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JayMoots t1_j60fl60 wrote

>Compare that to the subway trip from the 4/5/6 subway platforms at Grand Central to the LIRR platforms at Penn Station, which requires a ride on the Times Square shuttle and a transfer to the 1, 2 or 3 train. That trip took 13 minutes.

I call bullshit.

No chance you make that trip from 4/5/6 at GCT to an LIRR platform at Penn in 13 minutes. Even if every train departure aligns perfectly for you (which it won't) I don't think it can be done.

EDIT, 6 Days later: I tried it myself and it CAN BE DONE. Pretty easily in fact. I timed it, and it was almost exactly 10 minutes. (Granted, did I hit the 2 train and the shuttle almost perfectly. But even if I had waited a minute or two for each, I still would have been well under 13 minutes.

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myassholealt t1_j60qhby wrote

Another unspoken benefit is if there are people who used to make that cross town trip who are now boarding at Grand Central, now there's a greater chance at getting a seat during peak rush hour at Penn. though I imagine the mad dash once platforms are announced will forever and always be a thing.

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dante7654399 t1_j61vcms wrote

Not necessarily. There will be less direct service leaving from Penn during rush hour once the new schedules go into effect. Most people will want to get one of the direct trains to their destination without having to transfer at Jamaica so more demand for those trains. Also trains will be shorter as in no more 12 cars due to not enough equipment to service both Grand Central and Penn until new train cars are delivered. I think those who still need to use Penn will be unhappy once the full service changes go into effect next month but Im hopeful it wont be that bad.

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Unlimited_Paper t1_j69oghf wrote

Agreed, the mad dash you describe is here to stay and a uniquely Penn Station problem. It is just too cramped to have it any other way in that bitch ass basement. That's the magic of Grand Central - it's built to circulate people a million times better. To hell with these whiny arguments about how deep the tracks are at GCT. Sure it's a pity but I'm moving on with my life.

If somehow they could fundamentally spread things out better at Penn, that would be pretty dope. I see the way they've blown out the area that used to be McDonald's on the 7th Ave side of Penn though and I'm starting to wonder if they're trying to make that more of an open space. I think there is a case for some low key optimism for what they're trying to do at Penn Station, just this one's opinion.

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thejimla t1_j60qh40 wrote

Also the reverse, sometimes it takes 5 minutes just to exit the platform at Penn due to overcrowding. Add another 5 minutes to walk an entire city block to the 1/2/3 if you are at the front of the train.

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MadCapHorse t1_j60zqel wrote

For real, this is bullshit. You have to walk to the other platform and also wait for the train to arrive.

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ab216 t1_j619vnu wrote

I can leave my office, which is a 5 mins walk from GC at 5:55 and comfortably make my 6:16 NJ Transit train

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unndunn t1_j63zef5 wrote

It's doable, I think. 2-minute ride time on the Shuttle, 2-minute ride time on the 1/2/3 (from Times Sq to Penn Station). That leaves 9 minutes of walking/transfer/waiting time. Bearing in mind the Shuttle departs pretty much every 2-3 minutes, and you can take any 1/2/3 train at Times Square, waiting time is probably shorter than you might think.

I think 13 minutes might be a little optimistic, but not much.

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leetnewb2 t1_j645zen wrote

I've done S -> 1/2/3 -> Penn -> NJT platform in 10 minutes with perfect alignment. The 3 minute walk from 4/5/6 is feasible but improbable. I'd say it's a 1 out of 50 or 100 shot - highly unlikely, but not nil.

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JayMoots t1_j64a036 wrote

I'm so invested in this now. I kinda want to go and time out both trips myself.

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leetnewb2 t1_j64zu3t wrote

Good luck! It needs to be rush hour train frequency with no delays, and picking the appropriate car in each train for the fastest transfer to the next line.

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Unlimited_Paper t1_j671vo4 wrote

It's not that hard to imagine. You are guessing. I bullshit your bullshit. Give it a shot and see for yourself.

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