After commuting five days a week by train, I have compiled a list of tips that everyone must know before riding on Metro-North. Whether you are taking the train into Grand Central or are commuting between New Haven and Greenwich, Metro North can be your best friend or your worse nightmare.
1. Buy your tickets at the station.
It may seem like common sense. However, most people don't realize that if they buy tickets on the train, it's more expensive. I always see families paying an arm and a leg for tickets because they did not buy their tickets at the station. At larger stations like New Haven, Stamford and Grand Central, there will be ticket windows. At smaller stations, there will be kiosks that will lead you through the process.
2. Try to avoid the middle cars.
After commuting for four months, you learn where to sit. What most people don't realize is that if you board the train either in the front or back there is more likely to be more seats available than the middle. Most people wait for the train on the middle of the platform, and few venture off to either the front or back.
3. Trains leave roughly every 30 minutes from Grand Central.
Trains are constantly leaving Grand Central, so if you are running to your train and miss it, don't fret; there is always another train leaving. Also, depending on which stop you are, you might be able to take an express or a local train that might leave earlier.
4. When leaving NYC, get to the train early.
I have made that mistake countless times and always kick myself for it. Arrive early when boarding in Grand Central. The train fills up fast and unless you want to stand, arriving 15 minutes early will save you in the end.
5. Express Trains = Happiness.
I consistently made the mistake of taking a local train instead of the express to Grand Central. Taking express can cut the train time by an hour depending on where you are riding it from. However, it is important to remember that if you are not going to Grand Central, the express is not the best option because it stops at less stations.
6. There is an app for that.
Metro-North has an app. Not only can you view the daily schedule, but you can also buy tickets. Whether you want to go paperless or didn't have time to buy your ticket, the app is easy and fast. I would use the app if I forgot my ticket at home or left it in the car; it was easier for me to purchase the ticket on my phone. You can get the app from the App Store on iPhones (I'm not sure if it is available for Samsung users).
7. Activate online tickets when you see the conductor clicking tickets.
If you are commuting daily and are like myself trying to stretch your tickets as long as possible, I recommend not activating your ticket until you see the conductor collecting tickets. It doesn't happen often, but sometimes the conductor never makes it to you to click your ticket before you get off. If your ticket is activated, then you can no longer use it for the next day.
8. More than one kind of ticket.
I have become the master of types of tickets, as I have used just about all of them. Whether you need a one-way, both way, ten trip, weekly, monthly or school ticket, Metro-North has got it all covered. I recommend the weekly if you commute five days per week, but not every week in a month. The monthly ticket is perfect for someone who commutes all week, every week. I am currently using the ten trip ticket because I commute three days per week. The ticket lasts me about two weeks.
9. There is a quiet car.
Most people don't realize, but there is a quiet car closer to the back of the train. If you are someone who likes to read, write or work while you are commuting, I recommend that you use it. It is most likely less crowded and you can usually get a row of seats to yourself. I have accidentally ridden in the quiet car, and I have to say that the conductors do enforce the no noise policy.
10. Avoid using the restrooms.
I feel like it goes without saying, but just to reiterate, do not use the restrooms on the train. They are disgusting. I have used them before, but unless it's an emergency, do not use them. I always make a point to use the restroom before I board the train, and so should you.
I hope you enjoyed learning the tricks of Metro-North. Hopefully next time you take the train, you will feel more confident and ready to conquer it like a pro.
