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I've been commuting on the Babylon line of the LIRR for 4 years (from Bellmore). It's brutal, kids. Lately even the parking has gotten significantly worse, and I have no idea why. Both my husband and I work in NYC (I'm in midtown west, and he's further uptown on the east side, but his office may move to LIC - a nightmare). The Babylon line seems to be the one with the most issues, and the Port Washington line less so. I'm thinking of moving to a different town to see if this lessens the aggravation a bit. I know the whole LIRR system is horrible, but there must be somewhere on the Island that has a better commute that is safe and reasonably priced (we rent) --so unfortunately, we're probably not going to find anything along the Port Washington line (unless there's something I don't know about over there). I had toyed with the idea of finding a job on LI, but then we'd have to live under a bridge.
I'd love some insight - especially from our life long city commuters! Thanks in advance!
I'm assuming getting an apartment somewhere in NYC is out of the question?
If so, why not seek an apartment within walking distance of a LIRR station? RVC, Lynbrook, Mineola, and many others have apartment buildings in close proximity to the train station.
I've been commuting on the Babylon line of the LIRR for 4 years (from Bellmore). It's brutal, kids. Lately even the parking has gotten significantly worse, and I have no idea why. Both my husband and I work in NYC (I'm in midtown west, and he's further uptown on the east side, but his office may move to LIC - a nightmare). The Babylon line seems to be the one with the most issues, and the Port Washington line less so. I'm thinking of moving to a different town to see if this lessens the aggravation a bit. I know the whole LIRR system is horrible, but there must be somewhere on the Island that has a better commute that is safe and reasonably priced (we rent) --so unfortunately, we're probably not going to find anything along the Port Washington line (unless there's something I don't know about over there). I had toyed with the idea of finding a job on LI, but then we'd have to live under a bridge.
I'd love some insight - especially from our life long city commuters! Thanks in advance!
I take the 6:49 out of Bellmore every day and have been commuting from Bellmore for 17 years.
While I certainly don't enjoy the commute, it is bearable. Read a book, sit in the quiet car, take a nap, listen to music, whatever it takes to distract yourself. The ride seems so much longer when you are not doing one of these things. I haven't checked the statistics in a while, but the Babylon line used to have one of the best on time performance results of any of the lines. It is rare that there is a delay or service disruption on the Babylon line (having said that, there will probably be one on my way home tonight).
As far as the parking situation is concerned, due to the end of the summer approaching, there are fewer commuters on vacation and school has started again, which may effect parking.
I don't believe moving to another line will decrease your frustration.
Unfortunately, there is no other way to get into NYC at this price without even more aggravation (driving).
The Port Washington line was good in the past, I have not used it in a few years. Since it is not on the main line, you avoid problems that do impact other branches. If you are interested in commuting from there you could look for an apartment in Little Neck or you might find a coop in Great Neck being sublet.
Otherwise, as mentioned prior Mineola is a good option with several apartment buildings.
Port Washington
Long Beach (as long as you're not going to Long Beach)
Babylon
Hempstead/West Hempstead (seemingly too many Jamaica transfers)
Ronkonkoma/Port Jeff/Oyster Bay (all tied for last)
SIB, the Long Beach line is pretty terrible. The trains are slow, they're at least 5-7 minutes behind whatever the schedule says, and outside of premium rush hour, the schedule is really infrequent. Definitely not an improvement over the Babylon line.
What time do you leave to go to the city? Are you getting on a train after 9:00 when everything starts becoming locals?
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