Truckie
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On 2/12/2019 at 7:34 AM, JeffG said:
Does anyone know how long it takes to hear back after taking the physical abilities test and drug test ? I took mine for metro north on January 28th and haven't heard anything yet. It's been 2 weeks .
Two weeks is only a minute or two in railroad time.
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3 hours ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:
Maybe @Truckie can shed some light on this. I use Metro-North here and there and always use my cell phone now. I've considered installing the app on my iPad since I have a ton of space but haven't for now. That said, some conductors are cool about it. You show them the activated ticket, they say thank you or nod and keep it moving, and others make a whole big deal about it. I haven't heard or any scams or problems with counterfeit e-tickets, so what gives? If the ticket is already activated, I don't understand the big to do. If they have to use that scanner, fine, pull it out, do aim at the bar code and keep it moving. I've had conductors stand there on a packed rush hour train trying to use that stupid scanner to scan my e-ticket. I mean really...
If they went after the people that hide in the bathroom to avoid paying like that I'd be more understanding. Always hounding the people that actually pay...
Can't say what happened in the specific circumstance as I wasn't there. I will say, there are certain "features" that show up on the screen that prompts us to scan the QR code. Since the powers to be can tell real time whether or not it's being done, it becomes an issue at times. Especially when there are spotters on the train to "audit" us. There are times a ticket gets scanned and our device will prompt whether it's valid, not valid or there's a discrepancy that could prompt further verification.
As far as scams and counterfeit tickets? They are plentiful. Anything from multiple people trying to use the same ticket (I've seen this done in numerous ways), people using "copies" of tickets, and people that will show an ticket and deliberately avoid activating it while making it appear it really is. The longer these things have been around, the more new and improved issues arise.
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1 hour ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:
Ridership also tends to be lighter then too, so that helps.
Ridership to Playland makes up for that.
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On 1/4/2019 at 3:10 PM, RedViper90 said:
Thank god I found this thread. Last night I received an invitation to come in and take a test for HVAC Technician with MNRR. Why did they invite me during a hiring freeze? The test is on the 25th of January. Does anyone know what I can expect from this test and the competitiveness level? It doesn't seem like many people are taking it, compared to other exams like Conductor 6601 (which I'm also under). Any information helps, guys! Thanks.
Administering a test isn't always done for immediate vacancies. Sometimes they are given for future vacancies. Regardless of a hiring freeze, they would still want a pool of potential hires once the freeze is lifted.
As far as HVAC Tech compared to conductor 6601? For one, an HVAC tech is not perceived as a desired position for the layperson. Secondly, the conductor position is NYC Transit. The HVAC position is Metro North. People living in the city won't necessarily drive to New Haven or Brewster or Croton Harmon to work.
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On 12/19/2018 at 2:04 PM, Via Garibaldi 8 said:
It was mentioned in a previous MTA Board meeting in terms of how MNRR would trim their costs going forward.
I'll take your word on it. I don't pay attention to the board meetings.
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On 12/24/2018 at 8:49 PM, bobtehpanda said:
The main problem is not the cars but the reliability. The entire diesel LIRR fleet is junkers, that's why they're doing a joint procurement with Metro-North for new ones even though the fleet is barely 20.
There is not a joint procurement. LIRR was the lead agency for the M9's with an option for MNR. MNR choce not to exercise the option. The train cars these would have replaced are going on 35 years of age.
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I was unaware of a hiring freeze. As far as the length of the freeze is anyone's guess. There is a turnover for custodians as they often move on to bigger and better things within. I know that isn't much of a help but I'm unfamiliar with what goes on in recruitment.
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On 11/28/2018 at 4:36 PM, XcelsiorBoii4888 said:
I...A B S O L U T E L Y HATEEEE FLAT WHEELS 😡
Why do all these trains have flat wheels?
Slip slide season. Once condemnable flat spots they go to the wheel true to get lathed.
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20 hours ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:
The only place they need them is maybe Grand Central.
Harlem - 125, Fordham, White Plains, Stamford, New Haven, Poughkeepsie and Croton Harmon have large sales. Also, Poughkeepsie, Croton Harmon, White Plains, Brewster, New Haven and Stamford are used by conductors for remittances.
