I have taken a lot of train rides in the last week. Eight train trips, to be exact. So, in reality, I think I have spent more time on the train in the past seven days than doing just about anything else! My trips were mainly on NJ Transit, from Hamilton, NJ, to New York Penn Station, but I also got to venture on the Metro North train system, from New York City to Connecticut. The trips began last Friday, with a leg from New Jersey to New York. The new NJ Transit double-decker trains are really nice, with bucket seats and a lot of available seating. They are clean and comfortable, and it is really an enjoyable experience. The older trains have the typical bench seating, and while not horrible, don’t even compare to the newer trains. I usually find myself on the newer trains to New York and on the older ones coming back to NJ. The second leg of my train travel on Friday took me from New York Grand Central to New Haven, CT. Man, that is a long train ride — even the express train is close to two hours! One of my best friends from college did that commute twice a day, every day for over a year. Honestly, I don’t know how she did it! The trains on Metro North are similar to the older NJ Transit trains. On Saturday, I again took the train from New Haven to New York, this time to Yankee Stadium. Along with the new stadium, the city has begun a brand-new train service directly to the stadium. As it was the first day of the service, there were a few kinks, but I am sure many Yankees fans will be pleased with the service as it gets into the swing of things. Saturday night I headed back to NJ. I was in New York City for work both Wednesday and Thursday of this week. That was four more trips on NJ Transit. As long as I can catch an express train, the trip is quick and really quite enjoyable. I was able to stretch out yesterday and get some work done on both trips. Many people from Bucks County commute into NYC every day via NJ Transit. GT‘ers Fran Gallagher and Dick Evans commuted every day for many years. You can definitely pick out the daily commuters. They have a routine and they are on the move. I am sure it can be exhausting; but it is a pretty easy trip and the ride is a great chance to catch up on some work; read a book, newspaper or magazine; or even catch up on some lost zzz’s. And it is perfect for us here at Global Traveler, as we can all quickly be in New York City if need be. It is a great way for Alex Young and Courtney Centeno to head down for a visit to our main office as well. In addition, Amtrak service from the Trenton station is another great way to get to a variety of destinations. As a college student, I did two summer internships in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. I was a daily train commuter that summer, taking SEPTA train service out of Doylestown four days a week. I rode to either Suburban Station or 30th Street, depending on which internship I was working at that day. In that short time, I developed my own routine. I knew, down to the minute, the latest I could leave my house and still reach the station in time. I had my quarters constantly at the ready for parking. I knew the best spot to stash my monthly pass for easy access and viewing. I had my walks to and from the office from the train station timed. I knew where to stop for my morning iced coffee. It can certainly make the day longer, but I found it preferable to driving. I usually enjoyed the time to myself to read or relax and unwind before and after the long day. –Kimberly Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive