Passenger Trains > Observations on NYC. Amtrak, Moynihan, Subway,NJT

I previously posted about the Ouch Fares Amtrak charges NEC NYP to Wilmington DE.   https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,6054195   My wife and I traveled NJT from Hamilton, NJ to EWR (Newark Liberty Airport). Hamilton is one stop north of Trenton and is an extremely nice station, just a half mile off I-295.  NJT senior ticket was $8.50.  This train was semi express skipping a mess of stops north of metro park.  We cruised at a steady 98-99mph on my GPS.  The double deck coaches were very smooth.  It's fun when Amtrak Corridor train passes at 120-130 mph.  That slow passing while you are cruising is a fun sensation.  

Newark Airport Airtrain is neat.  It's an unmanned monorail.  As some station tracks were OOS we had to wait, switch tracks and proceed.  My 7 year old grandson loved sitting up front driving the train.  Heck, I do, too.  Normally NJT or Amtrak tickets cover Airtrain.  But conductor had collected my ticket.  He gave me a paper ticket later, but Airtrain still wanted $8.50 each person each direction.  

We got down to NEC platform to go into NewYork Penn.  10:30 AM a train stops, doors slide open and pile of people spills out.  2 people get off.  This train looked like one of those in India.   If only rails to hold on to on the outside.  It was packed.  Conductor says stay back another train 4 min later.  The 2nd train arrives.  It too was crowded, not jammed packed just packed.  We stood for 30 min into NYP.  

We had to store my daughter's suitcase for the afternoon.  Coming up from the platform and then finding somebody to tell us where to go.  Go over to baggage claim in Moynihan Train Hall. From the NJT terminal area.  Outside down 31st St cross 7th Ave wheeling a suitcase...  A huge line at baggage claim.  Apparently Amtrak 98 recently arrived, but also scores of day trippers storing bags for the afternoon.  When I called Amtrak about can I store a bag with NJT ticket they said yes.  And that was indeed true.  Since I did not ask they did not tell me that NJT ticket holders pay twice the fee--$20 instead of $10.  Had to fill out paperwork.  It took 45 min.  I recall storing a bag in Berlin, Germany 10 or so years ago.  Give them a few Euros, they give you a wooden token with number like a coat check, at the theater.  During the afternoon pickup, there was much less line.  But it appeared that somebody arrived on Amtrak #20, but apparently their luggage did not.  Not sure how often Amtrak misplaces luggage.  Don't hear much of that on this forum.  I did not tip the guy for retrieving a stored bags. Should I?

We headed to Battery Park at the tip of Manhattan to catch a ferry over to the Statue of Liberty.  My neighbor friend was incredulous that I would risk my family on the subway.  NY subway has a tap and go so you can just tap your ATM card, no need for a fare card.  Except!  One card is only good for one person and there are 5 counting kids.  A very nice gate agent assisted us.  Kids ride free today!  Cool, how do we get around turnstile.  Oh, just duck under.  The subway was pretty crowded and grandson like standing holding the pole.  A couple stops later, some guys barge on the car.  "Attention in the subway.  This subway will not be going downtown.  We're going to MoTown". And they hit the button and musical intro to My Girl starts followed by the Temptations performance in the subway.  Fun, fun fun...pass the hat.  

Sunday was extra crowded in NY.  Our 6:14 train was full.  When I checked that afternoon,  most Amtrak afternoon Trains were sold out including Acela First class at $506 each one way to Wilmington. We had a fun time in NYC.  Stopped at Wawa for Hoagie Fest for the drive back to Delaware.  
 

Good report, lots to unpack.  I don't know if it's still the case, that you had to buy your NJ Transit ticket at a kiosk to use the fare gates at Newark airport monorail or Secaucus. Otherwise you had to show your paper ticket to the attendant to be buzzed thru. The Port Authority wants its $8.50 at Newark

The street musicians / buskers in the subway cars are a weekend tradition, although I see them occasionally during the week.  Some amazing pole dancing, singing, break dancing, lots of fun.  The licensed musicians in the subway hallways are actually selected by the TA, and have their "spots" for a year. Then they are reassigned to another  station.  There are many excellent musicians

Wawa ? Yuck. Jersey has plenty of diners, cooked food on heavy china and bottomless coffee.

NJT runs the #62 bus to the EWR airport terminals for $1.75 from Newark Penn Station. Runs every 20 minutes or so, takes 25 minutes. They keep it a secret.

Posted from Android

This seems like your first time heading into NYC. Are you new to the Wilmington area / Northeast? 

I have always loved visiting NYC also.  It's a very exciting City.

And, the NEC, (+Path,and the L.I. RR), with all those fast trains---Wow!

I envy a young train fan--say a 17 year old from Georgia or Kansas, etc.,---
what a thrill he is in for!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/25 07:45 by ronald321.

mbrotzman Wrote:
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> This seems like your first time heading into NYC.  Are you new to the Wilmington area / Northeast? 

Actually I've lived in Delaware for 65+ yeats, but have seldom traveled to NYC.  Less than 10 times in the last 25 yeats.  For my daughter and grandkids from Wesyern, NC this was a first.    It was a good experience.

Tom

joemvcnj Wrote:
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> Wawa ? Yuck. Jersey has plenty of diners, cooked
> food on heavy china and bottomless coffee.
>\

OT..I love diners, but when there isnt time, Wawa and Sheetz are far, far better than 7-11 or Circle K or even Pilot or Flying J. 

You cant get a fresh sandwich and a tastycake anywhere out west, other than takeout at a diner or subway.  Subway is OK, but nothing but their sandwiches...and they change whats available and what u get a lot. 

LA is Burger land.  Fatburger and a lot of the independents are good, but limited menu.  I'll never understand the fascination with in-n-out burgers. Everything is fresh, but its just burgers...