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On 11/16/2018 at 8:54 AM, Union Tpke said:
Metro-North will close three ticket offices at three train stations along the Harlem Line. These closings will result in the abolishment of three ticket seller positions and the associated utilities costs for these locations. The ticket office locations identified for closure are Mount Vernon
West, Scarsdale and Brewster.
They have been trying to close these ticket offices for years.
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On 10/10/2018 at 9:10 PM, 40MntVrn said:
3. I know Metro-North does this test before each departure from GCT. Does this happen at outlying originating stations as well? Does LIRR also conduct these tests, and if so, are there any differences?
Metro North's trains have a class 1 brake test performed by mechanical forces, usually over night in the yards. This is a fairly extensive brake test. There is also a Class 2 brake test performed prior to every departure or turnaround. When in GCT it is usually done by the engineer and a carman. When in the outer yards or on the main, it is done by the engineer and conductor. The later test, in short, verifies the trains brakes are applying and releasing at the rear of the train.
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On 7/26/2018 at 5:03 PM, MNR Beacon Line said:
If anyone has or is getting a paper MNR August monthly could you post a picture? There's a ticket stock shortage so they're being printed on weekly stock, I'm curious to see what that looks like.
Not a shortage. There were issues with the original stock for the month getting jammed up in the machines prior to being g on sale. As a result, the carrier decided to use the weekly/10 trip stock. Also, as a result instead of the tickets going on sale the usual 20tb, it was delayed a few days. Those purchasing their monthly ticket though Mail and Ride are not affected and are receiving theirs on the traditional stock.
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23 hours ago, Italianstallion said:
Yes, I assume the 4 -car mark is the spot where there train has to at least reach. Nothing prevents an engineer who knows the station from stopping the train further down by the stairs.
I would hope the engineers know the stations, it's part of being qualified on the physical characteristics. There are bigger issues than car markers, if they are not qualified and are operating a train on a given line.
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23 hours ago, Italianstallion said:
They definitely have markers at the Riverdale station. The southbound platform marker placement is curious, though. The 4-car marker is at the midpoint of the platform. If the train stopped there, those folks waiting at the southern end of the station (that is, ALL of the passengers) would have to run down the platform to reach the train, as the only stairway is at the south end and everyone congregates there. Thankfully, the engineers know where to stop.
Again, the markers on the platforms are for the train crew. Not for passengers, rail fans or anyone else. Riverdale platform on track 4 the engineer should be spotting the train at the south end of the platform as that is where the majority of passengers will gather as the stairs are there.
The 4 car Mark is at the middle of the platform as it's an 8 car platform. Reason would be the 4 mark would be in the middle.
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3 hours ago, paulrivera said:
There’s car markers now in MNRR territory on the platforms (these blue square signs that say 2, 4, 6, etc.) so it does make it a little easier for some riders if they know what they’re doing.
My philosophy: When in doubt, stand by the “2” or “4” marker. When in further doubt, stand by the exits nearest the center of the platform. Works at stops like West Haven and Harrison like a charm with their 12 car platforms and 7 car trains.
Finding the right cars to get off however: YMMV.
Don't over think the car markers.
I can give you numerous examples that would blow your theory. Two quick examples: the track one platform at Spuyten Duyvil and track three platfrom at Ludlow. These are both the "north bound" platforms, they both hold 8 cars. The "2" car markers are where two cars would be on the platform. The problem is the ramp / stairs of the platfrom are at the north end. Because of this, if only four cars are open for passengers, the engineer will spot the open cars at the north end (where the "4" and "6" car markers are). If someone decided to walk toward the south end of the platfrom where the "2" is, they would have to walk back to the north end.
There are numerous stations on all lines that would go along the same theory, including Harlem - 125th St., Peekskill, Beacon, Yonkers, on the Hudson, Fordham, Mount Kisco, Valhalla, going south on the Harlem.
