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Waiting conditions at the end of the line


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#1 steve4031

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Posted 13 January 2010 - 12:14 AM

I know this has been discussed somewhere, but I don't remember where. Even though the weather is going to be relatively nice, I was wondering what these stations are like. IF there are indoor waiting areas, then I can for go the hat and gloves and the "bundle up" hassle. I know NOT to expect usable public washrooms, and will plan accordingly. :D

#2 KevinKorell

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Posted 13 January 2010 - 01:15 AM

Steve and all:

From what I recall from past conversations and personal experience, I would not expect to be able to get inside the station on a Saturday in Port Jefferson. It's going to be outdoors, and we're subject to the elements unless there is some sort of outdoor shelter that would at least block the wind. The station is about a mile south of the shoreline of Long Island Sound, so take that into consideration when trying to determine whether you'll be catching a sea breeze or not.

At Port Jeff there may be some stores one can duck into for coffee or something, but again I don't know exactly what to expect. The restaurant listing I created for there was done a few years ago and things may have changed. I have never actually ventured south from the station, but there appears to be some sort of strip shopping center along Nesconsett Highway with chain and non-chain food establishments. The places listed that don't have a (JP) or (NH) next to them are closer to the station itself along the main drag that crosses the tracks.

We're also changing trains in both directions at Huntington, so that needs to be considered as well. It's a case of getting off one train, letting it leave, and waiting for a subsequent train on the same platform/track. Not enough time to go find a restroom, but yes the outdoor elements should be considered there too.

Hempstead -- I remember somebody saying that this station may be open on weekends. But if it's not, right across the street is a bus station, a hub for MTA/Long Island Bus. I believe they have "facilities" but I would not expect them to be the greatest.

Now let's look at Sunday. Waterbury itself, I don't think it has a waiting room. But we've got about 40 minutes for lunch and to be back on the train, so a quickie in a place you're getting food is the only restroom I can offer.

Remember too that we are changing trains in Bridgeport in both directions. Bridgeport is a rather large Metro North station, and they definitely do have rest rooms and a nice waiting room that will shelter us from the cold.

Bottom line, the trains have restrooms. Use them! Do it right before we reach our destination or right after you get back on the train to return inbound. There should be no need to water the plants, and anyone who freezes to the ground will be left there until the Spring thaw. :D


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#3 AlanB

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Posted 13 January 2010 - 01:16 AM

Steve, The waiting rooms at Port Jeff and Hempstead are supposed to be open during the times that we are there. But I make no guarantees either. The Hempstead one shouldn't be a problem at all, as that is a busy station with lots of buses too. Port Jeff assuming that no one falls down on the job should be open, but again can't guarantee it with 100% certainty. Waterbury on Sunday has no station building to speak of. I think that there may be a partially enclosed glass type bus shelter to wait in, but that's it.
Alan,

Take care and take trains!

#4 steve4031

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Posted 13 January 2010 - 05:13 AM

Thanks guys. I should bring the hat and gloves just in case. Then the weather will be nice.

#5 jis

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Posted 13 January 2010 - 08:41 AM

As Alan said, the station building should be open at Port Jeff. It is closed from 10:15 to 10:45, but we get there after 10:45. If push comes to shove there is always the coffee shop across Main Street to cool er warm ourselves in. :)




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