Tell Us: Finding A Seat on The LIRR

Alright LIRR commuters, we want to know: for the pretty penny you pay for a train ticket, do you always get a seat going to and from work? If you do, what’s your strategy for making sure you aren’t stuck standing?

We posted this question on Facebook, and here’s a sampling of responses:

Don McGowan: No. I get the 5:09 am Hempstead train to Penn Station. When I transfer at Jamaica, the train is packed, and I have to stand. Every time, I wonder, “why am I paying so much for this?”

Michelle Smith Kreth: I take the 7:24am from Sayville, which originates in Montauk. The only time i have issues getting a seat is on Monday mornings in the summer. This is when those who think they are entitled lay across the seats after their drunken, party-filled weekends and use other available seats for their multitude of bags. Unfortunately, the conductor doesn’t like confrontation and won’t say anything to these people. I’ve taken it upon myself to make enough noise to wake them up

Paul Yorio: Considering the fact that we are the start of the LB line, 100% of commuters from lb to NYC get a seat. Leaving the city, especially any train from 5:55 or after that is the pits. Always over crowded with obnoxious people

Jackie Millin-Schroeder: What ever the strategy, I hope there are people willing to give up their seat for pregnant women and people who clearly need to sit. I remember standing in a packed train when 8 months pregnant. Not fun.

Amanda Rash: It’s disappointing how rude and disrespectful people are on the LIRR. So many days I have noticed 3 things. 1 is that 90% of the seats are taken by men who will literally shove you out of their way on the platform to get through the door before you to get a seat. 2nd is that people need to use the overhead racks for their bags or hold them on their laps. And god forbid you should say excuse me to take the seat next to them that their briefcase is sitting in you will get a huff a rolling of the eyes and maybe even some curses thrown in your direction.

What’s your experience finding a seat on the LIRR? If you could make a recommendation to the LIRR about getting a seat, what would it be? Add more cars? Run more trains? Tell us in the comments.