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1 hour ago, Via Garibaldi 8 said:
Unless they're a regular, they're simply not going to know. As a passenger, you just see the train coming then you start looking to see which car you can get on to get a seat, then you have to look out for the gap before getting on the train, etc. It isn't until after the car pulls past you that you realize that those cars aren't being used. There's a lot going on that the passenger has to think about, then on top of that trying to figure which car you're in. Even after all of these years of riding, I don't necessarily always know which car I'm in, and I may ask to ensure that I can get off if I'm de-boarding from a stop with a shorter platform. The one that used to always get me was Yankee-East 153rd street. The platform is incredibly long and you have no idea where the train will actually platform. I don't understand why the platform is so long at certain stations anyway given the car lengths? The other one that has gotten me at that station is they'll announce a track change at the last minute and now everyone is scrambling to get to the other platform. Now what I do is I wait right by a set of stairs so that I can make a run for it if need be. Seems like others have had that problem and Metro-North has tried to address it by providing more details as to how to reach the platform, etc. when you need to cross over. It would be great if they could have some sort of sign up as to where the trains will actually platform though, though I have no idea how realistic this could be.
I understand your points and agree. A station such as Yankees-E153 is long to accommodate games and other events and I understand that doesn't help for the other 200 plus days of the year.
Most engineers will do their best to spot the train for the passengers waiting to board. It is the job of the train crew to get those staring at a closed door when trying to board to make sure they get on. When in doubt, look for the red lights on the side of the train.... But again, a station such as Yankees have 6 car lengths between the two sets of stairs at platfrom level and sadly some with their ears disconnected from the outside world (by choice), and have tunnel vision aimed at their phone have a difficult time waking up to their surroundings.
As far as last minute track changes..... No comment... They are as frustrating for me as passengers.
Lastly, there are some that complain when the only one to blame is themselves. Case in point, I recently read on twitter how my train, at Croton Harmon, never stopped. Not only did my train not stop, but, we arrived at the platfrom 10 minutes prior to departure (Croton Harmon was the origination station) and every door on the train was open prior to leaving time. To add insult to injury, we were delayed from departing the station for a minute or two to make way for an express train, and I had the doors open for the extra time until I knew we were going to get the permission to leave with the signal south of the platfrom. To summarize, my train which per a passenger on twitter, "never stopped" not only stopped, had the doors open of every car (six out of six) for ten minutes prior to the departure time. The doors were also open for approximately two minutes after the scheduled departure time to allow for last minute runners. Some people you just can't please.....
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52 minutes ago, Bosco said:
The Hudson Line regularly has trains where only half the train is open to passengers. I'm not sure why they do this as it is incredibly inefficient.
It is actually more efficient and safer depending on the passenger load. Example: a morning weekend train departing Grand Central going to Croton Harmon local making all stops. Some of the trains will get an 8 car consist as it comes from Southeast. Now it goes to Croton Harmon for toilet servicing. Using 8 cars for a light passenger load is unrealistic as there are multiple 4 car platforms in the Bronx (and from Hasting to Irvington with the temporary ramps). It is safer and more efficient using four cars in this circumstance as people would be less likely to miss their stop if they are in the wrong car and it decreases delays and is safer when they are in the wrong car and don't have to go car to car. Sadly there are many people disconnected from their sense of hearing as many use earbuds. Regardless of how many times you tell someone or make announcements they still do not het the memo. This also alleviates issues that arise as from and operational point of when it comes to train spotting and door operations.
Granted, with a larger passenger load, then more cars should be used.
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On 3/8/2018 at 3:15 PM, Via Garibaldi 8 said:
As I said, Metro-North has run regular service in ice storms, and now suddenly anytime we get snow, they cut service by 50%. You would think we've never had snow before. The whole thing is ridiculous. The fact of the matter is the
in general is ill equipped. Signal problems galore. We can't function as a city if our transportation system is going to come to grinding halt for every little storm.
Riverdale gets more snow than the Fordhams or the Harlems because we are elevated AND right long the Hudson, so we get usually whatever Westchester gets as opposed to whatever Manhattan or parts of the Bronx get. Nevertheless, my sidewalks were nice and clean and shoveled despite the snow. Metro-North needs to get with the times.
