from the East Side instead of Grand Central/Madison?

I’m not. I’m taking a car. And I have only taken the LIRR out of GC/Madison once, but I can imagine it would be a right PITA with my luggage. I’m usually flying international for at least a week. No thanks.

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16 minutes ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

Finance and accounting for a Global Commodity trading firm. 

Tremendous. So impressed. Congrats. 

My NYC daughter just resigned her investment banking job at Morgan Stanley, which she has had since she graduated in '22, and started at a private equity firm this week. She is hoping to have a more sane lifestyle.

We owned a big, two-bedroom apt on 65th and York and sold it when we moved to Austin in 2002. Now it's been converted into a three bedroom.

We bought it for...$277K in 1996, lol. Just kill me. 

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50 minutes ago, UpperWestside said:

This right here. Make sure you are on the right platform number or you’ll wind up going out east towards Amityville or Massapequa or some other random Long Island hamlet.

All right, Coney Island. Ok, you can take the B or the F and switch for the N at Broadway Lafayette, or you can go over the bridge to DeKalb and catch the Q to Atlantic Avenue, then switch to the IRT 2, 3, 4 or 5, but don't get on the G. See that's very tempting, but you wind up on Smith and 9th street, then you got to get on the R.

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NO
The only thing NYC transit has going for it is size.   Trains are slow, loud, infrequent, and dirty.  The stations are filthy leaking and trash strewn.  PA announcements on the trains are a joke... even when there is a sudden arbitrary change in service. (like JK this train isn't going where we said it would) You only get the peanuts adult voice played through a blasted out 3" speaker.
Don't get me wrong, it's great for a US city.  But compared to pretty much any modern country it's a dog, just getting by on nostalgia.  Athens has a nicer system.  45mins from Eleftherios(Athens International) to central Athens 1 train straight in and it's probably 15 miles.   La Guardia to Central Park Bus>Train>Subway  Over an hour and 15 mins of that is walking and it's probably less than 9 miles.  Newark or JFK....ppppffffft
It's a pale shadow of what it could be.

It could have been great but that bitch ass Robert Moses made sure that it didn’t. Then the 70s fiscal crisis and crime. Only recovered in the 90s. Don’t get me started on the unions.
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1 hour ago, TreatyOak said:

Tremendous. So impressed. Congrats. 

My NYC daughter just resigned her investment banking job at Morgan Stanley, which she has had since she graduated in '22, and started at a private equity firm this week. She is hoping to have a more sane lifestyle.

We owned a big, two-bedroom apt on 65th and York and sold it when we moved to Austin in 2002. Now it's been converted into a three bedroom.

We bought it for...$277K in 1996, lol. Just kill me. 

Private equity is pretty nuts as well. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and I think I’ve worked more in the last 3.5 years than I did in the prior 5, and that included when I was Americas Head of Fimance for another trading shop.

i lived in NyC during the credit crash. I wish I’d stayed and bought a place then. But I went to Houston instead. I came back in 2019, and I’m effectively priced out of anything I would want to own. Bleh.

Edited by PenelopeWitherspoon
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Too much glad handling going in here.I want to hear horror stories.  I have watched at the Fullerton stop in Chicago someone with more speed projecting liquid out their ass than they did their mouth, at the same time, and still not know if it was a man or woman.
 

Weed smokers on the train are already high so asking them to stop usually isn’t too hard of a detraction. I’m also a gigantic ginger so minorities love me.

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9 minutes ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

Private equity is pretty nuts as well. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and I think I’ve worked more in the last 3.5 years than I did in the prior 5, and that included when I was Americas Head of Fimance for another trading shop.

i lived in NyC during the credit crash. I wish I’d stayed and bought a place then. But I went to Houston instead. I came back in 2019, and I’m effectively priced out of anything I would want to own. Bleh.

Well, congrats on your success in a very competitive field. That's tough work!

Yeah, she works really hard, so she will have long hours, for sure. Still, I don't see how it can compare to the absolute insanity of investment banking, but we shall see!

What about going uptown? There are still some good deals on the Upper West and East Side. What about Brooklyn? 

 

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4 hours ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

Private equity is pretty nuts as well. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and I think I’ve worked more in the last 3.5 years than I did in the prior 5, and that included when I was Americas Head of Fimance for another trading shop.

i lived in NyC during the credit crash. I wish I’d stayed and bought a place then. But I went to Houston instead. I came back in 2019, and I’m effectively priced out of anything I would want to own. Bleh.

You’re still doing great though. Everything you do happens the way it’s supposed to. At least that is how I look at life. Great job aside you just seem to be enjoying life and that’s the most important thing.

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