Just because your little slice of paradise is good, you have to take into account the system as a whole. In both last Wednesday and the previous Friday's storms, it hit the fan big time.
The first storm, there were trees down across the track all over the property, tracks washing out along the Hudson, and barges breaking loose washing up against the tracks.
The second storm (last Wednesday) things weren't much better. More trees down, power poles snapping like twig on the Harlem Line. etc...
In a perfect world, there would be endless supply of resources including trains and manpower. Unfortunately, that is not the case. In both circumstances, trains couldn't get from point a to point b and as a result either could the manpower. As an example, the first storm, as I was on my way along the Harlem, we were stranded in the White Plains area for hours. Every time one tree was cleared up, two more fell. Third rail was damaged. Trains hit trees (no, PTC would not have prevented it). You can't just call a taxi or bus and stick them on the tracks, as day laborers can be called to pitch in for the clean up.
When it was announced last week that they were going to run reduced service last Wednesday, I for one thought is was pre-mature with roads (and rails) being clear of the elements. Unfortunately, things deteriorated rapidly in the afternoon. In hindsight, it made is mildly easier getting people out of dodge in the evening. Even with the best efforts, there were still numerous train crews stranded in Grand Central until the next day because of the weather conditions, as it wasn't even safe to run patrol trains.
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On 12/12/2017 at 7:48 PM, SevenEleven said:
It plays whenever the conductor turns on the PA system. Sometimes happens when the system acts up.
Doesn't play at all when the PA is started, that is the "ding ding" sound. What is being described is a chime sound. On occasion it will go off when the PA acts up, but under normal circumstances.....
It is not used for any single event. Engineers could sound it to alert the train crew that they are going to be crossing over at an interlocking, there is an ADA passenger at a station or for the conductor to go to the intercom.
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On 11/27/2017 at 11:48 PM, mfs NJT459 said:
did NJT/MNRR pull the Sunday game train from New Haven to Secaucus for 1PM Giants/Jets games?
There are no more direct trains. Haven't been all season.
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On 11/17/2017 at 2:25 AM, bobtehpanda said:
Realistically speaking, the Beacon Line is so roundabout and passes through such lightly populated areas that I doubt it would ever need more than a single track.
You wouldn't even need that. With the highways in the vicinity,people are going drive where there is good service.
Example, if I lived in Stormville, I'd drive the 15 minutes to Southeast than get on a infrequently running train from Stormville to go to Southeast by way of Beekman and Whaley Lake.
It would be no different than the commuters that live in the Danbury area that choose to commute out of Southeast for the convenience of better service and no connections.
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4 hours ago, RR503 said:
It outlines the parameters of the order.
Here's the latest update on the MNR half I could find:
This is over 3 years old and per that report MNR was to execute the option in December of 2016. Needless to say that did not happen.
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14 minutes ago, RR503 said:
.......MNR (correct me if I’m wrong) seems to be focusing more on diesel fleet issues, but the MNR M3As are not getting younger.
Correct, the diesel fleet is a priority. There are locomotives sitting collecting dust because of lack of parts. At least the electrics run. The M3's are going to be getting cameras. Originally there were talks of not putting cameras in them because they won't be around that much longer.
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8 hours ago, RR503 said:
If replacing M3s isn’t a priority, then why is that the stated goal of the M9 base order for LIRR?
https://www.newsday.com/long-island/lirr-previews-new-train-cars-due-in-2017-1.6085375
You are taking my quote out of context.
You were talking about Metro North, as was I. Now you are applying what I say about LIRR.
I have no idea what LIRR needs or plans are so there is no basis for me to comment on them.
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If they went after the people that hide in the bathroom to avoid paying like that I'd be more understanding. Always hounding the people that actually pay...
in general is ill equipped. Signal problems galore. We can't function as a city if our transportation system is going to come to grinding halt for every little storm.
LIRR And MNRR Random Thoughts Thread
in MTA Railroads
Posted
These were on borrowed time when they had a survey of three different options done two or three years ago. Next will be the track side departure boards.